Prospective randomized double-blind comparative study of topical acetyl zingerone with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate versus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate alone on facial photoaging.

BACKGROUND: Tetrahexydecyl ascorbate (THDA) is a lipophilic precursor to ascorbic acid that may be stabilized by acetyl zingerone (AZ). Studies have shown that the topical application of THDA may have photoprotective effects. Similarly, AZ has been shown to mitigate oxidative and inflammatory stress, thereby improving the appearance of photoaging. AIMS: To examine the effects of THDA and AZ (THDA-AZ) on skin photoaging compared to THDA alone. PATIENTS/METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, healthy individuals aged 30 to 65 were included and 44 participants were randomized to receive either THDA-AZ (THDA 5% + AZ 1%) or THDA only (THDA 5%) for 8 weeks. Facial photographs were taken at 0, 4, and 8 weeks to analyze wrinkle severity, pigment intensity, and redness intensity. A skin colorimeter was used to assess infraorbital pigmentation and erythema. Self-perception of skin and tolerability were assessed through questionnaires. RESULTS: Average wrinkle severity was significantly decreased in the THDA-AZ group at Weeks 4 and 8 by 0.75% (p = 0.023) and 3.72% (p = 0.048), respectively, compared to the THDA group where wrinkle severity at Weeks 4 and 8 was increased by 7.88% and 4.48%, respectively. Facial pigment intensity was significantly decreased in the THDA-AZ group by 4.10% (p = 0.0002) at Week 8 compared to a 0.69% decrease in the THDA group. Facial redness intensity was decreased in the THDA-AZ group at Weeks 4 and 8 by 3.73% (p = 0.0162) and 14.25% (p = 0.045), respectively, compared to the THDA group where at Weeks 4 and 8 erythema increased by 27.5% and 8.34%, respectively. There were no significant differences in either group for infraorbital pigmentation or erythema. CONCLUSIONS: Daily use of combined THDA and AZ may improve facial wrinkle severity, pigment intensity, and erythema to a greater extent than THDA. While THDA alone increases facial wrinkle severity and erythema, the addition of AZ reduces both.

Prospective Placebo-Controlled Assessment of Spore-Based Probiotic Supplementation on Sebum Production, Skin Barrier Function, and Acne.

Probiotic supplementation has been shown to modulate the gut-skin axis. The goal of this study was to investigate whether oral spore-based probiotic ingestion modulates the gut microbiome, plasma short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and skin biophysical properties. This was a single-blinded, 8-week study (NCT03605108) in which 25 participants, 7 with noncystic acne, were assigned to take placebo capsules for the first 4 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of probiotic supplementation. Blood and stool collection, facial photography, sebum production, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration measurements, and acne assessments were performed at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks. Probiotic supplementation resulted in a decreasing trend for the facial sebum excretion rate and increased TEWL overall. Subanalysis of the participants with acne showed improvement in total, noninflammatory, and inflammatory lesion counts, along with improvements in markers of gut permeability. The gut microbiome of the nonacne population had an increase in the relative abundance of Akkermansia, while the subpopulation of those with acne had an increase in the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcus gnavus. Probiotic supplementation augmented the circulating acetate/propionate ratio. There is preliminary evidence for the use of spore-based probiotic supplementation to shift the gut microbiome and augment short-chain fatty acids in those with and without acne. Further spore-based supplementation studies in those with noncystic acne are warranted.

Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study of split-body comparison of topical hydroquinone and hexylresorcinol for skin pigment appearance.

Dyspigmentation is a common cosmetic concern in dermatology. Currently, the first line topical medication in the United States is hydroquinone. Hydroquinone use is associated with potential safety concerns including cytotoxicity to melanocytes, systemic absorption, metabolism in distant organs, and production of potentially carcinogenic metabolites. Hexylresorcinol is an ingredient that has been used in food preservation and as antiseptic has been shown to inhibit tyrosinase in vitro and has been studied as a novel skin-lightening agent. To perform a double-blind randomized split-body investigation of comparison on topical hexylresorcinol and hydroquinone on face and hands to assess for change in the appearance of skin tone and pigmentation. Thirty-two healthy female participants ages 35-65 (50.93 ± 7.37) years old with skin type I-IV were randomized to using either topical 1% hexylresorcinol or 2% hydroquinone on the left or right side of the face and corresponding hand over 12 weeks. The topical preparation was applied twice a day to assigned areas. Standardized photos were taken of the face and colorimetric measurements were taken of both sides of the forehead, cheeks and each hand at baseline (Day 0), week 4, and week 12. Of the 32 participants, 3 were lost to follow-up and the remaining were included in the final analysis. Pigmentation measured by colorimeter and clinical grading were significantly decreased at 4 and 12 weeks relative to baseline with no difference between the HR and HQ groups. No adverse effects were noted with either intervention. Hexylresorcinol 1% is well-tolerated and equivalent to hydroquinone 2% in reducing the appearance of facial and hand pigment. Further studies with an expanded population and longer time course are warranted.Registration No.: NCT04345094.

Prospective Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Standardized Oral Pomegranate Extract on the Gut Microbiome and Short-Chain Fatty Acids.

