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Background: Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic and recurring skin disorder with clinical manifestations as erythematous macules or plaques with a scale associated with pruritus. The most common predilection is the face area. Treatments for seborrheic dermatitis should address the normalization process of skin function and structure, not only relieving the symptoms and clinical symptoms of the disease. Thus, leading to long-term remission. Objective: The narrative review was conducted by reviewing the articles that discussed about the treatment effectiveness on facial seborrheic dermatitis. Methods: Articles search was carried out through databases such as Pubmed and Google Scholar with determined keywords and selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: In total, six articles were reviewed with 184 cases of facial dermatitis seborrheic. All studies showed significant improvement. This review included additional literatures to support the results of the main literatures. Conclusion: The treatments commonly used for seborrheic dermatitis these days are pharmacological treatments in the form of topical and systemic drugs as well as non-pharmacological treatments. Topical drugs were able to repair the clinical manifestation on mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis whereas systemic drugs were indicated for cases with wide lesions and more severe condition. Non-pharmacological treatment can be used as an adjuvant to accelerate the clinical condition. more...

United States will soon be a nation of color; however, much of our knowledge of normal skin disease, and treatment thereof is based on white skin. We and others have attempted to elucidate any potential differences and advantages/disadvantages in skin function that have emerged during homo sapiens evolution post major migration from Eastern Africa. We investigated differences in one stratum corneum function by examining transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements in skin of color compared to Caucasian skin. TEWL, a measure of insensible water loss through stratum corneum, plays a major role in human survival. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to procure relevant papers that measured baseline TEWL in skin of color and Caucasian skin. The data show wide contradiction in results for all skin of color groups and white skin and, therefore, no conclusion can be made based on this question. We suggest this variation may be due to experimental confounding variables that impact TEWL quantification, such as anatomic site and sample size subject to further analysis and focus. more...

Coronavirus is a disease that affects mainly the upper respiratory tract, but in somecases, it can also affect the skin. This study aims to describe the effect of coronavirus on the skin function. Skin gets affected easily because coronavirus first comes into contact with the skin and mucous membrane. Numerous studies are investigating the symptoms of coronavirus appearing on the skin in different forms like rashes, blisters, irritation, dermatitis, etc. The excessive use of sanitizers and soaps can also cause skin problems. Personal protective equipment can also cause irritation to the skin and mucous membrane. It is concluded from the study that skin must be protected from the exposure of the external environment where the virus may be present. Moreover, sanitizers and soaps must be used in a limited quantity and proper medication should be taken by the patients having a skin disease because they may get affected with the coronavirus. more...

Neonatal skin acclimates rapidly to dry, aerobic conditions at birth and skin function gradually matures throughout infancy. Gentle skin care practices support the ongoing development and function of newborn skin. This article reviews research updates and current skin care recommendations for full-term infants, premature infants, and infants born with severe cutaneous manifestations of genetic skin disorders.Although safe early bathing of full-term infants with environmental controls is possible, delaying the first newborn bath for 12-24 h of life offers benefits of increased parental bonding and breastfeeding success. Swaddled bathing every 4 days is an effective bathing strategy for premature neonates. Among infants with a family history of atopic dermatitis, regular application of bland skin moisturizers reduces their risk of developing the disease. For newborns with erosive or blistering genetic skin conditions, use of specialized wound dressings and emollients promotes wound healing and helps limit skin damage. Environmental control with humidified incubators helps prevent life-threatening hypernatremic dehydration among babies born with collodion membranes; however, affected infants can tolerate breaks outside of the humidifier to promote parent-infant bonding.This article reviews infant skin care recommendations relevant to pediatric practice. Research to further optimize newborn skin care is ongoing, particularly, for the special populations of premature neonates and infants born with severe skin disease. more...

