Search

Dry skin can often cause psychological discomfort. Moisturizer is a preparation that is used to improve dry skin. Kapok plant (Ceiba pentandra L. Gaertn) can be used as an active ingredient of moisturizer and can be used as a treatment, where the chemical content in kapok leaves are flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins and terpenoids as antioxidants. This study aims to determine the antioxidant activity of kapok leaf extract and moisturizer preparations with DPPH method using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, physical quality of preparations and antioxidant activity of moisturizer preparations using DPPH method. Kapok leaf extract was made in various concentrations, namely 20 ppm, 40 ppm and 60 ppm. The IC50 value of kapok leaf extract is 67.4007 ppm which has strong antioxidant activity. Then variations in the concentration of kapok leaf extract were put into the formulation of moisturizer preparations, the results of moisturizer preparations of kapok leaf extract and vitamin C met the requirements of the physical quality test. The moisturizer preparation was continued and tested for antioxidant activity using the DPPH method with ascorbic acid as a comparison. The results of the IC50 value on the kapuk leaf extract moisturizer preparation are 110.065 ppm which is classified as having moderate antioxidant activity and while the vitamin C moisturizer preparation is 9.8417 ppm which is classified as having very strong antioxidant activity.

Keita Okoshi,1 Shotaro Ito,1 Megumi Matsuoka,1 Yoshinori Kinugasa,1 Eri Shimizu,2 Kosei Tanaka,2 Joji Okada,3 Takahiro Nishizaka,1 Azumi Nagasawa,1 Tsuyoshi Seki,1 Makoto Iijima,1 Masatoshi Abe,4 Osamu Nemoto4 1Human Health Care Products Research, Kao Corporation, Tokyo, Japan; 2Analytical Science Research, Kao Corporation, Tochigi, Japan; 3Skin Care Products Research, Kao Corporation, Tokyo, Japan; 4Sapporo Skin Clinic, Sapporo, JapanCorrespondence: Azumi Nagasawa, Human Health Care Products Research, Kao Corporation, 2-1-3, Bunka, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, 131-8501, Japan, Tel +81-3-5630-7690, Fax +81-3-5630-9342, Email nagasawa.azumi@kao.comPurpose: Atopic dermatitis is characterized by chronic inflammation and dryness accompanied by severe itching. The combined use of moisturizers and topical anti-inflammatory drugs is essential for alleviating atopic dermatitis. We have developed a topical anti-inflammatory drug with a steroid and a moisturizer with heparinoid, both in lamellar structure-based formulations containing synthetic pseudo-ceramides. Here, assessed the efficacy of this combination in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.Methods: We included 22 patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis and subjected them to a seven-week treatment with the test formulations, followed by a four-week post-treatment period.Results: Clinical findings and the quality of life of participants remarkably improved after one week of treatment. Furthermore, skin hydration and transepidermal water loss considerably improved at weeks one and three, respectively. The Cer [NP]/[NS] ratio, an indicator of epidermal turnover, substantially increased during the treatment period and remained elevated even thereafter. The improvement in stratum corneum function was distinctive in participants with lower barrier function.Conclusion: These findings indicated that the combined use of the anti-inflammatory drug and moisturizer, both in lamellar structure-based formulations, is effective in treating atopic dermatitis in patients with fragile barrier function.Keywords: base formulations, lamellar structure, steroid, heparinoid, barrier function, TEWL

Gaya hidup halal menjadi tren global, termasuk di Indonesia. Sebagai budaya populer, nilai-nilai gaya hidup halal banyak diambil oleh para pebisnis syariah untuk kemudian dikonstruksi kembali sesuai dengan tujuannya. Produk Perfect Bright Moisturizer dari Wardah adalah salah satunya. Menjadi pionir produk kecantikan dan kosmetik halal di Indonesia, Wardah berhasil menarik masyarakat dengan menghadirkan gaya hidup halal dan cantik ala Korea dalam satu produk. Menariknya, model iklan ini adalah Ayana Jihye Moon, mualaf asal Korea Selatan. Penelitian ini hadir guna mengeksplor tanda gaya hidup halal yang diperlihatkan oleh Wardah dalam iklan Perfect Bright Moisturizer dan bagaimana tanda tersebut direpresentasikan sebagai gaya hidup halal yang berkorelasi dengan produk Wardah. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah semiotika dari Roland Barthes yang melihat makna denotatif, konotatif, dan mitos dalam sebuah iklan. Hasilnya, representasi gaya hidup halal dalam iklan terlihat melalui busana, produk, dan proses interaksi.

