Evaluation of topically applied copper(II) oxide nanoparticle cytotoxicity in human skin organ culture.

The increasing use of nano-sized materials in our environment, and in many consumer products, dictates new safety concerns. In particular, adequate experimental models are needed to evaluate skin toxicity of metal oxide ions, commonly found in cosmetic and dermatologic preparations. We have addressed the biological effects of topically applied copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles in human skin organ cultures, using light and electron microscopy, and biochemical tests. Nanoparticles were more toxic than micro-sized particles, and their effects were stronger when supplied in growth medium than in topical application. Still topically applied CuO nanoparticles induced inflammatory cytokine secretion and necrosis, especially in epidermis deprived of its protective cornea. Since nanoparticle penetration was not seen, we propose that they may adhere to skin surface, react with the local acidic environment, and generate soluble ions that make their way to inner sites. This work illustrates the abilities of skin organ culture to evaluate the biological effects of topically-applied materials on skin in vitro.

Photo-damage protective effect of two facial products, containing a unique complex of Dead Sea minerals and Himalayan actives.

BACKGROUND: Skin appearance is badly affected when exposed to solar UV rays, which encourage physiological and structural cutaneous alterations that eventually lead to skin photo-damage. AIMS: To test the capability of two facial preparations, extreme day cream (EXD) and extreme night treatment (EXN), containing a unique complex of Dead Sea water and three Himalayan extracts, to antagonize biological effects induced by photo-damage. METHODS: Pieces of organ cultures of human skin were used as a model to assess the biological effects of UVB irradiation and the protective effect of topical application of two Extreme preparations. Skin pieces were analyzed for mitochondrial activity by MTT assay, for apoptosis by caspase 3 assay, and for cytokine secretion by solid phase ELISA. Human subjects were tested to evaluate the effect of Extreme preparations on skin wrinkle depth using PRIMOS and skin hydration by a corneometer. RESULTS: UVB irradiation induced cell apoptosis in the epidermis of skin organ cultures and increased their pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis α (TNFα) secretion. Topical applications of both preparations significantly attenuated all these effects. Furthermore, in human subjects, a reduction in wrinkle depth and an elevation in the intense skin moisture were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The observations clearly show that EXD and EXN preparations have protective anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties that can attenuate biological effects of skin photo-damage. Topical application of the preparations improves skin appearance by reducing its wrinkles depth and increasing its moisturizing impact.

JetPeel: a new technology for facial rejuvenation.

JetPeel (Tav-Tech Ltd., Yehud, Israel) is a new device for cosmetic resurfacing of the facial skin. It uses a new technology of a 2-phase stream that creates a jet composed of gas (oxygen) and microdroplets of fluid (saline) accelerated to supersonic velocities. This jet impacts the skin, causing gentle and accurate cosmetic peeling. Our preclinical and clinical experience with the JetPeel for rejuvenation of the face is presented. In a group of 50 patients, we found the JetPeel technology to be a safe and effective new tool for the usual indications for facial peeling. It was most useful and effective for perioral peel. JetPeel can be used in combination with other resurfacing modalities such as chemical peeling or laser. Further investigation is needed to explore other applications of this technology, such as using different combinations of gases and fluids and transdermal transfer of medication dissolved in the peeling jet.