Для поддержания функций кожи при старении применяют короткие пептиды, которые могут проникать через интактный роговой слой эпидермиса и оказывать влияние на клетки дермы. Короткие пептиды являются веществами, участвующими в естественных метаболических реакциях клеток, многие из них обладают геропротекторными свойствами. В обзоре рассмотрены основные группы пептидов-регуляторов функций фибробластов кожи: матрикины, карнозин, коллагеновые пептиды, аналоги факторов роста и цитокинов, дефенсины, иммунопротекторные пептиды и полифункциональные пептиды. Полифункциональные пептиды ( AcSDKP, KED, AEDG, AED ) обладают геропротекторными свойствами, замедляют апоптоз и стимулируют пролиферацию клеток кожи, повышают функциональную активность фибробластов кожи, нормализуют гомеостаз внеклеточного матрикса, являются антиоксидантами, иммунопротекторами, могут активировать микроциркуляцию в дерме. Пептидная регуляция функций кожи при старении является быстро развивающейся областью молекулярной геронтологии., Short peptides are applied for supporting skin function during ageing, because they can permeate the intact stratum corneum of the epidermis and affect the cells of the dermis. Short peptides are part of natural metabolism of cells and many of them have geroprotective properties. In the review we are considering the base sorts of peptides that are used for normalized skin broblasts function: matrikines, carnosine, collagen peptides, cytokine and growth factor analogs, defensins, immunoprotective peptides and polyfunctional peptides. Polyfunctional peptides ( AcSDKP, KED, AEDG, AED ) have geroprotective properties, slow apoptosis and stimulate skin cell proliferation, also increase functional activity of skin broblasts, normalize intracellular matrix hemostasis. Polyfunctional peptides are the antioxidants and immunoprotectors and can activate microcirculation in dermis. Peptide regulation of skin function during ageing are the fast-developing and prospective area in molecular gerontology., №1 (2020) more...

Michael Paul Wakeman Department of Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham,UK Background: This study examines the efficacy of a new plant-based emollient and assesses product acceptability.Methods: Primary efficacy endpoints were improvement in transepidermal water loss, hydration, skin elasticity and firmness, erythema, and skin roughness and smoothness as measured using the versions of Tewameter, Corneometer, Cutometer, Mexameter, and Visioscan VC98, respectively. The cream was applied twice daily by 32 participants to an area of one forearm unaffected by eczema, while the same area of the other forearm was used as a control. Measurements were taken at day 0 and day 14. Secondary endpoints assessed the acceptability of the product.Results: At the end of 2 weeks, transepidermal water loss, hydration, skin elasticity and firmness, erythema, and skin roughness and smoothness improved. All changes were statistically significant (p more...

Traditionally, skin rejuvenation was perceived as something that could be achieved by topical product application and treatments targeting the skin's surface. Recently, however, there has been increasing interest in supporting skin function from within through the use of nutraceuticals. This paper looks at the evidence available surrounding the effectiveness of nutraceuticals for aesthetic applications. In particular, the author discusses clinical studies relating to a collagen-based nutraceutical drink, Skinade (Bottled Science). Skinade targets the skin as a whole organ by addressing overall skin health through its formulation and mechanism of action. The author is an aesthetic nurse who uses Skinade in her practice alongside aesthetic treatment modalities and topical skincare. In this product review, she explores the patient journey and highlights the importance of maximising skin health before, during and after interventions. more...

Background: Plant-derived ceramides are functional natural products with vari-ous physiological effects that improve water retention and skin permeability functions. Objective: Herein, we isolated peach (Prunus persica)-derived glucosylceramide with high purity and evaluated its effects on moisture and permeability of skin. Methods: Three separate experiments were performed: evaluations of the effect of peach-derived glucosylceramide application on the ceramide content in a three-dimensional hu-man cultured skin model, water retention effect of the oral administration of the peach-derived glucosylceramide on human skin functionality, and safety of the long-term admin-istration of the peach-derived glucosylceramide in human subjects. Results: Treatments of three-dimensional cultures of human skin with peach-derived gluco-sylceramide led to dose-dependent increases in human ceramide contents. Additionally, af-ter oral administration of ceramide to humans, dose-dependent improvements in water re-tention functions of skin, suppression of trans-epidermal water loss and improvements in skin texture were observed. Furthermore, no significant changes in subjective/objective symptoms, physical characteristics, or laboratory test values were observed in human sub-jects following long term oral administration of ceramide at doses that were 4.5-9-times greater than recommended. Taken together, the present data indicate the positive effects of peach ceramide on skin function and no adverse effects. more...

Urea is an emollient widely used in clinical dermatology to moisturise and protect the skin. Non-invasive techniques can be useful in evaluating and quantifying the moisturising and hydrating properties of topically applied urea. Amongst these, transepidermal water loss, skin conductance and capacitance are the most widely used. Dynamic tests and mapping of skin moisturisation are additional features that can be used to evaluate the dynamics of water into the stratum corneum. Ultrasound and mechanical properties can be used to investigate the effects on skin smoothness and tone. In conclusion, urea is a fundamental ingredient of cosmetic and dermatological formulations and can have several positive effects on skin function. These can be easily investigated and monitored using non-invasive techniques measuring the stratum corneum function. more...

