Melatonin inhibits senescence-associated melanin pigmentation through the p53-TYR pathway in human primary melanocytes and the skin of C57BL/6 J mice after UVB irradiation.

UVB exposure accelerates skin aging and pigmentation. Melatonin effectively regulates tyrosinase (TYR) activity and aging. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between premature senescence and pigmentation, and the mechanism of melanin synthesis effected by melatonin. Primary melanocytes were extracted and identified from the male foreskin. To inhibit TYR expression, primary melanocytes were transduced with the lentivirus pLKD-CMV-EGFP-2A-Puro-U6-TYR. The wild-type TYR(+/+) and TYR(-/-) or TYR(+/-) knockout C57BL/6 J mice were used to determine the role of TYR on melanin synthesis in vivo. Results showed that UVB-induced melanin synthesis is dependent on TYR in primary melanocytes and mice. Furthermore, in primary melanocytes pretreated with Nutlin-3 or PFT-α to up or downregulate p53, results showed that premature senescence and melanin synthesis increased in primary melanocytes after UVB irradiation at 80 mJ/cm2, and further increased after being treated with Nutlin-3, while significantly decreased with PFT-α. In addition, melatonin inhibited UVB-induced premature senescence associated with inactivation of p53 and phosphorylation of p53 on Ser15 (ser-15), a decrease of melanin synthesis accompanied by reduced TYR expression. Moreover, skin erythema and pigmentation induced by UVB were reduced in the dorsal and ear skin of mice topically pretreated with 2.5% melatonin. These indicate that melatonin inhibits UVB-induced senescence-associated pigmentation via the p53-TYR pathway in primary melanocytes and prevents pigmentation obviously in the dorsal and ear skin of C57BL/6 J mice after UVB irradiation. KEY MESSAGES: P53 links UVB irradiation-induced senescence and senescence-associated pigmentation and regulates TYR in primary melanocytes after UVB irradiation. Melatonin inhibits senescence-associated pigmentation through the p53-TYR pathway in primary melanocytes. Melatonin prevents skin erythema and melanin pigmentation induced by UVB irradiation in the dorsal and ear skin of C57BL/6J mice.

Green Tea Catechin Association with Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Erythema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Catechins are a part of the chemical family of flavonoids, a naturally occurring antioxidant, and a secondary metabolite in certain plants. Green tea catechins are well recognized for their essential anti-inflammatory, photo-protective, antioxidant, and chemo-preventive functions. Ultraviolet radiation is a principal cause of damage to the skin. Studies observed that regular intake of green tea catechins increased the minimal dose of radiation required to induce erythema. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to determine the effectiveness of green tea catechins in cutaneous erythema and elucidate whether green tea catechin consumption protects against erythema (sunburn) inflammation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify the relevant studies. Two researchers carried out independent screening, data extraction, and quality assessment according to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The pooled effect of green tea catechins on protection against erythema was assessed using approaches fixed-effects or random-effects model to quantify the effectiveness of green tea catechins in the erythema dose-response. Studies not be included in meta-analyses were summarized narratively. Six randomized controlled studies of enrolled studies regularly administrated green tea catechins orally for 6 to 12 weeks involving healthy volunteers comprising a total of 100 participants were included in the analysis. The results revealed green tea catechins have favorable protection against erythema inflammation even at increased minimal erythema dose (MED) of ultraviolet radiation. Meta-analysis results confirm oral supplementation of green tea catechins is highly effective at low-intensity ultraviolet radiation-induced erythema response (MED range; 1.25-1.30) compared to placebo, showing a significant pooling difference (p = 0.002) in erythema index (SMD: -0.35; 95% CI, -0.57 to -0.13; I2 = 4%, p = 0.40) in the random-effects model. The pro-inflammatory signaling pathways through oral supplementation with green tea catechins are an attractive strategy for photo-protection in healthy human subjects and could represent a complementary approach to topical sunscreens. Therefore, studies that involved green tea catechin in topical applications to human subjects were also evaluated separately, and their meta-analysis is presented as a reference. The evidence indicates that regular green tea catechin supplementation is associated with protection against UV-induced damage due to erythema inflammation.

The association of photo-induced collagen degeneration and the development of telangiectasias in rosacea.

