Facial Microfiber Tissue with plant extracts: A new cosmetic concept shows whitening efficacy in Asian volunteers.

BACKGROUND: The Asian population presents a high incidence of Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV. The management of skin tone is a very important cosmetic issue in these groups. Efficacy check of a new cosmetic concept to achieve skin color lightening arouses great interest. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the clinical efficacy of a new facial microfiber tissue (FMT) which combines a surface micropeeling technology (due to the structure of the microfibers) with skin whitening cosmetic actives in Asian skin. The FMT is a new concept featuring a dry microfiber tissue loaded with cosmetic actives, which is just wetted with little tap water before use. METHODS: A total of 34 females aged 21-58 years old with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV were enrolled in this randomized, blank-controlled trial for 12 weeks. Participants applied FMT on the left or right forearm according to random assignment. At the same time, FMT was used on the face. Skin whitening effects on the forearm and face were evaluated using Mexameter MX18 and Minolta Spectrophotometer CM-2600d. In addition, assessment by subjects via a self-evaluation questionnaire was conducted at study end. RESULTS: The FMT treatment showed a significant whitening effect mainly on the forearm compared with blank control forearm. Facial whitening was also noted. No adverse reactions were reported during the study. CONCLUSION: The new cosmetic concept of FMT can be used as an effective and safe whitening cosmetic agent.

Assessment of the efficacy and safety of a new treatment for head lice.

Infestation with head lice is a widespread, persistent, and recurring issue leading to serious health problems if untreated. We are facing resistance phenomena to usual pediculicides and questions about their direct or cumulative toxicity. The aim of this trial was to assess the efficacy of a new product, free of chemical insecticides but with a physical effect. This product contains components whose antilice efficacy has already been demonstrated, as well as Andiroba oil which asphyxiates the lice and Quassia vinegar which dissolves the chitin of the nits (they are then inactivated). 30 patients with head lice infestation, aged 3-39 years, applied the treatment one to three times, 5 days apart. Cure was defined as the absence of live lice after 5, 10, or 14 days, and symptoms are usually associated with infestation. Easiness and safety of the treatment were assessed by the patients and/or their parents. Overall cure rates were 20% on D5 after one treatment, 37% on D10 after two treatments, and 90% on D14 after three treatments. Symptoms such as itch, scalp dryness, redness, and flakiness rapidly diminished. This treatment seems to be a beneficial addition or a valuable alternative to existing treatments, considering the total absence of chemical insecticides, the absence of drug-resistance induction in head lice, the absence of major toxicological risks compared with usual pediculicides, and the favourable patient use instructions.

Safety, effectiveness and comparability of professional skin cleansers.

BACKGROUND: There are no widely-accepted methodical specifications with which to objectify cleansing effectiveness and skin compatibility of occuptional skin cleansing products in Europe. Therefore the German Social Insurance Agency (DGUV) initiated a study with the goal to evaluate such products in view of the potency and the safety of hand cleansers. A market analysis was a part of the project. METHODOLOGY: The product descriptions and safety data sheets of 120 products (5-20/manufacturer) of 11 manufacturers were evaluated between 02/2008 and 04/2008. RESULTS: The manufacturers used mainly ingredients of low irritancy. The declaration of the applied ingredients was in the majority of the cases correctly labeled according to the INCI Declaration. Although there was documentation of skin tolerability for most products, the manufacturers used widely differing tests of skin compatibility. Evidences for cleansing effectiveness were not declared or have not been provided. One manufacturer even promised medical effects of its products. There was no uniform general classification of products making it difficult to identify characteristics of cleansers and choose between them. CONCLUSIONS: Presently, there are no commonly accepted criteria to classify products in view of cleansing effectiveness und skin compatibility. Generally accepted criteria and test methods are needed for the evaluation of hand cleansers in order to provide the possibility of transparency and comparability.