The skin is the largest organ in mammals and serves as a protective barrier at the interface between the human body and the surrounding environment. It guards the underlying organs and protects the body against pathogens and microorganisms. Accordingly, it is directly exposed to potentially harmful microbial, thermal, mechanical and chemical influences. Simulating skin function aims for different biomaterials evaluation and for explorations of fundamental biological processes. In this mini review, we summarize in vitro methods that simulate skin hydration, aging and photoaging process, wound healing and menopause, high lightening novel efforts in the design of in vitro studies for the development of skin care products. more...

Chytridiomycosis, a lethal skin disease caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd), disrupts skin function of amphibians, interfering with ionic and osmotic regulation. To regulate fungal loads, amphibians increase their rate of skin sloughing. However, sloughing also causes a temporary loss of ionic and osmotic homeostasis due to disruption of the skin, a key osmoregulatory organ. The combined effects of increased sloughing frequency and chytridiomycosis contribute to the high rates of mortality from Bd infections. However, the mechanisms responsible for the loss of cutaneous osmotic regulation remain unknown. We measured the changes in whole animal water uptake rates, in vitro transcutaneous water fluxes across the ventral skin, and the mRNA expression of epithelial water transport proteins (aquaporins, AQPs) and junctional proteins in Bd-infected and uninfected Litoria caerulea skin. We hypothesize that infected frogs would show reduction/inhibition in cutaneous water transporters responsible for regulating water balance, and sloughing would exacerbate cutaneous water fluxes. We found that infected, nonsloughing frogs had an impaired rate of water uptake and showed increased rates of in vitro water efflux across the ventral skin. In uninfected frogs, the expression of AQPs and junction genes increased significantly with sloughing, which may assist in regulating cutaneous water movements and barrier function in the newly exposed skin. In contrast, infected frogs did not show this postsloughing increase in AQP gene expression. The combination of increased sloughing frequency, impaired water uptake rates, and increased rates of water loss likely contributes to the loss of osmotic homeostasis in frogs infected with Bd. more...

Dermatology is traditionally considered to be an outpatient-centeredspecialty, with minimal emergencies and mortality. However, recently, several dermatological conditions have been described that may present as emergencies, subsequently resulting in mortality if left untreated. These disorders range from inflammatory conditions to infective conditions and some dermatosurgical situations, which may result in complete breakdown of skin function, called acute skin failure. These dermatological emergencies need to be diagnosed at the earliest stage, as prompt administration of adequate treatment may be life saving. more...

The skin is considered the mirror of the soul and is affected by neurohormonal triggers, especially stress. Hair follicles, keratinocytes, mast cells, melanocytes, and sebocytes all express sex and stress hormones implicating them in a local "hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis." In particular, the peptides corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and neurotensin (NT) have synergistic action stimulating mast cells and are uniquely elevated in the serum of patients with skin diseases exacerbated by stress. Addressing the neurohormonal regulation of skin function could lead to new targets for effective treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. more...

Introduction : Complications of diabetes can damage internal organs and the skin. Diabetic skin, irritated and dry, is susceptible to skin infections. However little is known about influence of emollients on biophysical changes in skin during diabetes. Aim : To evaluate clinical skin changes after application of emollients with benfothiamine and Biolin prebiotic and to assess changes in biophysical parameters of the skin before and 4 weeks after daily application of an emollient. Material and methods : We recruited 50 patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) or type 2 (DM2). All participants applied emollients on their left forearms and left shins for 4 weeks. The biophysical properties: pH, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration of the stratum corneum and sebum content were measured and compared to those before enrollment to the study, after 1 h, 1 week and 4 weeks after application of an emollient. Results : After 4 weeks of treatment, there was an increase in skin hydration (40.61 ±19.03 vs. 48.83 ±15.51), pH (5.11 ±0.56 to 5.27 ±0.48) and sebum content (22.16 ±8.67 to 63.99 ±25.41) and a decrease in TEWL (12.54 ±5.6 vs. 9.85 ±5.69 g/m2/h) on forearms (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). On lower legs, significant changes in skin hydration (37.21 ±14.01 vs. 43.95 ±12.67), pH (5.04 ±0.57 to 5.31 ±0.49), sebum content (25.82 ±10.46 to 72.63 ±31.23) and TEWL (8.87 ±4.05 vs. 7.39 ±3.22 g/m2/h) were observed (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusions : Our study provides an insight into changes in diabetic skin after application of an emollient. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the emollient containing benfothiamine and Biolin prebiotic and its influence on biophysical parameters of epidermis. more...