Introduction: It is an international standard to recommend patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) to use moisturizers; however, little is known about their effect on lipids in the stratum corneum (SC). Methods: In this randomized clinical experiment of 30 Caucasian participants (15 with AD and 15 healthy controls), the superficial SC lipid profile was assessed through tape stripping non-lesional skin following treatment thrice daily for seven days with a moisturizer, and subsequently compared with untreated skin. Results: No discernible disparity in superficial SC lipid quantity was evident between the AD group and the control group. However, the SC lipid composition diverged significantly, with the AD group exhibiting diminished levels of long-chain EO CERs (p = 0.024) and elevated levels of short-chain C34 CERs (p = 0.025) compared to healthy skin. Moisturizer application significantly reduced the total SC lipids and all lipid subgroups in both groups. Within the AD group, a non-significant inclination towards an augmentation in EO CERs (p = 0.053) and reduction in C34 CERs (p = 0.073) was observed. Conclusion: The recent identification of distinctions in SC lipid composition between AD and healthy skin was substantiated by our findings. Topical moisturizer application, despite reducing overall total lipids, indicated a potential tendency towards a healthier lipid constitution in AD skin.

Introduction: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) poses significant treatment challenges due to its chronic nature and the side effects associated with long‐term use of conventional therapies like topical corticosteroids. In the search for alternative treatments, exosomes, particularly those derived from rose stem cells (RSCEs), offer a promising avenue due to their potential in managing chronic skin conditions. Objective: This case report examines the efficacy of a topical moisturizer containing RSCEs in treating a patient with refractory SD, aiming to provide an alternative treatment pathway. Materials and Methods: A 40‐year‐old male with a long‐standing history of SD, unresponsive to traditional treatments, underwent a novel treatment regimen. This regimen included an initial topical application of 2.5 mL of RSCEs followed by a maintenance phase involving the application of a RSCE‐containing moisturizer. Clinical outcomes were assessed through the Patient's Global Assessment (PGA) and Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scores, along with evaluations of scaling and erythema. Results: Remarkable clinical improvement was noted as early as 1‐day post‐treatment, with significant reductions in redness, scaling, and itching. The patient experienced sustained relief throughout the 6‐month follow‐up, with a recurrence in the sixth month that was less severe than previous flare‐ups. This demonstrated not only the efficacy of RSCEs in symptom management but also their potential in extending remission periods. Conclusion: The chronic management of SD can benefit from innovative treatments like the RSCE‐containing moisturizer, as shown in this case report. While the observed outcomes are promising, indicating substantial improvements in skin condition and symptom management, larger controlled studies are necessary to validate the therapeutic potential of exosome‐containing moisturizers fully. This case underscores the need for alternative therapies in SD treatment, highlighting the role of exosomes as a viable option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miki Iwai,1 Koichi Nakaoji,1 Kazuhiko Hamada,1 Yutaka Inaba,2 Kyoko Muraoka,2 Emi Tohsuji,2 Masatoshi Jinnin2 1Central R&D Laboratory, Pias Corporation, Kobe, Japan; 2Department of Dermatology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, JapanCorrespondence: Miki Iwai, Central R&D Laboratory, Pias Corporation, 1-3-1, Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe, 651-2241, Japan, Tel +81-78-992-6591, Fax +81-78-992-6556, Email miwai@pias.co.jpPurpose: In the skin of elderly people with dryness, the production of inflammatory cytokines tends to be induced under the influence of external stimuli. Therefore, there has been a hypothesis that the deterioration of skin conditions due to aging is linked to systemic inflammation. This study aimed to verify the possibility that the use of moisturizer improves skin condition and suppresses systemic inflammation.Methods: As an open study, the participants (n=75) were randomly assigned to either control group or moisturizer group. Participants in the moisturizer group used a moisturizer called Grafa Moisture Keep Milk MC at least twice a day for four weeks on the entire body below the neck. Objective skin conditions (overall dry skin score, water content of the stratum corneum, and transepidermal water loss) and serum cytokine levels (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were evaluated before and after the study in both groups. Subjective skin condition (questionnaire evaluation) was also assessed in the moisturizer group after the study.Results: Serum IL-6 level was significantly reduced in the moisturizer group (n=16) compared with the control group (n=36). In addition, there was an inverse correlation between serum IL-5 and the subjective moisturizing effect in the questionnaire evaluation, suggesting that the moisturizer improved subjective symptoms of dryness by reducing IL-5 levels. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between IL-5 and IL-6, indicating that they are regulated by common upstream factors. A significant positive correlation of transepidermal water loss with serum IL-4 levels was also detected.Conclusion: The application of the moisturizer to the entire body not only improved subjective and objective skin condition, it may also reduce the levels of circulating inflammatory cytokines.Umin Clinical Trials Registry: Registration number: UMIN 000052024.Keywords: aging, cytokine, dryness, inflammation, skin care