Rosacea is a chronic, often progressive disorder characterized by facial erythema, telangiectasias, papules, pustules, and/or rhinophyma. In this study, we investigated the tissue structure in rosacea compared to controls. We performed a case-control study between five patients with mild-to-moderate erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) and five matched controls. Facial biopsy samples from rosacea patients and controls were stained with picrosirius red for collagen and CD31 for microvessel identification. Mean collagen content was significantly greater in control samples (19.603% ±8.821%) compared to rosacea samples (16.812% ± 7.787%, p = 0.030). In contrast, mean microvessel density was significantly higher in rosacea patients (4.775 E-5 ± 1.493 E-5 µm-3 ) compared to controls (2.559 E-5 ± 8.732 E-6 µm-3 , p = 0.004). Mean microvessel lumen area was also significantly higher in rosacea patients (491.710 ± 610.188 µm2 ) compared to controls (347.879 ± 539.624 µm2 , p = 0.003). We identified a correlation between decreased collagen content and increased microvessel size and density in rosacea patients that was not observed in controls. These structural changes to the dermal matrix may contribute to the characteristic vessel growth and dilation in rosacea.

Paraneoplastic Dermatoses: A Brief General Review and an Extensive Analysis of Paraneoplastic Pemphigus and Paraneoplastic Dermatomyositis.

Skin manifestations of systemic disease and malignancy are extremely polymorphous. Clinicians should be familiarized with paraneoplastic dermatoses in order to perform an early diagnosis of the underlying neoplasm. Lack of familiarity with cutaneous clues of internal malignancy may delay diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this review, we described several paraneoplastic dermatoses and discussed extensively two paradigmatic ones, namely paraneoplastic pemphigus and paraneoplastic dermatomyositis.

Research Techniques Made Simple: Cutaneous Colorimetry: A Reliable Technique for Objective Skin Color Measurement.

Skin color evaluation contributes to assessment of an individual's cutaneous phenotype. Skin color changes provide important clues to disease progression or treatment response. Skin color is also a predictor of skin cancer risk. Melanin pigment, blood flow, skin thickness, and photoaging contribute to skin color. Melanin, hemoglobin, bilirubin, and carotene are the primary chromophores of skin color. Their concentrations vary depending on the individual's phenotype, anatomic location, external insults of chemical irritants and UVR, and physiological changes. The evaluation and perception of skin color are often subjective. Objective quantification of skin color can be achieved with colorimetric devices such as tristimulus colorimeters. These devices compute the intensity of light reflected from skin and correlate with pigmentation and erythema. Cutaneous color and color changes can be quantified under color organization systems, such as the CIELAB color space, which is standardized by the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE). The CIELAB expresses color's lightness, red/green intensity, and yellow/blue intensity, as L*, a*, and b* values, respectively. Additionally, skin color's full spectral characteristics and cutaneous physiology can be measured with spectrophotometers. This article outlines basic principles of the CIELAB color system and how to optimally use colorimetric devices as a skin research tool.

Epidermal Langerhans cells resistance to solar-simulated radiation in actinic prurigo patients with low minimal erythema dose.

BACKGROUND: Actinic prurigo is a chronic photodermatosis of unclear pathogenesis. Epidermal Langerhans cell resistance to migration after ultraviolet radiation exposure has been proposed as a possible mechanism, as occurs in polymorphic light eruption patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of solar-simulated radiation (SSR) on epidermal Langerhans cells in the uninvolved skin of actinic prurigo patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with actinic prurigo participated in the study. A biopsy from the uninvolved and unirradiated skin of the left buttock was performed, and another from the uninvolved skin of the right buttock, 72 hours after exposure to two MEDs of SSR. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to identify Langerhans cells (CD1a) in all samples. RESULTS: In actinic prurigo patients with normal MED, there was a significant decrease in the number of epidermal Langerhans cells on the buttock skin exposed to two MED of SSR compared with the unirradiated buttock skin (P = .02 and .035 respectively). On the contrary, in patients with low MED there were no significant differences in the number of epidermal Langerhans cells between irradiated and unirradiated skin (P = .39). CONCLUSION: Epidermal Langerhans cells migration after ultraviolet radiation exposure is decreased in actinic prurigo patients with low MED as has been reported in PLE patients, especially, those with low MED or positive UVB provocation tests. Langerhans cells resistance could be part of a common pathogenic mechanism in these two photodermatoses.

Rubeosis faciei diabeticorum is not associated with oxidative stress and skin autofluorescence