The epidermis at the forefront of the skin, wraps around the entire body and acts as a barrier to prevent the loss of internal moisture and the invasion of foreign substance. Its involvement in the transduction of external stimuli has been reported, and there has been growing interest in its intelligent aspects in recent years. A potential difference, called the transepidermal potential (TEP), is generated across the epidermis, and its magnitude is about tens of mVs where its surface is negative [1]. Active ion transportation by the epidermal keratinocytes is seemed to generate TEP, and its value changes according to the state of epidermal wounds and barrier. Unfortunately, the lack of an appropriate method for TEP measurement has hindered the progress of the research for decades. As TEP is generated across the epidermis, measuring electrodes have to be connected to the outside of the epidermis (surface of the skin) and the inside of the epidermis (tissue under the epidermis). Typically, a wound is created as an electrical path to the subepidermal tissue, despite its invasiveness. As an alternative, sublingual mucosa was utilized as a potential reference, suffering from the interference of other tissues. In this study, we developed a minimally invasive measurement method and applied it to the evaluation and control of skin function. To measure relatively small resting potential, a pair of reversible Ag/AgCl electrodes were connected to the inside and outside of the epidermis via a salt bridge. A commercially available painless medical micro-needle (Nanopass 34G, Terumo) was employed to support the salt bridge for subepidermal connection. The external diameter of the needle was 0.18 mm (34 G), which minimized the damage accompanied by the insertion. The salt bridge was made biocompatible from Ringer's solution and agarose, and held in the hydrophilized needle, which could quickly soak up tissue fluid and stabilize the ionic conduction. Then the needle salt bridge for subepidermal tissue and a tubular salt bridge for the surface of the epidermis were bundled into a measuring probe (Figure 1A) [2]. For ex vivo measurement, porcine skin samples were used to observe the disruption and recovery of epidermal barrier induced by visible light stimulation. In vivo measurements were performed on human participants. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the standards of the Ethics Committee of Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University (16A-5) and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments. In vivo measurements in human participants successfully observed a decrease in TEP according to the experimental barrier disruption, accompanied by an increase in the amount of water evaporation across the skin (Figure 1B) [3]. The penetration depth of the needle was about 1 mm, allowing access into the epidermis with minimal invasion. Compared to the water evaporation, which requires the controlled atmosphere for measurement, TEP was reflected by the electrical properties of the inside of the epidermis, and expected to be suitable for on-demand measurement. TEP of porcine skin sample also showed decrease along with the barrier disruption, and application of electrical potential that have been reported to therapeutic effect on skin barrier [4] caused greater recovery (Figure 1C). These results indicate that the developed device would be a practical tool for less-invasive TEP potential, and suggest further application of it in the electrical diagnosis and cure. References [1] A. T. Barker, L. F. Jaffe, and J. W. Vanable Jr., “The glabrous epidermis of cavies contains a powerful battery.”, Am. J. Physiol., 242, R358–R366, (1982) [2] Y. Abe et al., “Minimally-invasive transepidermal potentiometry with microneedle salt bridge”, Biomed. Microdevices, 18, 55, (2016) [3] Y. Abe et al., “Red light-promoted skin barrier recovery: Spatiotemporal evaluation by transepidermal potential”, PLoS One, 14, e0219198, (2019) [4] M. Denda, and N. Kumazawa, “Negative electric potential induces alteration of ion gradient and lamellar body secretion in the epidermis, and accelerates skin barrier recovery after barrier disruption”, J. Invest. Dermatol., 118, 65–72, (2002) Figure 1 more...

The forkhead box N1 (Foxn1) transcription factor regulates biological processes of the thymus and skin. Loss-of-function mutations in Foxn1 cause the nude phenotype in humans, mice, and rats, which is characterized by hairless skin and a lack of thymus. This review focuses on the role of Foxn1 in skin biology, including epidermal, dermal, and dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) skin components. In particular, the role of Foxn1 in the scar-forming skin wound healing process is discussed, underscoring that Foxn1 inactivity in nude mice is permissive for scar-less cutaneous wound resolution. more...