ABSTRACT Background Objective Methods Results Conclusion Moisturizers are a crucial baseline therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD).To evaluate the real‐life experience of using moisturizers in AD patients and to assess parents' opinions and challenges regarding moisturizer use.This cross‐sectional study used a questionnaire completed by the parents of pediatric AD patients. The assessment questionnaire evaluated demographic factors as well as practices, opinions, and challenges regarding the use of moisturizers in AD treatment. Applying moisturizers twice daily, considered sufficient use, was evaluated across demographic levels using bivariate analysis.A total of 425 patients with AD participated in the study. The median age was 4 years, 51% of patients were female, 61% had moderate to severe AD, 34% had a family history of AD, and 41% of cases reported sufficient moisturizer use. Factors associated with increased frequency of application of moisturizers included younger age at diagnosis, higher parents' educational level, and increased family income. The twice‐daily application versus less frequent application was associated with fewer monthly flare‐ups (33% vs. 17%, p < 0.001). Overall, 54% of patient guardians believed that moisturizers were necessary for treating AD, 69% considered fragrance‐free formulas to be better, and 86% thought there to be a need for counseling from their physician on using moisturizers in AD treatment. Factors undermining the application of moisturizers included the time needed for application, cost, and lack of patient cooperation.In real‐world practice, parents tend to underutilize moisturizers. To address this issue, treating physicians must provide additional education, and health insurance companies should consider covering moisturizers to ensure their accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The skin microbiota maintains a physical and immunological barrier to the environment. Little is known about how the microbiome changes over time or the effect of hand hygiene practices and moisturizer use. Objectives: To assess sex‐specific changes in skin bacteria over time, and how the microbiome is related to self‐reported hand eczema, hand hygiene practices and use of moisturizers. Methods: Swab samples from the dorsal hand were collected at baseline and 6.5 years later during the COVID‐19 pandemic, in 168 participants from the RHINESSA study in Bergen, Norway. The skin samples were analysed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results: The alpha diversity of the hand microbiome increased from baseline to follow‐up, and beta diversity differed by sex at both time points. The relative abundance increased for several bacteria from baseline to follow‐up, with sex‐specific differences. Current hand eczema and aggravating hand eczema during the COVID‐19 pandemic were associated with an increase in Staphylococcus. High hand washing frequency at home was associated with lower alpha diversity and with higher abundance of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Finegoldia, and Pseudomonas and lower abundance of Propionibacterium and Pelomonas. The alpha diversity increased with increasing time passing between hand washing and sampling, whereas more frequent moisturizer use was associated with significantly lower alpha diversity, and a change in abundance for some bacteria, such as more Pseudomonas. Conclusions: This longitudinal study revealed an overall increase in skin microbial diversity over a 6‐year period, which was unexpected since follow‐up was performed during the COVID‐19 pandemic when vigorous hand hygienic practices were introduced. Sex‐specific differences were identified at both time points. Individuals with hand eczema seem to develop a more dysbiotic skin bacterial community over time. Hand washing and use of moisturizers, with typically gender‐specific habitual patterns, may lead to change in bacterial composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for sustainable cosmetics leads to the search for natural and biotechnological ingredients. The present study reports the development of a multifunctional lip moisturizer containing levan (LEV) from Bacillus subtilis natto, sophorolipids (SOPs) from Starmerella bombicola and Citrus paradisi (OCP) essential oil, using a simplex-centroid experimental design. The formulations were evaluated physicochemically, pharmacotechnically and by DPPH assay. The optimized formulation was selected through the Response Surface Method, and the evaluation of its efficiency in lip hydration was carried out using the bioimpedance method and sensory analysis. The formulations showed pH compatibility with lips and remained stable after a centrifuge test and thermal stress. Spreadability varied between 415.3 and 1217.1 mm2, moisture retention was above 95% and antioxidant capacity was around 50% for all formulations. The optimized formulation, containing 0.4% LEV and 0.8% SOF, maintained the lip hydration already shown by the participants; 85% of them reported improvement in this aspect. For the first time, LEV and SOP were incorporated in lip moisturizers, which is an environmentally friendly product with marketing potential. Furthermore, the use of the Skin Analyzer Digital equipment, a low-cost and non-invasive technique, to evaluate the effectiveness of lip products is innovative; this methodology may help in the development of future cosmetology studies.

