Influence of cosmetic foundation cream on skin condition during treadmill exercise.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing trend of individuals wearing cosmetics while participating in physical activities. Nonetheless, there remains a need for further understanding regarding the effects of makeup on the facial epidermis during exercise, given the existing knowledge gaps. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a cosmetic foundation cream on skin conditions during physical activity. METHODS: Forty-three healthy college students, 20 males (26.3 ± 1.5 years) and 23 females (23.1 ± 1.0 years), were enrolled in this study. Foundation cream was applied to participants on half of the face in two different areas (MT: makeup T zone and MU: makeup U zone). The other half of the face served as internal control (T: non-makeup T zone and U: non-makeup U zones). Skin levels of moisture, elasticity, pore, sebum, and oil were measured using a skin analysis device (Aramhuvis, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea) before and after a 20-min treadmill exercise. Paired t-test and independent t-test were performed for skin condition measurements at pre- and postexercise. RESULTS: The skin moisture levels in both the T and MT significantly increased after exercise (p < 0.05) (pre-T: 24.5 ± 1.3, post-T: 38.5 ± 3.5 and pre-MT: 18.7 ± 0.7, post-MT: 40.4 ± 4.8). Elasticity also significantly improved in both the T and MT (p < 0.05) (pre-T: 25.6 ± 1.3, post-T: 41.5 ± 3.5 and pre-MT: 20.0 ± 0.9, post-MT: 41.7 ± 3.7). The size of the pores in the T zone observed a significant increase after exercise (p < 0.05) (pre-T: 41.7 ± 2.1, post-T: 47.8 ± 2.4). The sebum levels in the T zone exhibited a reduction following physical activity, whereas there was a notable increase in sebum levels in the makeup zones (p < 0.05) (pre-MT: 2.4 ± 0.7, post-MT:4.2 ± 0.8 and pre MU 1.8 ± 0.34, post MU 4.9 ± 0.9). The oil level was increased in the non-makeup zones (pre-T: 6.1 ± 1.4, post-T: 11.8 ± 2.0 and pre-U: 7.3 ± 1.5, post-U: 11.9 ± 1.9; p < 0.05) and decreased in the makeup zones (pre-MT: 13.3 ± 1.9, post-MT: 7.4 ± 2.3 and pre-MU: 22.1 ± 2.4, post-MU: 3.2 ± 1.0; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that using foundation cream during aerobic exercise can reduce skin oil, causing dryness. Additionally, makeup can clog pores and increase sebum production. Therefore, wearing makeup may not be recommended for people with dry skin conditions based on the results of the current study. This research offers important insights to the public, encouraging them to consider the possible consequences of using makeup while exercising.

Efficacy and safety of a panthenol-enriched mask for individuals with distinct impaired skin barrier subtypes.

BACKGROUND: The protection for different skin types with impaired skin barrier in the market is insufficient. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a panthenol-enriched mask (La Roche-Posay Mask Pro) in addressing various skin barrier impairment subgroups, including dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin. METHODS: A total of 177 participants were enrolled in the study and divided into three subgroups based on their skin type. Participants used the mask following the specified protocol, with measurements taken for skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum content, and skin redness-factors that are directly influenced by skin barrier function. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 1 day (tested 15 min post-application), 7 days, and 14 days of application using Sebumeter, Tewameter, Corneometer, Mexameter, and VISIA. RESULTS: Results showed significant improvements in skin parameters across all subgroups. In the dry sensitive skin subgroup, the mask increased skin hydration, sebum content, and reduced redness. For the oily sensitive skin subgroup, the mask regulated sebum production and improved skin hydration. In the oily acne skin subgroup, the mask reduced sebum content, redness, TEWL, and post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation. Tolerance was excellent for all skin types, with no adverse reactions observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the efficacy and safety of the panthenol-enriched LRP Mask Pro for individuals with distinct skin barrier impairment subgroups. The mask's versatile formulation and proven efficacy make it a valuable skincare product for addressing various skin concerns and achieving healthier, more balanced skin.

New Insights Into Systemic Drivers of Inflammation and Their Contributions to the Pathophysiology of Acne.