Ageing of populations has emerged as one of the most pressing societal, economic and healthcare challenges currently facing most nations across the globe. The ageing process itself results in degradation of physiological functions and biophysical properties of organs and tissues, and more particularly those of the skin. Moreover, in both developed and emerging economies, population ageing parallels concerning increases in lifestyle-associated conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity and skin cancers. When considered together, these demographic trends call for even greater urgency to find clinical and engineering solutions for the numerous age-related deficits in skin function.\ud \ud From a tribological perspective, detrimental alterations of skin biophysical properties with age have fundamental consequences on how one interacts with the body's inner and outer environments. This stems from the fact that, besides being the largest organ of the human body, and also nearly covering its entirety, the skin is a multifunctional interface which mediates these interactions.\ud \ud The aim of this paper is to present a focused review to discuss some of the consequences of skin ageing from the viewpoint of biotribology, and their implications on health, well-being and human activities. Current and future research questions/challenges associated with biotribology of the ageing skin are outlined. They provide the background and motivation for identifying future lines of research that could be taken up by the biotribology and biophysics communities. more...

In this chapter we discuss the molecular composition and structure of the epidermis, dermal-epidermal junction, dermis and hypodermis. We highlight the contribution of long-lived dermal collagens, elastic fibres, proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid to skin function and also consider the role of apparently “minor” skin components. In order to characterise both healthy skin, and the progression of disease and ageing, it is necessary to use microscopical approaches but in addition to conventional ex vivo techniques, which image in two dimensions, valuable information can be gained by complimentary non-invasive and 3D imaging technologies. more...

BACKGROUND Fullerene water complex establishes the optimal order and function of biomolecules in natural, biophysical way by transducing the signal through water hydrogen bonds to biomolecules. OBJECTIVES This paper considers the effects of the patented hyper-harmonized-hydroxylated fullerene water complex (3HFWC) on biophysical properties of the skin collagen molecules. METHOD Optomagnetic imaging spectroscopy (OMIS) has been used for the analysis of the biophysical skin properties (diamagnetic/paramagnetic) after applying three groups of different cosmetic products. Tested cosmetic products were prepared by replacing the active ingredients with 3HFWC or with water in four commercial products. The original commercial creams and their vehiculums with water added served as control groups. Data were statistically analyzed using paired t test in R software. RESULTS t Test gave statistically significant results for all of the products with 3HFWC, while within the control group, only body lotion and hand cream did show statistically significant results (P more...

We compare here the principal characteristics of over-the-counter moisturizers with physiologic lipid-based barrier repair therapy. Moisturizers are standard ancillary therapy for anti-inflammatory skin disorders, like atopic dermatitis (AD), and can attenuate the emergence of AD, the initial step in the “atopic march.” But not all moisturizers are beneficial; some can make skin function worse, and can even induce inflammation, possibly accounting for the frequent occurrence of “sensitive skin” in women. In contrast, physiologic lipid-based barrier repair therapy, if comprised of the 3 key stratum corneum lipids, in sufficient quantities and at an appropriate molar ratio, can correct the barrier abnormality and reduce inflammation in AD, and perhaps in other inflammatory dermatoses. more...

Understanding the differential diagnosis between moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) and pressure ulcers (PU) ensures appropriate management and interventions are instigated at the earliest opportunity. Most damage occurring to the buttocks or sacrum is attributed to pressure, shear, excessive moisture or a combination of these factors. MASD caused by excessive moisture to the sacrum/buttock area is recognised as incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD); its occurrence is an identified risk factor in the development of PUs. Treatment for IAD should therefore focus on both IAD management and pressure ulcer prevention. more...

Individual responses of human skin to the environmental stress are determined by differences in the anatomy and physiology that are closely linked to the genetic characteristics such as pigmentation. Ethnic skin phenotypes can be distinguished based on defined genotypic traits, structural organization and compartmentalized sensitivity to distinct extrinsic aging factors. These differences are not only responsible for the variation in skin performance after exposure to damaging conditions, but can also affect the mechanisms of drug absorption, sensitization and other longer term effects. The unique characteristics of the individual skin function and, particularly, of the ethnic skin type are currently considered to shape the future of clinical and pharmacologic interventions as a basis for personalized skincare. Individual approaches to skincare render a novel and actively growing area with a range of biomedical and commercial applications within cosmetics industry. In this review, we summarize the aspects of the molecular and clinical manifestations of the environmental stress on human skin and proposed protective mechanisms that are linked to ethnic differences and pathophysiology of extrinsic skin aging. We subsequently discuss the possible applications and translation of this knowledge into personalized skincare. more...

