Search

Background: Sensitive skin is a highly prevalent problem. The objective of the study was to assess whether the tested products are effective and safe in terms of improving the symptoms of sensitive skin., Methods: A clinical randomized split-face study was carried out on 24 healthy female subjects. Three cosmetic combinations were tested versus vehicle: product A (Solía Thermal Spring Water-TSW-from Cantabria, Spain + diatom algae-P. tricornutum-extract), product B (Solía TSW + diatom algae extract + Annona cherimola Fruit Extract) and product C (Solía TSW + diatom algae extract + Annona cherimola Fruit Extract + niacinamide). Prior to each application of the study Product (A, B, or C)/vehicle, 10% of aqueous solution of capsaicin to induce skin irritation was applied, mimicking the symptoms of sensitive skin. Stinging and burning sensations were evaluated at different time points., Results: All three tested products A, B, and C showed to act better in calming the symptoms induced by capsaicin when compared to the vehicle., Conclusions: The tested products would be an interesting option for treating stinging and burning sensations in sensitive skin patients., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal-recessive genodermatosis resulting from a DNA-repair defect syndrome. The purpose was to evaluate the prevention on new malignant lesions in patients taking a supplement with Fernblock® (Polypodium leucotomos extract [PLE]) and secondarily correlation with the photoprotective behavior., Methods: A prospective, single-center and open cohort study was conducted over a 12-month period. The study was performed in Morocco. Optimal photoprotection behavior was recommended. Patients were instructed to take one capsule containing 480 mg of Fernblock® and 5 mcg vitamin D and to apply sunscreen with a SPF50+ and Fernblock® every 2 h during sun exposure. The demographic, clinical, and dermatoscopic patient data were collected at baseline (T0) and following visits at 3 months (T3), 6 months (T6), and 12 months (T12) when it was assessed: Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), Patient/Guardian Global Assessment (PGA), Patient/Guardian Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Photographic and Adverse Events Registration. Pertinent statistical study was performed., Results: Eighteen patients completed the study. Eleven patients (61%) finished the study without new lesions. Seven patients developed new lesions by the end of the study. Among them, only 30% showed an ideal photoprotective behavior. The lack of an optimal photoprotective behavior increased the probability of developing lesions by 2.5 times with 95% confidence interval., Conclusions: In our study, more than 60% of patients taking a supplement with Fernblock® did not develop new lesions, and furthermore, we detected that patients following almost ideal photoprotection were 2.5 times less likely to develop NMSC lesions., (© 2023 The Authors. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Ablative fractional laser generates a regulated skin damage, which secondarily improves skin aging., Aims: The main objective of the present study was to figure out if the adverse effects induced by laser and the skin recovery could improve with the application of a cosmetic product based on the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA)., Patients/methods: A prospective double-blind controlled study with vehicle in 10 patients with skin aging. The patients received one session of fractional ablative CO 2  laser, and the formulation with SCA 40% was applied immediately and maintained throughout the 21-day duration of the study. The active treatment (SCA) was applied to one hemifacial area and vehicle to the other, and the patient acting was her own control. Clinical evaluations, dermoscopy, photography, and other parameters like cutaneous hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles were evaluated. In addition, the severity of the adverse effects was evaluated., Results: Significant greater decrease in the density of microcolumns produced by laser was detected on the active-treated side, indicating greater and faster postprocedure recovery compared to the vehicle-treated side. In addition, side effects were reduced and some antiaging effects were more apparent on the side treated