Acne Vulgaris (AV) is a prominent skin disease commonly affecting teenagers. It often persists into adulthood and is associated with adverse physical and psychosocial impacts. The pathophysiology of AV is conventionally correlated with 4 factors within and around the pilosebaceous unit: increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, and localized immune responses. As such, conventional therapeutic approaches for AV have primarily focused on these factors. In addition to this primarily localized pathophysiology, there is a progressively emerging body of evidence indicating that underlying systemic factors contributing to a generalized immuno-inflammatory response can contribute to or exacerbate AV. In this article, we introduce and provide the supporting data, for 6 patient-centric systems that may be implicated in the development of AV: psycho-emotional stress, diet and metabolism, dysbiosis of the gut and skin microbiome, hormonal fluctuations, oxidative stress, and immune response. Identifying these pathways and their contributions in a patient-centric approach may provide expanded therapeutic opportunities for treating patients with AV. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(2):90-96.   doi:10.36849/JDD.8137.

The effects of Jawoongo soap on skin improvement.

BACKGROUND: Jawoongo is used to treat and prevent skin issues such as dry and keratinization disorders, burns, trauma, pigmentation, scarring, and inflammatory skin conditions. In this study, the efficacy and safety of 0.47% Jawoongo extract-containing soap (JAUN-CS) were assessed in terms of skin improvement effects such as cleansing, moisturizing, sebum secretion management, and skin elasticity enhancement. METHODS: Twenty healthy adult men and women aged 20-60 years old took part in the study. Before and after using JAUN-CS, the participants were divided into groups, and various skin improvement effects were measured utilizing machines such as the Corneometer, Tewameter TM 300, and Visioscan. A dermatologist analyzed the product's safety in accordance with Frosch & Kligman and the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) rules. RESULTS: Using JAUN reduced the amount of base and point makeup by 25.7% and 76.7%, respectively. Also, JAUN showed a great facial exfoliation effect by removing the old and lifted skin keratins by 84.7% and 20.3%, respectively. Impurities in facial pores decreased by 58%, too. Furthermore, JAUN increased the moisture content of deep skin and skin surface by 3.5% and 74.0%, and skin elasticity by 2.8%. Skin tone, skin texture, skin radiance, and skin barrier all showed improvements of 3.3%, 20.0%, 15.0%, and 115.2%, respectively. Lastly, cleansing with JAUN successfully enhanced the condition of the youth triangle by 7.6%, while TEWL significantly decreased by 52.7%. Neither the JAUN nor the control group soap showed any adverse reactions, such as erythema or allergies, during the testing period. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that JAUN is safe for human use and has various skin-improving properties, making Jawoongo a promising natural material for the development of functional cosmetics in the future.

The role of NPY2R/NFATc1/DYRK1A regulatory axis in sebaceous glands for sebum synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Sebaceous glands (SGs) synthesize and secret sebum to protect and moisturize the dermal system via the complicated endocrine modulation. Dysfunction of SG are usually implicated in a number of dermal and inflammatory diseases. However, the molecular mechanism behind the differentiation, development and proliferation of SGs is far away to fully understand. METHODS: Herein, the rat volar and mammary tissues with abundant SGs from female SD rats with (post-natal day (PND)-35) and without puberty onset (PND-25) were arrested, and conducted RNA sequencing. The protein complex of Neuropeptide Y receptor Y2 (NPY2R)/NPY5R/Nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) was performed by immunoprecipitation, mass spectrum and gel filtration. Genome-wide occupancy of NFATc1 was measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. Target proteins' expression and localization was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: NPY2R gene was significantly up-regulated in volar and mammary SGs of PND-25. A special protein complex of NPY2R/NPY5R/NFATc1 in PND-25. NFATc1 was dephosphorylated and activated, then localized into nucleus to exert as a transcription factor in volar SGs of PND-35. NFATc1 was especially binding at enhancer regions to facilitate the distal SG and sebum related genes' transcription. Dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) contributed to NFATc1 phosphorylation in PND-25, and inactivated of DYRK1A resulted in NFATc1 dephosphorylation and nuclear localization in PND-35. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings unmask the new role of NPY2R/NFATc1/DYRK1A in pubertal SG, and are of benefit to advanced understanding the molecular mechanism of SGs' function after puberty, and provide some theoretical basis for the treatment of acne vulgaris from the perspective of hormone regulation.

