Archive for the ‘Skin news’ Category
Skin Res Technol. 2008 Aug; 14(3): 312-9
Jachowicz J, McMullen R, Prettypaul D
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: High molecular weight polymers such as proteins and polysaccharides have been commonly employed in cosmetic practice to induce skin tightness. The effect is perceived by users as an increase in skin tightness (firmness) accompanied by skin smoothing and elimination of wrinkles and lines. The aim of the study was to assess whether high molecular weight synthetic polymers, in the form of simple skin treatment formulations, could modify mechanical properties of natural skin as well as artificial skin models. METHODS: In experiments involving natural skin, the formulations were employed to treat the inner forearm of five panelists, who ranged in age from mid-20s to mid-40s. Indentometric analysis also included rubber skin models, with various viscoelastic characteristics, modified by deposition of thin polymer films on the surface. Polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyquaternium-55, polyimide-1, VP/acrylates/lauryl methacrylate copolymer, and sodium alginate were investigated. The effects of the products were quantified by mechanical skin indentation performed at small deformations. Data analysis was performed using the Hertz theory of contact mechanics, which included the calculation of fundamental parameters such as the modulus of elasticity. RESULTS: The indentometric analysis revealed an increase in the Young’s modulae for both artificial and natural skin as a result of treatment with the polymers. The effect was dependent on the amount of deposited product, which was varied in the range from 0.053 to 1.06 mg/cm(2) of polymer. The observed increases in Young’s modulae were typically from about 0.7 to 1.4 x 10(4) N/m(2) for untreated skin to 1.4-2.0 x 10(4) N/m(2) for polymer-modified skin, depending on the polymer structure (molecular weight) and the amount of deposition. By the analysis of artificial skin models, it was found that the magnitude of stiffening depends on the mechanical characteristics of the base material. Softer skin models displayed larger increases in Young’s modulus after polymer treatment than stiffer skin models. Also, the analysis of skin models suggested that polymeric treatments can lower the viscoelasticity of skin as demonstrated by decreased values of hysteresis loss factors calculated from indentation force vs. penetration depth plots. The performance of the polymers was also shown to be dependent on ambient humidity with the most hygroscopic materials loosing their stiffening effect at high humidity. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that high molecular weight polymers can be useful as skin stiffening, firming, or tightening agents. This was demonstrated by indentometric, mechanical analysis of natural skin and artificial skin models, and by determining Young’s modulae and viscoelastic parameters.
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BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009; 9: 13
Coutinho HD, Costa JG, Lima EO, Falcão-Silva VS, Siqueira JP
BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus genus is widely spread in nature being part of the indigenous microbiota of skin and mucosa of animal and birds. Some Staphylococcus species are frequently recognized as etiological agents of many animal and human opportunistic infections This is the first report testing the antibiotic resistance-modifying activity of Turnera ulmifolia against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus–MRSA strain. METHODS: In this study an ethanol extract of Turnera ulmifolia L. and chlorpromazine were tested for their antimicrobial activity alone or in combination with aminoglycosides against an MRSA strain. RESULTS: The synergism of the ethanol extract and aminoglycosides were verified using microdillution method. A synergistic effect of this extract on gentamicin and kanamycin was demonstrated. Similarly, a potentiating effect of chlorpromazine on kanamycin, gentamicin and neomycin, indicating the involvement of an efflux system in the resistance to these aminoglycosides. CONCLUSION: It is therefore suggested that extracts from Turnera ulmifolia could be used as a source of plant-derived natural products with resistance-modifying activity, constituting a new weapon against the problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics demonstrated in MRSA strains.
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Skin Firming Cream-The Key for Soft, Young, Radiant Skin
In order to maintain a youthful appearance, a good skin firming cream is essential. These treatments smooth out and tighten the skin. In doing so, fine lines, wrinkles, and even sagging skin are less noticeable. Without these telltale signs of aging, it is easier to show our most confident selves and, in doing so, are able to lead the happiest, fullest life possible. Everyone knows men are attracted to both beauty and confidence. However, when you are unhappy with your appearance, you run the risk of this self-consciousness affecting your relationship. Sad but true, your disposition might even cause your man to start looking elsewhere.
However, a skin firming cream can reverse and prevent the unattractive wrinkles and sagging that come with age. The improvement that they can make will undoubtedly work wonders on your self-esteem and will allow you to show your best self to the world. It is no longer just a cosmetic issue if your aging skin is affecting your life and relationships. When you feel better, you look better, and vice versa. Therefore, it only makes sense to take advantage of some of the new, advanced products that are now available.