with SCA 40%., Conclusion: SCA 40% applied immediately after ablative laser, and during the next days, it can accelerate laser-induced damage regeneration. In addition, SCA improves the cosmetic outcome after laser application., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the application of a cosmetic treatment based on the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA) enhances the clinical results, tolerance, and skin regeneration after nonablative laser treatment in patients with moderate photoaging., Methods: Randomized, double-blind, split-face trial in 20 patients with moderate aging. Two sessions with fractional nonablative laser were performed, and the cosmetic treatments (SCA 40% on one hemiface and vehicle on the other) were applied immediately after laser session and daily during the study (28 days). Tewameter, Cutometer, Visioscan, VisioFace, photography, dermoscopy, and clinical evaluation were assessed. Side effects were also evaluated., Results: A significant decrease in the density of microcolumns (25%, 71%, 32%, and 61% less density, respectively, at T3 P = 0.008, T7 P = 0.002, T22 P < 0.001, and T24 P < 0.001) was observed on the side treated with SCA compared to the vehicle-treated side. Cutaneous elasticity, area of wrinkles, and hydration on the SCA-treated side also showed a significant improvement compared to the vehicle-treated side. Both the researcher and patients observed a significant improvement on the side treated with SCA compared to the vehicle-treated side. Significantly fewer side effects (erythema, burning, and dryness) were also detected., Conclusion: A cosmetic product with SCA 40% applied immediately after laser and for a period thereafter enhances and accelerates repair of damage produced by the laser and significantly reduces related adverse effects. In addition, SCA treatment could improve clinical results. In conclusion, we suggest that SCA enhances the effectiveness of laser in the treatment of cutaneous aging., (© 2019 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background. Effects of environmental contaminents, such as air pollution and cigarette smoking on skin include increased oxidation, subclinical inflammation, and degradation of the dermal matrix, which can accelerate the skin aging process. Objective. An open-label, prospective study was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a topical anti-aging regimen comprising high-concentration retinoids, Deschampsia antarctica extract, and niacinamide in participants living in a heavily polluted (Level III, World Health Organization) city. Methods. Twenty-two female Caucasian volunteers with Fitzpatrick Skin Types III and IV were treated for 90 days with the topical anti-aging regimen. Subjective clinical assessments using the Rao-Goldman Scoring for Facial Aging, Patient's Global Assessment (PGA), and Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA). Additionally, objective instrumental assessments for wrinkles using Visia® (Canfield Scientific, Parsippany, New Jersey) and Visioline® (Courage+Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany) and viscoelasticity and firmness using Cutometer® (Courage+Khazaka Electronic GmbH ) were completed at baseline, Day 30, and Day 90. Results. At Day 30, wrinkles in the periocular area significantly improved by 35.7 percent ( p =0.003) compared to baseline. At the end of the study (Day 90), a significant improvement in firmness (41.7%) and viscoelasticity (12.8%) were observed. Tolerance for treatment was assessed as "good" or "very good" in 86.5 percent of the volunteers. Conclusion. This novel antiaging treatment regimen could potentially serve as an effective and long-term topical treatment option for improving signs of facial aging and protecting the skin from external factors associated with acceleration of the skin aging process, such exposure to UV radiation, air pollution, and cigarette smoke. Larger and longer-term, randomized, controlled clinical trials in more diverse population samples are needed to confirm our results., Competing Interests: FUNDING:No funding was provided for this study. DISCLOSURES:Dr. Truchuelo acts as a scientific advisor for Cantabria Labs. The other authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article. Dr. Pérez Davó is an employee of Cantabria Labs.