A novel deformable liposomal hydrogel loaded with a SREBP-1-inhibiting polypeptide for reducing sebum synthesis in golden hamster model.

Excessive sebum is the major factor involved in the pathophysiology of seborrheic diseases. Chemical medicines can result in mild to severe side effects. Polypeptides with much less side effects make them ideal for reducing sebum synthesis. Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1) is necessary for the biosynthesis of sterols. A SREBP-1-inhibiting polypeptide (SREi), which competitively inhibits the ubiquitination of Insig-1 so as to suppress the activation of SREBP-1 was selected as an active ingredient and formulated into skin topical preparations. The SREi anionic deformable liposomes contained sodium deoxycholate (SDCh) at the concentration of 4.4 mg/mL (SREi-ADL3) and SREi-ADL3 in 0.3% (w/v) carbomer hydrogel (SREi-ADL3-GEL) were prepared and characterized. The SREi-ADL3 presented a high entrapment efficiency of 92.62 ± 6.32%, a particle size of 99.54 ± 7.56 nm and a surface charge of -19.18 ± 0.45 mV. SREi-ADL3-GEL exhibited a sustained release behavior, a higher stability, a much more cellular uptake ability and transdermal absorption. In vivo golden hamster model confirmed that SREi-ADL3-GEL presented the strongest inhibitory effect on sebaceous gland growth and sebum synthesis by down-regulating the mRNA and protein expression of SREBP-1, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC1). As confirmed by histological analysis, only a small amount of sebaceous gland lobes with the lightest staining intensity and the smallest dyeing area could be observed in the SREi-ADL3-GEL group. Taken together, SREi-ADL3-GEL displayed potential applications in sebum excessive production related diseases.

Evaluation of the effects of 10% and 30% gluconolactone chemical peel on sebum, pH, and TEWL.

BACKGROUND: Gluconolactone (GLA) exhibits antioxidant and moisturizing effects. It also presents soothing effects, protects elastin fibers from UV-induced degradation, and improves the function of the skin barrier. AIMS: Evaluation of skin parameters such as pH, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum levels before, during, and after a series of applications of 10% and 30% GLA chemical peel in a split-face model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 16 female subjects. Three split-face procedures were performed using two concentrations of GLA solution applied on two sides of the face. The skin parameters were measured before treatments and 7 days after the last procedure at four measurement sites on either side of the face, that is, on the forehead, around the eye, on the cheek, and on the nose wing. RESULTS: Measurement of sebum demonstrated some statistically significant changes between sebum levels in the cheeks after a series of treatments. The pH measurement showed that the pH value was reduced after each treatment at all measurement points. The level of TEWL after treatments was significantly lower around the eyes, on the left forehead, and on the right cheek. There were no significant differences between the use of different concentrations of the GLA solution. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study show that GLA has a significant influence on lowering skin pH and TEWL. GLA also has seboregulatory properties.

Oleic acid-induced interleukin-36γ: A possible link between facial skin redness and sebum.

BACKGROUND: Redness of the facial skin is an important cosmetic concern. Although qualitative and quantitative modifications of sebum on the skin surface are major pathogenic factors of chronic inflammatory skin conditions, the relationship between skin redness, sebum, and mild inflammation on the cheeks of healthy subjects remains elusive. AIMS: We aimed to explore the correlation between cheek redness and sebum and inflammatory cytokines in the stratum corneum (SC) of healthy subjects. We also examined the effects of representative sebum lipids on the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in cultured keratinocytes. PATIENTS/METHODS: This study included 198 healthy participants. Skin sebum was analyzed using flow injection analysis, and skin redness was assessed using a spectrophotometer. Inflammatory cytokines in tape-stripped SC were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Cheek redness parameters positively correlated with the amount of skin sebum and the proportion of monounsaturated free fatty acids (C16:1 and C18:1) in the sebum. They also positively correlated with the interleukin (IL)-36γ/IL-37 ratio in the SC. Among the representative sebum lipids examined, oleic acid (C18:1, cis-9) dose- and time-dependently regulated the mRNA expression of IL-36γ and IL-37 in cultured keratinocytes, and this effect was attenuated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor antagonist, MK801. CONCLUSIONS: Skin surface sebum may be related to cheek redness in healthy subjects, and oleic acid-induced IL-36γ through NMDA-type glutamate receptors may be a link between them. Our study provides a possible skincare strategy for mitigating unfavorable increase in skin redness by targeting the facial skin sebum, particularly oleic acid.