Potatoes are one of the food crops that most widely consumed as a source of energy. Processed potato foods vary greatly, one of which is fried potato sambal. The aim of this Community Service (PkM) is to provide product innovation to business owners so that they can increase the income of the owner of the fried potato sambal business. The place where this community service is carried out is at the Fried Potato Sambal Production House in Geuceu Menara Village, Jaya Baru Subdistrict, Banda Aceh. This production house usually uses red potatoes as the main raw material. In this PkM activities, potato skins, which are usually waste, will be innovated into moisturizing products for the skin. There are two types of potatoes used in this PkM activities, namely yellow potatoes and red potatoes. Both of the potatoes were peeled, those peel were extracted and then these two extracts will be used as the main ingredients in making moisturizer products. Antioxidant activity was also determined using the DPPH method. The results obtained were that the extracts of both types of potato skin had antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 5.10 (yellow potato skin) and 11.32 (red potato skin). In conclusion, yellow potato skin extract and red potato skin extract have strong antioxidant activity so that they can be used as a good moisturizer product.

IMPORTANCE:Nearly half of postmenopausal women report bothersome vulvovaginal symptoms, but few data support the efficacy of 2 commonly recommended treatments.OBJECTIVE:To compare the efficacy of a low-dose vaginal estradiol tablet and a vaginal moisturizer, each vs placebo, for treatment of moderate-to-severe postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:This 12-week multicenter randomized clinical trial enrolled postmenopausal women with moderate to severe symptoms of vulvovaginal itching, pain, dryness, irritation, or pain with penetration.INTERVENTIONS:Vaginal 10-μg estradiol tablet (daily for 2 weeks, then twice weekly) plus placebo gel (3 times a week) (n = 102) vs placebo tablet plus vaginal moisturizer (n = 100) vs dual placebo (n = 100).MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:The main outcome was decrease in severity (0-3) of most bothersome symptom (MBS) between enrollment and 12 weeks. Additional measures included a composite vaginal symptom score, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score (2-36), modified Female Sexual Distress Score-Revised item 1, treatment satisfaction and meaningful benefit, Vaginal Maturation Index, and vaginal pH.RESULTS:The 302 women had a mean (SD) age of 61 (4) years and were primarily white (267 [88%]), college educated (200 [66%]), and sexually active (245 [81%]). Most women (294 [97%]) provided data for the primary analysis. The most commonly reported MBS was pain with vaginal penetration (182 [60%]), followed by vulvovaginal dryness (63 [21%]). Mean baseline MBS severity was similar between treatment groups: estradiol, 2.4 (95% CI, 2.3 to 2.6); moisturizer, 2.5 (95% CI, 2.3 to 2.6); placebo, 2.5 (95% CI, 2.4 to 2.6). All treatment groups had similar mean reductions in MBS severity over 12 weeks: estradiol, -1.4 (95% CI, -1.6 to -1.2); moisturizer, -1.2 (95% CI, -1.4 to -1.0); and placebo, -1.3 (95% CI, -1.5 to -1.1). No significant differences were seen between estradiol (P = .25) or moisturizer (P = .31) compared with placebo. Mean total FSFI improvement was similar between estradiol (5.4; 95% CI, 4.0 to 6.9) and placebo (4.5; 95% CI, 2.8 to 6.1) (P = .64), and between moisturizer (3.1; 95% CI, 1.7 to 4.5) and placebo (P = .17).CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:Our results suggest that neither prescribed vaginal estradiol tablet nor over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer provides additional benefit over placebo vaginal tablet and gel in reducing postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms.