Abstract Background Rubeosis faciei diabeticorum is a persistent facial erythema in patients with diabetes mellitus. The actual pathogenesis has not been studied. However, it is speculated to be a cutaneous diabetic microangiopathy. Objective Examine the correlation between the severity of facial erythema and the possible causes of microvascular diabetic complications, namely oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and cutaneous accumulation of advanced glycation end-products . Methods Patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 32) were enrolled in the study. The facial erythema index was measured using the Mexameter MX18; cutaneous accumulation of advanced glycation end-products was estimated by measuring skin auto fluorescence with the AGE Reader (DiagnOptics Technologies B.V. - Groningen, Netherlands). Glycated haemoglobin, total antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde were measured in blood by TBARS assay. The correlation between the selected variables was assessed by Spearman's rank test; p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There was a statistically significant correlation between total antioxidant status and the facial erythema index (ρ = 0.398, p = 0.024). Malondialdehyde, skin autofluorescence, glycated haemoglobin, body mass index, duration of diabetes, and age did not demonstrate statistically significant correlation with the facial erythema index. Study limitations This is an observational study. Elevation of total antioxidant status could have been caused by several factors that might have also influenced the development of rubeosis faciei, including hyperbilirubinemia and hyperuricemia. Conclusions The results contradicted expectations. Total antioxidant status correlated positively with facial erythema index; however, there was no correlation with oxidative stress and skin autofluorescence. Further investigations should be conducted to reveal the cause of total antioxidant status elevation in patients with rubeosis faciei.

In vivo Change of Keratin-Bound Molecules in the Human Stratum Corneum following Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages the stratum corneum (SC) and disrupts the skin barrier. The damaged skin changes in the molecular composition of the SC, including its water content. However, it is difficult to examine the in vivo SC changes with existing methods, so those have not been well characterized. Therefore, we investigated in vivo changes of UV-induced SC damage using confocal Raman spectroscopy. METHOD: We irradiated the volar forearm of 10 subjects with 0.5, 1, and 1.5 minimal erythemal doses of UV radiation. Then, we examined erythema, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the water content, the natural moisturizing factor (NMF), and the lipids of the skin. RESULTS: After UV irradiation, erythema and TEWL of the skin were both increased. The bound water content of the SC was also increased following UV irradiation. The NMF of the SC revealed different tendencies. All free amino acids (FAAs) of the NMF were increased after UV irradiation, except proline. trans-urocanic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, lactate, and urea, which are NMF components produced by the subsequent catabolism of FAAs and sweat, were decreased after UV irradiation. The amount of ceramide in the SC was also decreased after UV exposure, while cholesterol was increased. CONCLUSIONS: The bound water content of the SC was increased by UV exposure along with increasing TEWL, several NMF components, and cholesterol. These in vivo results for UV-damaged SC obtained via Raman spectroscopy could be applied to research with regard to protecting the SC from UV radiation and treating UV-damaged SC.

The Reparative Effect of Dendrobium officinale Protocorms against Photodamage Caused by UV-Irradiation in Hairless Mice.

Dendrobium officinale protocorms (DOPs) are a specific developmental stage of Dendrobium officinale KIMURA et MIGO, which is used in folk medicine to ease skin issues, such as wrinkles and erythema. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of DOPs on UV irradiation-induced skin damage in bc_nu hairless mice, using matrixyl as a positive control. Hairless mice were randomly separated into 6 groups (8 mice per group). The normal control group received solvent and was not exposed to UV irradiation, while the model control group received solvent and was exposed to UV irradiation. The positive control group was subjected to UV irradiation and then received a 10 mg/mL formulation of matrixyl. The DOPs-treated groups received a transdermal application of a DOPs formulation after 4 weeks of UV irradiation. Relevant indicators, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), were then used to evaluate the ability of DOPs to repair photodamage. The results indicated that DOPs significantly reduced erythema and protected the skin from dryness and therefore exhibits a significant anti-photoaging effect. In addition, the expression of CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px increased while TBARS and MMPs levels decreased in DOPs-treated mice. This demonstrated that DOPs can inhibit photodamage in the skin of hairless mice. DOPs could be used as a potential therapeutic agent to protect the skin against UV-induced photoaging.

Fucoxanthin-Containing Cream Prevents Epidermal Hyperplasia and UVB-Induced Skin Erythema in Mice.

Microalgae represent a source of bio-active compounds such as carotenoids with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We aimed to investigate the effects of fucoxanthin (FX) in both in vitro and in vivo skin models. Firstly, its anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages and TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes, and its antioxidant activity in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Next, in vitro and ex vivo permeation studies were developed to determine the most suitable formulation for in vivo FX topical application. Then, we evaluated the effects of a FX-containing cream on TPA-induced epidermal hyperplasia in mice, as well as on UVB-induced acute erythema in hairless mice. Our results confirmed the in vitro reduction of TNF-α, IL-6, ROS and LDH production. Since the permeation results showed that cream was the most favourable vehicle, FX-cream was elaborated. This formulation effectively ameliorated TPA-induced hyperplasia, by reducing skin edema, epidermal thickness, MPO activity and COX-2 expression. Moreover, FX-cream reduced UVB-induced erythema through down-regulation of COX-2 and iNOS as well as up-regulation of HO-1 protein via Nrf-2 pathway. In conclusion, FX, administered in a topical formulation, could be a novel natural adjuvant for preventing exacerbations associated with skin inflammatory pathologies as well as protecting skin against UV radiation.