Barrier function-related genes and proteins have an altered expression in acne-involved skin.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris provides a unique disease setting in which a prominent skin inflammation is coupled with the overproduction of lipid-rich sebum. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to evaluate the expression of barrier molecules in papular acne skin samples obtained from untreated patients and compare those to the results of healthy and of papulopustular rosacea-involved ones at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, we aimed to assess the effects of various sebum composing lipids on the expression of proteins involved in barrier formation in keratinocytes. METHODS: Available microarray data sets of papular acne and papulopustular rosacea-affected skin samples were re-analysed with a focus on epidermal barrier-related pathways. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect barrier molecules in the interfollicular regions of human acne and healthy skin samples. Protein levels of barrier-related genes were measured by western blot in samples of HaCaT keratinocytes treated with selected lipids. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of whole transcriptome data sets revealed that barrier-related pathways are significantly affected in acne vulgaris skin samples. While an altered expression of key molecules in maintaining barrier functions such as filaggrin, keratin 1, involucrin, desmoglein 1, kallikrein 5 and 7, was also observed at the protein levels, our data demonstrated that sebum composing lipids may selectively modify the levels of epidermal barrier-related molecules. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that although not as prominently as in the dry papulopustular rosacea skin, the epidermal barrier in the interfollicular region may be damaged also in the lipid-rich skin samples of papular acne. Furthermore, our findings indicating diverse regulatory effects of various sebum lipids on the expression of barrier molecules in keratinocytes suggest, that they may influence the moisturization of the skin as well. Altogether, our findings could have implications in the development of sebum-modulating anti-acne therapies and even in the care of symptom-free skin.

Effect of Hydrogel Substrate Components on the Stability of Tetracycline Hydrochloride and Swelling Activity against Model Skin Sebum.

Due to its high instability and rapid degradation under adverse conditions, tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) can cause difficulties in the development of an effective but stable formulation for the topical treatment of acne. The aim of the following work was to propose a hydrogel formulation that would ensure the stability of the antibiotic contained in it. Additionally, an important property of the prepared formulations was the activity of the alcoholamines contained in them against the components of the model sebum. This feature may help effectively cleanse the hair follicles in the accumulated sebum layer. A series of formulations with varying proportions of anionic polymer and alcoholamine and containing different polymers have been developed. The stability of tetracycline hydrochloride contained in the hydrogels was evaluated for 28 days by HPLC analysis. Formulations containing a large excess of TRIS alcoholamine led to the rapid degradation of TC from an initial concentration of about 10 µg/mL to about 1 µg/mL after 28 days. At the same time, these formulations showed the highest activity against artificial sebum components. Thanks to appropriately selected proportions of the components, it was possible to develop a formulation that assured the stability of tetracycline for ca. one month, while maintaining formulation activity against the components of model sebum.

Development of an Efficient Extraction Methodology to Analyse Potential Inflammatory Biomarkers from Sebum.

INTRODUCTION: Proteins, such as cytokines and chemokines, are present in varying concentrations in a range of biofluids, with an important signalling role in maintaining homeostasis. Commercial tapes have been employed to non-invasively collect these potential biomarkers in sebum from the skin surface to examine their concentrations in conditions including acne, atopic dermatitis, and pressure ulcers. However, the identification of robust biomarker candidates is limited by the low abundance of specific proteins extracted by current methodologies. Therefore, this study was designed to develop an optimized extraction method for potential inflammatory biomarkers in sebum collected with Sebutapes. METHODS: Commercial tapes (Sebutapes) coated with synthetic sebum were used to systematically evaluate the effects of chemical and mechanical stimuli on extraction efficiency. Varying concentrations of high- and low-abundance biomarkers (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, INF-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1RA) were used to spike the synthetic sebum samples. Methodological variables included different surfactants, mechanical stimuli, and buffer volume. Extraction efficiency was estimated using immunoassay kits from the extracted buffer. RESULTS: The results revealed that the use of a surfactant, i.e., ß-dodecyl maltoside, in addition to the mechanical stimuli, namely, sonication and centrifugation, resulted in an increased recovery of cytokines, ranging from 80% for high-abundant cytokines, such as IL-1α and IL-1RA, and up to 50% for low-abundance cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8. Compared to previous methods, the new extraction protocol resulted in between a 1.5-2.0-fold increase in extraction efficiency. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that there was a high degree of variability in the extraction efficiency of different cytokines. However, improved efficiency was achieved across all cytokines with selective surfactants and mechanical stimuli. The optimised protocol will provide means to detect low levels of potential biomarkers from skin surface, enabling the evaluation of local changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines present in different skin conditions.