Skin is the first line of defense for protecting our bodies against external perturbations, including ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, mechanical/chemical stress, and bacterial infection. Nutrition is one of many factors required for the maintenance of overall skin health. An impaired nutritional status alters the structural integrity and biological function of skin, resulting in an abnormal skin barrier. In particular, the importance of micronutrients (such as certain vitamins and minerals) for skin health has been highlighted in cell culture, animal, and clinical studies. These micronutrients are employed not only as active compounds in therapeutic agents for treating certain skin diseases, but also as ingredients in cosmetic products. Here, the author describes the barrier function of the skin and the general nutritional requirements for skin health. The goal of this review is to discuss the potential roles and current knowledge of selected micronutrients in skin health and function. more...

Human skin is the largest organ, representing 15% of body weight and serving as external protective barrier for the entire body. The skin has important physiological functions that are vital for the organism, such as the protective role, the thermoregulatory function, waterproofing, tactile sensation, and the synthesis of vitamin D. On the other hand, the skin can also serve as the site of passage for hazardous substances such as chemicals that threaten human’s health, given that it is exposed to environmental and occupational hazards that may cause injury, skin sensitization, irritation, or systemic disorders. A number of occupations are known to expose workers to skin sensitizers and irritants (medical professionals, dental technicians, construction workers, farmers, florists, hairdressers, estheticians, metal workers, mechanics, machinists, miners, printers, textile workers, etc.), whereas others are subject to contact with skin carcinogens (road construction workers, coal gas manufacturers and handlers, pitch loaders, brick and tile workers, timber proofers, cutting oil and lubricant manufacturers and handlers, aluminum reduction workers, oil refinery workers, insecticide manufacturers and handlers, paraffin wax workers, etc.). To promote occupational safety and health of workers, implementing periodic educational sessions and training to increase awareness on the health risks posed by hazards at workplace and performing biological monitoring in the work environment with sampling workstations and the skin are among the safety measures for hazard assessment and risk control. more...

Evidence suggests a protective role for several nutrients and foods in the maintenance of skin function. Nevertheless, all the requests for authorization to use health claims under Article 13(5) in the framework of maintenance of skin function presented to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have received a negative opinion. Reasons for such failures are mainly due to an insufficient substantiation of the claimed effects, including the choice of inappropriate outcome variables (OVs) and methods of measurement (MMs). The present paper reports the results of an investigation aimed at collecting, collating and critically analyzing the information with relation to claimed effects (CEs), OVs and MMs related to skin health compliance with Regulation 1924/2006. CEs, OVs and MMs were collected from both the EFSA Guidance document and from the authorization requests of health claims under Article 13(5). The critical analysis of OVs and MMs was based on a literature review, and was aimed at defining their appropriateness (alone or in combination with others) in the context of a specific CE. The results highlight the importance of an adequate choice of OVs and MMs for an effective substantiation of the claims. more...

Background Obesity is considered problematic not only as a major cause of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, but also as a risk of intractable dermatosis; however influence of obesity on skin function has not been clarified. To clarify the mechanism of obesity-associated skin disorders, we aimed to characterize the skin function of subjects with obesity, and identify possible influencing factors. Methods Complex analyses including instrumental measurement, biochemical and lipidomics were performed for facial skin and physical evaluation in 93 Caucasian women with obesity (OB) and non-obesity (NOB). Results In OB, imbalance in metabolism of carbohydrate and lipid, autonomic nerve activity, and secreted factors were confirmed. In the skin properties in OB, surface roughness was higher by 70%, the water content was lower by 12%, and changes in the lipid profile of stratum corneum ceramide were observed; in particular, a 7% reduction of [NP]-type ceramide, compared with NOB. Moreover, significant redness accompanied by a 34% increase in skin blood flow was observed in OB. Correlation analysis elucidated that the water content was strongly correlated with local skin indices, such as the ceramide composition, redness, blood flow, and TNFα in the stratum corneum, whereas roughness was correlated with the systemic indices, such as serum insulin, leptin, and IL-6. Conclusions Characteristics of obesity-associated skin were (A) reduction of the barrier and moisturizing function accompanied by intercellular lipid imbalance, (B) increased redness accompanied by hemodynamic changes, and (C) surface roughness. It was suggested that each symptom is due to different causes in local and/or systemic physiological impairment related to the autonomic nerve-vascular system, inflammation and insulin resistance. more...