Punica granatum L., commonly known as the pomegranate, is an abundant source of polyphenols, including hydrolyzable ellagitannins, ellagic acid, anthocyanins, and other bioactive phytochemicals shown to be effective in defending against oxidative stress, and has immunomodulatory activities. Ellagitannins, and their hydrolyzed product ellagic acid, interact with the gut microbiota to yield secondary metabolites known as urolithins that may have health benefits. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with a standardized punicalagin-enriched pomegranate extract, Pomella® (250 mg), on the gut microbiome, circulating short-chain fatty acids, and gut microbial-derived ellagitannin metabolite urolithins. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted over 4 weeks on healthy volunteers aged 25-55 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either an oral supplement containing 75 mg of punicalagin or an oral placebo. Stool sample collection and venipuncture were performed to analyze the gut microbiome, SCFAs, and urolithin. There was no significant change in the gut microbial diversity in both cohorts after 4 weeks of intervention, but there was a significantly increased relative abundance of Coprococcus eutectus, Roseburia faecis, Roseburia inullnivorans, Ruminococcus bicirculans, Ruminococcus calidus, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Pomegranate extract (PE) supplementation led to the augmentation of circulating propionate levels (p = 0.02) and an increasing trend for acetate levels (p = 0.12). The pomegranate extract (PE) supplementation group had an increased level of circulating urolithins compared to the placebo group (6.6% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.13). PE supplementation correlated with shifts in the gut microbiome and with higher circulating levels of propionate and acetate. Further studies should explore the implications in larger cohorts and over a longer duration.

The Skin and Gut Microbiome and Its Role in Common Dermatologic Conditions.

Microorganisms inhabit various areas of the body, including the gut and skin, and are important in maintaining homeostasis. Changes to the normal microflora due to genetic or environmental factors can contribute to the development of various disease states. In this review, we will discuss the relationship between the gut and skin microbiome and various dermatological diseases including acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis. In addition, we will discuss the impact of treatment on the microbiome and the role of probiotics.

Prospective randomized controlled pilot study on the effects of almond consumption on skin lipids and wrinkles.

OBJECTIVE: Almonds are a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants, and their supplementation is known to significantly modulate serum lipids. The effects of almond on the skin's lipid barrier and the appearance of wrinkles have not yet been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of almond consumption on facial sebum production and wrinkles. METHODS: This was a prospective, investigator-blinded, randomized controlled trial in which subjects consumed 20% of their daily energy consumption in either almonds or a calorie-matched snack for 16 weeks. This study was completed at the UC Davis Dermatology clinic. Participants were a volunteer sample of generally healthy postmenopausal females with Fitzpatrick skin types 1 and 2. A facial photograph and image analysis system was used to obtain standardized photographs and information on wrinkle width and severity at 0, 8, and 16 weeks. Measurements of transepidermal water loss and sebum production were also completed at 0, 8, and 16 weeks. RESULTS: Fifty healthy postmenopausal females were recruited, 31 participants were enrolled, and 28 completed the study. Under photographic analysis, the almond group had significantly decreased wrinkle severity and width compared with the control group at 16 weeks (p < .02). Changes in skin barrier function were nonsignificant, measured by the transepidermal water loss (p = .65) between the almond and control groups relative to baseline after 16 weeks. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that daily almond consumption may reduce wrinkle severity in postmenopausal females to potentially have natural antiaging benefits.

Psychodermatology: An Association of Primary Psychiatric Disorders With Skin / Psicodermatología: asociación de trastornos psiquiátricos primarios con la piel

ABSTRACT The association of nervous system with skin is well documented. Many common psychiatric disorders can involve skin either directly or indirectly. We found an association of 13 primary psychiatric disorders leading to dermatological diseases, with association of 2 of 13 considered to be idiopathic. Association of the mind and body has long been studied. Several skin problems lead to psychological and psychiatric symptoms, however not all skin problems lead to psychiatric symptoms. On the contrary, many primary psychiatric illnesses appear to have associated skin disorders.

RESUMEN La asociación del sistema nervioso con la piel está bien documentada. Muchos trastornos psiquiátricos comunes pueden implicar a la piel directa o indirectamente. Se encontró asociación de 13 trastornos psiquiátricos primarios que llevan a enfermedades dermatológicas, y de las 13, asociación de 2 consideradas idiopáticas. La asociación entre la mente y el cuerpo se ha estudiado durante mucho tiempo. Varios problemas de la piel conducen a los síntomas psicológicos y psiquiátricos, pero no todos los problemas llevan a síntomas psiquiátricos de la piel. Por el contrario, parece que muchas enfermedades psiquiátricas primarias se asocian con trastornos de la piel.

Psychodermatology: An Association of Primary Psychiatric Disorders With Skin.

The association of nervous system with skin is well documented. Many common psychiatric disorders can involve skin either directly or indirectly. We found an association of 13 primary psychiatric disorders leading to dermatological diseases, with association of 2 of 13 considered to be idiopathic. Association of the mind and body has long been studied. Several skin problems lead to psychological and psychiatric symptoms, however not all skin problems lead to psychiatric symptoms. On the contrary, many primary psychiatric illnesses appear to have associated skin disorders.