Inhibition of lipogenesis and sebum secretion for Lotus corniculatus seed extract in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Botanical ingredients are widely used in hair- and skin-care products. However, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of botanical products on counteracting sebum synthesis and secretion. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the composition of Lotus corniculatus seed extract (LC) and its potential inhibition of lipogenesis in SZ95 sebocytes and oily human skin. METHODS: The active components of LC solutions were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The in vitro effects of LC were evaluated using SZ95 cells treated with linoleic acid (LA) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and incubated with LCs for 24 h and 72 h. Lipogenesis was assessed by Oil Red O and Nile Red staining of the cells. In vivo effects were assessed on 30 subjects with oily skin who were enrolled in a randomized, blank-controlled trial and were treated with LC solution for 6 h and 4 weeks. The skin sebum contents and area on the forehead and cheeks were evaluated using a Sebumeter SM815 and Sebfix sebutape with Visioscan VC98. In addition, VISIA was used to collect half-face photos for analysis. RESULTS: A novel active molecule, 5'-o-rhamnosyl uridine, was identified in LC. LC exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on LA and DHT-induced lipid synthesis. When 5% LC was applied for 3 h, the skin sebum contents and area were significantly reduced compared with the vehicle control, with an obvious reduction after 6 h. Continued use of the serum containing 5% LC for 4 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in the skin sebum contents and area. No adverse reactions were reported during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of LC resulted in an immediate and long-lasting reduction of the sebum contents and area of oily human skin by reducing sebaceous lipogenesis through the LA and DHT pathways. This indicates the potential of LC as a new biological treatment for oily skin.

CONTEXTE: Les ingrédients végétaux sont largement utilisés dans les produits de soins des cheveux et de la peau. Cependant, peu d'études ont examiné l'efficacité des produits végétaux dans l'inhibition de la synthèse et de la sécrétion de sébum. OBJECTIF: Étudier les composants de l'extrait de graines de lotus (LC) et son effet inhibiteur potentiel sur la lipogenèse des cellules sébacées SZ95 et de la peau grasse. MÉTHODES: Les composants actifs de la solution LC ont été identifiés par chromatographie liquide à haute performance (HPLC) et par résonance magnétique nucléaire (NMR). Les effets de la LC in vitro ont été évalués à l'aide de cellules SZ95 traitées à l'acide linoléique (LA) et à la dihydrotestostérone (DHT) et incubées avec la LC pendant 24 et 72 heures. Les effets in vivo ont été évalués chez 30 sujets à peau grasse qui ont participé à un essai contrôlé randomisé à blanc et qui ont été traités avec une solution de LC pendant 6 heures et 4 semaines. Le sebumeter SM815 et le sebfix sebutape et le visioscan VC98 ont été utilisés pour évaluer la teneur en sébum et la surface de la peau sur le front et les joues. De plus, des photos de demi - visage ont été recueillies pour analyse à l'aide de VISIA. RÉSULTATS: Une nouvelle molécule active, 5'-o-rhamnosyluridine, a été identifiée dans la LC. La LC a un effet inhibiteur dose - dépendant sur la synthèse lipidique induite par LA et DHT. La teneur et la surface du sébum cutané ont été significativement diminuées par rapport à celles du support photographique après 3 heures d'application de 5% de LC, et significativement diminuées après 6 heures. L'utilization de sérum contenant 5% de LC pendant quatre semaines consécutives a entraîné une réduction significative de la teneur en sébum et de la surface de la peau. Aucun effet indésirable n'a été signalé au cours de l'étude. CONCLUSION: L'application topique de LC peut réduire la production de sébum par les voies LA et DHT, ce qui réduit immédiatement et durablement la teneur en sébum et la surface de la peau huileuse humaine. Cela démontre le potentiel de la LC en tant que nouveau traitement biologique de la peau huileuse.