In a time when cosmetic surgery and procedures, like Botox, are so prevalent, it seems almost absurd that a skin firming cream can work as effectively. But with all of the recent scientific and technological advances, some of these creams can produce results that are just as good, if not better, than even the most extreme procedures. Some of the progress that is currently being incorporated to firming products comes from studying the foods that we eat. Nutrition plays a large role in skin health and because of this, many researchers are learning more about the effect that different nutrients have when being applied to the skin. Therefore, the healthy foods that keep you feeling younger can now keep you looking Read the rest of this entry »
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2009 Nov; 23(11): 1298-303
Corazza M, Borghi A, Lauriola MM, Virgili A
BACKGROUND: Although topical remedies and cosmetics based on herbal ingredients are becoming increasingly popular with the public due to the perception that botanical compounds are safer and healthier than their synthetic counterparts, a large number of adverse cutaneous effects of plant extracts, notably contact sensitization, have been reported in medical literature. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of herbal compound usage in a dermatological out-patient population and to estimate the incidence of consequent cutaneous side-effects. METHODS: Four hundred patients were subjected to a self-administered 15-item questionnaire to assess both prevalence and type of topical botanical preparations used and occurrence of skin adverse reactions. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-one patients (60.25%) reported use of natural topical products, predominantly aloe, marigold, chamomile, propolis and arnica. Females used herbal products, for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes, more frequently than males. Fifteen patients (6.22%) referred one or more adverse cutaneous reactions. CONCLUSION: Herbal preparations were widely used in the examined population, but, despite the common belief in the innocuous nature of botanical extracts, the incidence of side-effects referred by the patients confirms that they should be regarded as a potential source of adverse skin events. The lack of adequate patch testing in case of suspected contact allergic dermatitis, incomplete or misleading product labelling, and the risk of chemical adulteration may represent further concerns as regards application of botanical products.
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Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2009; 28(1): 41-4
Waris W, Naik S, Idrees I, Taha H, Camosino L, Mehrishi A, Saif MW
BACKGROUND: The management of locally advanced head and neck cancer remains a challenge to most oncologists and their patients. Treatment with epithelial growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) is associated with a good response. Cetuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), in combination with radiation therapy is indicated for the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Although a mild acneiform skin rash (Grade 1, 2) is very common in these patients, severe rash (Grade 3) is uncommon. CASE REPORT: A 61-year-old African American man with locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer was treated with cetuximab and radiation. He developed a sudden flare-up of a skin rash after the 5th cycle of cetuximab following use of over-the-counter (OTC) skin care remedies. The rash manifested with severe maculopapular eruption and erythematous rash, along with desquamation and exfoliation of the skin, mainly on the face and neck area. The patient denied any extraordinary sun exposure. Cetuximab and radiation therapy were held for 1 week and the rash was treated with doxycycline, diphenhydramine, and continued use of natural emollient (Vaseline petroleum jelly). After 1 week, a dramatic improvement of the facial rash was noticed. DISCUSSION: Our report describes a sudden flare-up of a skin rash (Grade 3) after the 5th cycle of cetuximab following use of OTC skin care remedies, which was unusual for this patient, suggesting a possible relation to the therapy. Skin crucially depends on EGFR for its normal function and becomes extremely sensitive during cetuximab therapy. Topical OTC acne and dry skin remedies can suddenly change the mild acneiform rash into severe skin toxicity associated with marked desquamation and exfoliation. Avoidance of further skin damage caused by topical applications and the use of doxycycline and diphenhydramine show a significant success in the management of skin toxicity.
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Food Microbiol. 2009 Sep; 26(6): 645-52
Serhan M, Cailliez-Grimal C, Borges F, Revol-Junelles AM, Hosri C, Fanni J
In order to contribute to the preservation of the Lebanese dairy heritage, the aim of this study was to characterize the Darfiyeh cheese, a traditional variety made from raw goat’s milk and ripened in goat’s skin. Three independent batches of Darfiyeh production were analyzed after 20, 40 and 60 days of ripening. Mesophilic lactobacilli, thermophilic coccal-shaped lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and thermophilic lactobacilli were enumerated. In order to explore the Darfiyeh natural ecosystem, a combination of phenotypical and molecular approaches was applied. The latter included Polymerase Chain Reaction-temporal temperature gel electrophoresis (PCR-TTGE), classical PCR and quantitative PCR. These methods revealed the presence of Streptococcus thermophilus, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus malodoratus, group D Streptococcus sp., Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and L. lactis subsp. cremoris, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus curvatus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Escherichia coli, Clostridium sp./Eubacterium tenue. Real-time PCR enabled quantification of E. faecium, with a detection of 10(7)-10(9) cfu g(-1) of product. The present molecular approaches combined with phenotypic method allowed describing the complex natural ecosystem of Darfiyeh, giving useful information for the preservation of Lebanese artisanal dairy products.
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J Drugs Dermatol. 2009 May; 8(5 Suppl Skin Rejuenation): 4-13
Sundaram H, Mehta RC, Norine JA, Kircik L, Cook-Bolden FE, Atkin DH, Werschler PW, Fitzpatrick RE
Synergistic interaction of multiple growth factors (GF) in skin controls the processes that promote skin repair. GFs have been shown to affect different pathways of skin repair and rejuvenation with many GFs working in close cooperation with one another and with other endogenous agents. Intrinsic and extrinsic aging of skin reduces both the levels of natural GFs and the number and activity of fibroblasts. Supplementing skin’s endogenous GFs may enhance natural repair processes and accelerate the reversal of damage caused by intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging. In spite of their large molecular weight, evidence suggests that a small fraction of topically applied GFs penetrating into superficial epidermis can elicit a fibroblast-mediated response in the dermis. GF mixture secreted by human fibroblasts grown in conditions resembling the physiological condition of dermis, and present at high concentrations in a stable formula is most likely to provide an ideal cosmeceutical product. This naturally balanced mixture is also likely to contain other important, but as yet unidentified, substances that affect skin healing. Such a complex mixture cannot be reproduced using synthetic substances. Clinical studies have shown that topical application of products containing high concentrations of a physiologically balanced mixture of GF appears to reverse the signs of skin aging. A synergistic combination of antioxidants, matrix building agents and skin conditioners with physiologically balanced GF provides a novel and comprehensive paradigm of skin rejuvenation.
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