Jiro Kawamori,1 Tomoko Itazawa,1 Shoko Fukushima,2 Ryoko Ito,1 Hideko Yamauchi,3 Kenji Sekiguchi4 1Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; 2Kumagai Clinic, Tokyo, Japan; 3Department of Breast Surgery, St Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; 4Sonoda-kai Radiation Oncology Clinic, Tokyo, JapanCorrespondence: Jiro KawamoriDepartment of Radiation Oncology, St. Luke’s International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, JapanTel +81 3 5550 7006Fax +81 3 3544 0649Email jirokawa@luke.ac.jpBackground: With few research reports on the effects of moisturizer use for dry skin associated with radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery on patient quality of life (QOL), we conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate this effect.Methods: Patients with breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive either heparinoid moisturizer (Group M) or no treatment (Group C). Group M was instructed to apply heparinoid moisturizer during 3 weeks of hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation with or without boost until 4 weeks after completion of irradiation. Skin-related QOL was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) for 7 weeks. The primary endpoint was total DLQI score at 4 weeks after the start date.Results: In total, 35 patients in Group M and 37 patients in Group C were analyzed. The DLQI total score (2.06 ± 2.17: mean ± SD) at 4 weeks in Group M was slightly lower than in Group C (2.16 ± 2.13) but with no significant difference (p = 0.894). The “Symptoms and feelings” subscore indicated significant worsening at 3 weeks and maintained until 7 weeks in Group C. There was no significant change for this subscore during radiotherapy in Group M, and it significantly increased after radiotherapy (4– 5 weeks) and returned to baseline in 7 weeks. The period of subscore worsening was shorter in Group M than in Group C.Conclusion: Concomitant and extended use of heparinoid moisturizer with radiation therapy may improve the QOL of breast cancer patients impaired by dry skin for patients with breast cancer.Keywords: breast cancer, radiation dermatitis, asteatosis, heparinoid moisturizer, skin-related quality of life

BackgroundOver time human skin thins and loses elasticity; topical treatments attempt to reverse this process.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of TransFORM Body Treatment (TFB) in skin rejuvenation compared to a bland moisturizer on the extensor and volar forearms.MethodsBlinded participants were given 2 products to apply on the designated forearms with follow-up at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Measurements included skin thickness, photography, dermatopathology, cutaneous elasticity determined by 2 different methods, and patient-reported outcomes. All were compared to baseline.ResultsChanges between bland moisturizer and TFB were recorded for the following parameters. (1) Roughness: extensor -0.09 mm for bland moisturizer and -0.26 mm for TFB (P = 0.174); volar 0.01 mm for bland moisturizer and -0.23 mm for TFB (P = 0.004). (2) Recoil velocity: volar -56°/sec for bland moisturizer and -24°/sec for TFB (P = 0.61); extensor -95°/sec for bland moisturizer and -63°/sec for TFB (P = 0.57). Retraction speed: volar -3.25 ms for bland moisturizer and -20.08 ms for TFB (P = 0.33); extensor -2.17 ms for bland moisturizer and -10.83 ms for TFB (P = 0.66). Histologically, TFB resulted in an increase in mucopolysaccharide content, new collagen, and number of elastin fibers in the papillary dermis. Changes in the Rao-Goldman score were also observed: volar -0.17 for bland moisturizer and -0.33 for TFB (P = 0.25); extensor -0.08 for bland moisturizer and -0.17 for TFB (P = 0.36).ConclusionsHistology showed production of new collagen and elastin. Quantification of changes in skin thickness, skin retraction speed, and skin recoil velocity showed trends that agree with the visual data.Level of evidence: 4