Introduction: Cutaneous regeneration, fractional laser, medical device, cellular proliferation cutaneous changes linked to photoaging are currently treated with physical treatments, such as fractional laser, which may induce epidermal alteration., Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of a regenerative serum (Matricium ® , Laboratoire Bioderma, France) after laser procedure., Methods: Prospective, double-blind, controlled, and randomized study in subjects with photoaged skin. The regenerative serum of treatment was used after a fractional laser session twice daily for 2 months on 1 side of the face and the placebo on the other side. The main variable to determine efficacy was the improvement of clinical signs and histological and immunological results., Results: A superior quality of epidermal regeneration on the treated side compared to the placebo side was observed. Likewise, a superior and faster clinical improvement on static wrinkles was observed on the hemiface on which the regenerative serum was used. After 60 days, the investigator and the subjects observed a moderate to significant improvement of the skin on the treated side and a mild to moderate improvement on the placebo side. Histological examinations showed a superior thickness of epidermis and higher cellular proliferation rate (Ki67 markers) as well as a superior thickness of dermis with higher increase in elastin density with the regenerative serum compared to placebo., Conclusion: The use of the regenerative serum after fractional laser on the face accelerated and improved the cutaneous regeneration on both the clinical and histological level and maximized the benefits of the laser procedure., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective . Mechanism of action of cosmetic products is not often studied. The aim of this study is to determine the histological, immunohistochemical, and clinical changes of a new cosmetic formulation. Methods . Prospective, single-blind, patient-controlled, randomized study in 10 volunteers with mild to moderate skin photoaging on the back of their hands. The product was applied on one hand and a standard cream on the other hand, twice a day for three months. Standardized photographs were taken on basal (T0) and final visit (T1) and skin biopsies were performed. Changes on histological and immunohistochemical markers were studied. Subjective clinical changes were determined. Results . After treatment, a 26.3% improvement on epidermal thickness was detected and a significant increase on collagens I and III, elastin, and fibronectin fibers was achieved ( p < 0.05). As the expression of MMPs remained stable, this improvement of dermal matrix was attributed to the stimulation of their synthesis. A significant clinical improvement on the treated hand was obtained, compared to control hand. Conclusion . This new cosmetic product with combination of three registered technologies (IFC-CAF, WGC, and RetinSphere), focused on regenerating dermal matrix and activating proliferation of skin cells, has shown to be efficient in the reversion of skin photoaging., Competing Interests: M. T. Truchuelo works as an occasional medical adviser for Industrial Farmaceutica Cantabria. The rest of the authors declare no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Introduction: The high rate of relapse of acne lesions following oral isotretinoin treatment is a common problem which remains unsolved. To avoid or minimize relapses, topical retinoids have been used for many years as maintenance treatment. However, adverse effects frequently occur., Aims: To determine the efficacy and safety of a new retinoid combination (Retinsphere technology) in maintaining post-treatment response to oral isotretinoin., Patients and Methods: Prospective, randomized, double-blind and vehicle-controlled study of 30 patients with acne previously treated with isotretinoin. Treatment with the retinoid combination was applied to one side of the face and vehicle was applied to the other, once daily, for 3 months. Standardized photographs were taken using RBX technology at baseline, 1.5 months and 3 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was the appearance of relapse on the treated side compared to the vehicle-treated side. Other endpoints included lesion count, investigator-reported improvement, patient-reported improvement, impact on quality-of-life, and side effects., Results: Although the majority of patients did not reach the total target dose of oral isotretinoin, the relapse rate was significantly lower on the retinoid-treated side compared to the vehicle-treated side. Likewise, improved lesion count and excellent tolerance were observed., Conclusions: This new retinoid combination (Retinsphere technology) were effective and safe as maintenance therapy after post-treatment response to oral isotretinoin in patients with acne., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and AEDV. All rights reserved.)

Background: Melasma is a dermatosis with significant repercussions on patients' quality of life, and there is currently no standard treatment. Hydroquinone is deemed the treatment of choice, but its safety has been questioned in certain cases., Aims: To determine the efficacy and safety of a new combination of retinoids in the improvement of melasma., Patients/methods: Prospective, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, and randomized study in 30 patients with melasma. The product was applied on one side of the face and the vehicle on the other, twice daily during 3 months. Standardized photographs were taken using RBX technology on the three visits (basal, at one and a half months and at 3 months). The main variable to determine the efficacy was the improvement of the hemifacial Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI). Other variables were determined such as improvement perceived by the investigator, improvement perceived by the patient, impact on quality of life or side effects., Results: The MASI improvement at 3 months of treatment was significant on the treated side vs. the vehicle side, reaching an improvement of 70%, which is