Dysregulated lipidome of sebum in patients with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Lipids are the major components of skin barrier, mainly produced by keratinocytes and sebaceous glands. Previous studies on barrier dysfunction of atopic dermatitis (AD) mainly focus on the lipids from keratinocytes, whereas the role of sebaceous gland-derived lipids in AD has long been underrecognized. METHODS: The sebum secreted on the skin surface of AD patients was measured using the Delfin Sebum Scale. Sebum was collected using Sebutape patches and subjected for liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Multivariate data analysis was applied to explore the relationship among the lipidome, clinical features, and sebaceous gland-related molecules. RESULTS: The amount of sebum secreted from sebaceous glands was decreased in AD patients and was negatively correlated with the barrier function and disease severity. LC-MS/MS revealed the lipidome of sebum, which clustered distinctly between AD patients and healthy individuals. Among the differential lipid subclasses, triglycerides (TG) were exclusively decreased in AD patients and correlated with disease severity. The first principal component scores of AD patients, which represented the main signature of the lipidome, were positively correlated with the SCORAD scores and were significantly different across the patient groups with differential clinical symptoms such as skin dryness and pruritus. Further analysis on the previously published transcriptome data revealed aberrant expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in non-lesional skin of AD patients, which was associated with skin inflammation and barrier dysfunction and mainly derived from inner root sheath keratinocytes and sebaceous gland cells. CONCLUSION: Atopic dermatitis patients demonstrated a deviated lipidome of sebum and aberrant lipid metabolism in sebaceous glands, indicating a possible role of lipids from sebaceous glands in the pathogenesis of AD.

A dysregulated sebum-microbial metabolite-IL-33 axis initiates skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis.

Microbial dysbiosis in the skin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD); however, whether and how changes in the skin microbiome initiate skin inflammation, or vice versa, remains poorly understood. Here, we report that the levels of sebum and its microbial metabolite, propionate, were lower on the skin surface of AD patients compared with those of healthy individuals. Topical propionate application attenuated skin inflammation in mice with MC903-induced AD-like dermatitis by inhibiting IL-33 production in keratinocytes, an effect that was mediated through inhibition of HDAC and regulation of the AhR signaling pathway. Mice lacking sebum spontaneously developed AD-like dermatitis, which was improved by topical propionate application. A proof-of-concept clinical study further demonstrated the beneficial therapeutic effects of topical propionate application in AD patients. In summary, we have uncovered that the dysregulated sebum-microbial metabolite-IL-33 axis might play an initiating role in AD-related skin inflammation, thereby highlighting novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AD.

An integrated analysis and comparison of serum, saliva and sebum for COVID-19 metabolomics.

The majority of metabolomics studies to date have utilised blood serum or plasma, biofluids that do not necessarily address the full range of patient pathologies. Here, correlations between serum metabolites, salivary metabolites and sebum lipids are studied for the first time. 83 COVID-19 positive and negative hospitalised participants provided blood serum alongside saliva and sebum samples for analysis by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Widespread alterations to serum-sebum lipid relationships were observed in COVID-19 positive participants versus negative controls. There was also a marked correlation between sebum lipids and the immunostimulatory hormone dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate in the COVID-19 positive cohort. The biofluids analysed herein were also compared in terms of their ability to differentiate COVID-19 positive participants from controls; serum performed best by multivariate analysis (sensitivity and specificity of 0.97), with the dominant changes in triglyceride and bile acid levels, concordant with other studies identifying dyslipidemia as a hallmark of COVID-19 infection. Sebum performed well (sensitivity 0.92; specificity 0.84), with saliva performing worst (sensitivity 0.78; specificity 0.83). These findings show that alterations to skin lipid profiles coincide with dyslipidaemia in serum. The work also signposts the potential for integrated biofluid analyses to provide insight into the whole-body atlas of pathophysiological conditions.

Non-invasive human skin transcriptome analysis using mRNA in skin surface lipids.

