The role of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-like axis in inflammatory pilosebaceous disorders.

Skin is the largest peripheral endocrine organ and functions as a hormone target and endocrine gland. A cutaneous hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-like axis enables the skin to respond to stress and regulates its steroidogenic activity. The pilosebaceous unit is a site for production and metabolism of a number of steroid hormones, including stress and sex hormones. This is an overview of the important role that the cutaneous HPA-like-axis plays in the pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory pilosebaceous disorders, including acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa.

The use of topical Nitrosomonas eutropha for cosmetic improvement of facial wrinkles.

BACKGROUND: Both topical and oral probiotics are becoming widely used. There is increasing interest in the cosmetic potential in topical probiotics. Nitrosomonas eutropha is an ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess whether there is any improvement in facial wrinkles with the use of Nitrosomonas eutropha, a topical probiotic. METHODS: In this prospective study, high-resolution photographs were obtained in twenty-nine participants at baseline and after using topical Nitrosomonas eutropha for seven days. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in wrinkle depth and severity in the high concentration probiotic group. There was also a statistically significant improvement in pigmentation of the forehead and glabella in the higher concentration group. CONCLUSIONS: Nitrosomonas eutropha may have aesthetic benefits in terms of reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Larger studies with longer treatment and follow-up periods are required.

Quantification of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the shade and in direct sunlight.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is associated with negative health effects, including sun damage and skin cancer. The purpose of this study is to compare the protective effects of the shade provided by a sun umbrella versus that provided by a tree. Sun sensors that register the level and dose of UV radiation were placed in the shade and in direct sunlight. Measurements were recorded every half hour between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. in Sacramento, California. The results suggest that the level of UV radiation in the shade is not zero. The sensors located in tree shade indicated that over 5% of UV radiation was detected in the shade. The sensors located in sun-umbrella shade showed that greater than 17% of UV radiation reached the shade. The sun sensors used in our study collected UV radiation data relevant to UV index; however, they did not differentiate between UVA, UVB, visible, and infrared light. The amount of UV radiation detected in the shade is not zero, thus regular sunscreen use and other sun protective practices should be followed to reduce the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.