comparable to the percentage of improvement described with hydroquinone. No notable side effects were detected, in spite of a significant percentage of patients included in the study citing a history that could be compatible with sensitive skin., Conclusions: This new combination of retinoids and depigmenting agents proved to be effective and safe in the treatment of melasma., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Introduction: It has already been demonstrated the high efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for Bowen's disease (BD) treatment. Fluorescence diagnosis consists on registration of the fluorescence emitted by tissue after application of a photosensitizer, indicating presence of tumoral cells. It has been described as a useful tool for actinic keratosis. Different results have been published about fluorescence diagnosis for basal cell carcinomas. Very few reports about the role of fluorescence diagnosis for this entity exist and this is the first one which correlates the fluorescence image after PDT with the histopathological response., Objectives: To assess the role of fluorescence diagnosis during BD follow-up., Methods: We carried out an observational, retrospective and descriptive study. A total of 29 BD biopsy proven lesions were included. All the lesions had been treated with the standard protocol (Topical methyl- aminolaevulinic acid under occlusion for 3 hours and followed by illumination with red-light (630 nm, 38 J/cm(2), 7.5 minutes. Two sessions one week apart). Clinical and fluorescence photographs were taken before treatment and one month after the 2(nd) one. At that moment a post-treatment biopsy was performed. Clinical response was classified as partial, complete or no response. Fluorescence response was classified as negative, intermediate or intense. The follow-up period and the adverse events observed including pain were also collected., Results: We found statistical association between fluorescence and the clinical and histopathological evaluations performed after treatment. Fluorescence diagnosis obtained a 100% sensitivity (higher than clinical evaluation alone) and a specificity of 85.7% (CI: 70.8-100)., Conclusions: Fluorescence diagnosis seems a valid diagnostic tool, useful during the follow up of Bowen disease lesions with the advantage of avoiding unnecessary post-treatment biopsies., (© 2013 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2013 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

Background: Clinical manifestations of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) vary widely, and different subtypes of this autoimmune disease exist. Tumidus subtype (LT) has been recently separated from the chronic subtypes and is now considered an independent entity due to its particular clinical and histological features. Different treatments are usually prescribed for CLE. Our group has experience of CLE effectively treated with pulsed dye laser (PDL). It was our impression that better responses were achieved in the LT subtype, but no controlled prospective studies with PDL have been specifically performed., Materials and Methods: A prospective study was performed on 10 patients with histologically confirmed LT treated with PDL. All patients were treated with 595 nm PDL using the 10 mm spot size at 0.5 ms pulse width and a fluence of 8 J/cm(2). Biopsies were taken before and 4 weeks after treatment and were stained with haematoxylin-eosin., Results: Evaluation after PDL treatment showed clinical improvement in all of them without side-effects and reduction of the dermal lymphocytic infiltrate in 9/10 of the patients. Epidermal changes were absent in all patients. Mucin deposition persisted only in one patient. However, 50% of the patients developed new lesions nearby or distant to the treated zones., Conclusions: PDL therapy is an effective and fast treatment option for acute flares of LT; however, it does not prevent recurrences. A histological improvement has been confirmed in this study. Purpura seems to be necessary to achieve a good response., (© 2011 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2011 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

Lipschütz ulcer (LU) is an uncommon condition that usually affects prepubertal and pubertal girls. It can be misdiagnosed as a sexually transmitted disease or even as a sign of child abuse, causing great anxiety to patients and their families. We present two cases of LU consecutively affecting twin sisters. To our knowledge, this is the first case in two family members, supporting infectious transmission. We propose airborne transmission as the most probable cause in our cases., (© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disorder with a wide range of skin manifestations. Current treatment options include topical and systemic approaches. Few controlled prospective studies have been performed using the pulsed dye laser (PDL). Based on previous experience that supported the efficacy of PDL treatment of CLE, we decided to study the histological changes induced by PDL., Observations: A prospective study was performed on nine patients with histologically confirmed CLE treated with PDL. Biopsies were taken before, immediately after, and 4 weeks after treatment and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and with commercially available antibodies to intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1. Evaluation after PDL treatment showed a significant reduction of the dermal lymphocytic infiltrate in six of nine patients (66.7%) and an important reduction of the basal damage in six of seven patients (85.7%). Other epidermal changes improved in four of six patients (66.7%). Mucin deposition persisted in two patients. ICAM and VCAM expression was reduced in seven of seven patients (100%) and five of six patients (83.3%) (p<.05). Clinical improvement was present in eight of nine patients (88.9%), without side effects., Conclusions: PDL therapy is an effective treatment for CLE. Immunohistologic improvement has been confirmed in this study., (© 2011 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.)