Non-invasive acquisition of mRNA data from the skin can be extremely useful for understanding skin physiology and diseases. Inspired by the holocrine process, in which the sebaceous glands secrete cell contents into the sebum, we focused on the possible presence of mRNAs in skin surface lipids (SSLs). We found that measurable levels of human mRNAs exist in SSLs, where the sebum protects them from degradation by RNases. The AmpliSeq transcriptome analysis was modified to measure SSL-RNA levels, and our results revealed that the SSL-RNAs predominantly comprised mRNAs derived from sebaceous glands, the epidermis, and hair follicles. Analysis of SSL-RNAs non-invasively collected from patients with atopic dermatitis revealed increased expression of inflammation-related genes and decreased expression of terminal differentiation-related genes, consistent with the results of previous reports. Further, we found that lipid synthesis-related genes were downregulated in the sebaceous glands of patients with atopic dermatitis. These results indicate that the analysis of SSL-RNAs is a promising strategy to understand the pathophysiology of skin diseases.

Aged related human skin microbiome and mycobiome in Korean women.

We examined differences in the skin microbiome of two separate age groups to find key microbial and skin physiological indicators associated with aging. We recruited healthy Korean women 19-28 years old (Y-group) and 60-63 years old (O-group) and evaluated their cheek and forehead skin microbiome, including bacteria and fungi. The microbiome was significantly different by age group, with bacterial and fungal communities displaying higher alpha-diversity in the O-group than in the Y-group. We identified amplicon sequence variants affiliated with Cutibacterium and Lactobacillus and fungi Malassezia restricta as microbial biomarkers showing significant differences between the Y and O-group. There are more microbial communities and metabolic processes related to skin health in the Y-group than in the O-group, and there are more microbial interactions to increase the stability of the network structure of the skin. Skin physical metadata, including transepidermal water loss and sebum content, differed by two age groups. The crucial skin microbes, skin physical parameters, and microbial network found through this research will be useful key indicators in associating skin aging and skin microbiome research.

30% supramolecular salicylic acid peels effectively treats acne vulgaris and reduces facial sebum.

BACKGROUND: Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with high incidence and recurrence. AIM: To study the efficacy of 30% supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) in the treatment of acne, especially its effect on facial sebum secretion and the skin barrier. METHODS: Chemical peeling treatment with SSA using self-contrast was performed every 2 weeks for a total of four treatments in 25 patients. VISIA photographs and skin parameter measurements were recorded at every treatment, with a 2-week follow-up after the last treatment. We performed skin biopsy and immunohistochemical staining to detect sterol response element-binding proteins (SREBPs), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), which are important factors involved in the regulation of sebum metabolism. RESULTS: The global acne-grading system (GAGS) score of patients with acne decreased with 30% SSA treatment. The sebum level in the nose (p < 0.001), chin (p < 0.001), left cheek (p < 0.05), and right cheek (p < 0.05) improved significantly with increasing number of treatments. The T-zone sebum level (p < 0.001) improved more than the U-zone (p < 0.01). The VISIA index porphyrin score also reduced (p < 0.001). Skin hydration (p < 0.001), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (p < 0.05), and pH value (p < 0.01)-reflecting the skin barrier-were also improved. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased expression of SREBPs, FAS, and COX2. CONCLUSION: Peels with 30%SSA effectively treated acne and reduced facial sebum secretion without damaging the skin barrier. Reduction of sebum showed cumulative effect, which suggests that multiple 30%SSA chemical peels are beneficial to acne patients.

Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A in the Treatment of Facial Seborrhea and Acne: Evidence and a Proposed Mechanism.

Intradermal injection of botulinum neurotoxin is a frequently performed procedure in aesthetic dermatology to improve facial skin tone, texture, fine wrinkles, and enlarged pores. In practice, botulinum neurotoxin type A is also used to reduce skin oiliness of the face. There is increasing evidence that acetylcholine plays specific roles in sebum production, suggesting that botulinum neurotoxin type A may reduce sebum production by interfering with cholinergic transmission between sebaceous glands and autonomic nerve terminals. Botulinum neurotoxins can also inhibit several pathogenetic components of acne development, suggesting that botulinum neurotoxins can be used as a safe and effective treatment modality for acne and other skin disorders related to overactivity of sebaceous glands. This review aims to explore the current evidence behind the treatment of facial seborrhea and acne with botulinum neurotoxin type A.