Keratosis pilaris rubra with mucin deposition.

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a benign cutaneous disorder characterized by folliculocentric hyperkeratotic papules most often occurring on the proximal extremities. Erythema is usually limited to perifollicular skin, but when keratosis pilaris presents on a background of confluent erythema, the term keratosis pilaris rubra (KPR) is used. The histological findings associated with KP have not been well described in the literature. Herein, we present a case of a 14-year-old male with a 7-year history of erythema and follicular-based papules over his bilateral cheeks, consistent with KPR. Histological examination revealed abundant mucin, keratotic follicular plugging, and periadnexal lymphocytosis. Our novel finding of abundant dermal mucin expands the histopathologic description of KPR.

Clinical and Biological Characterization of Skin Pigmentation Diversity and Its Consequences on UV Impact.

Skin color diversity is the most variable and noticeable phenotypic trait in humans resulting from constitutive pigmentation variability. This paper will review the characterization of skin pigmentation diversity with a focus on the most recent data on the genetic basis of skin pigmentation, and the various methodologies for skin color assessment. Then, melanocyte activity and amount, type and distribution of melanins, which are the main drivers for skin pigmentation, are described. Paracrine regulators of melanocyte microenvironment are also discussed. Skin response to sun exposure is also highly dependent on color diversity. Thus, sensitivity to solar wavelengths is examined in terms of acute effects such as sunburn/erythema or induced-pigmentation but also long-term consequences such as skin cancers, photoageing and pigmentary disorders. More pronounced sun-sensitivity in lighter or darker skin types depending on the detrimental effects and involved wavelengths is reviewed.

Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy as a Reliable Means of Comparing Ultraviolet Radiation-induced Erythema in Extreme Skin Colors.

Erythema is widely considered an indicator of skin cancer susceptibility, but assessments are challenging in black skin because melanin can mask erythema under traditional visual and advanced objective Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* assessments. Using spectral measurements (400-700 nm) from a spectrophotometer, an algorithm was developed to measure erythema in white Caucasians (n = 9) and black West Africans (n = 11) 19-24 h postsolar simulated radiation (SSR) exposures to the volar forearm. The derived spectrum achieved showed a strong maximum peak for hemoglobin at 580 nm and a linear slope between 650 and 700 nm for melanin absorption, as reported by other authors. Absorption by hemoglobin at 580 nm was used as a proxy for erythema, and melanin was quantified between 650 and 700 nm. Our algorithm corrected the erythema measurements for stray specular (mirror-like) reflection and the melanin-masking effect. A linear relationship between SSR exposure and erythema was evident (p < 0.0001 for white and black skin), and white skin is 8.4 times more responsive to SSR compared to black skin. The prediction of ultraviolet radiation sensitivity is vital in both clinical and investigative dermatology especially in the determination of starting phototherapy doses. Our methodology allows for the accurate assessment of erythema independent of constitutive pigmentation.

Reduction in ultraviolet B light-induced erythema by oxymetazoline and brimonidine is mediated by different α-adrenoceptors.

When applied topically, oxymetazoline and brimonidine reduce the persistent facial erythema of rosacea; this effect is mediated by cutaneous vasoconstriction induced by postsynaptic activation of α-adrenoceptors. We investigated the α-adrenergic pharmacology of oxymetazoline and brimonidine. Functional activity on α-adrenoceptors was evaluated in vitro in HEK293 cells stably expressing single receptor subtypes using a fluorometric imaging plate reader Ca2+ influx assay. Oxymetazoline was an α1 -adrenoceptor agonist with partial α2 -adrenoceptor activity, whereas brimonidine was a highly selective full α2 -adrenoceptor agonist. In vivo pharmacology was investigated in a mouse model of ultraviolet B light (UVB)-induced skin erythema. To selectively inhibit α-adrenoceptor subtypes, mice were injected with prazosin (an α1 -selective antagonist) or rauwolscine (an α2 -selective antagonist) following UVB exposure. Oxymetazoline cream 1.0%, brimonidine gel 0.33% or vehicle control was applied topically, and erythema was measured using a chromameter. Oxymetazoline and brimonidine reduced UVB-induced erythema compared with vehicle control (P < .01). The effect of oxymetazoline was impaired in prazosin-pretreated but not rauwolscine-pretreated mice. Conversely, the effect of brimonidine was impaired in rauwolscine-pretreated but not prazosin-pretreated mice. These data suggest that while oxymetazoline and brimonidine produce cutaneous vasoconstriction, they do so through different α-adrenergic mechanisms, with oxymetazoline primarily acting via α1 -adrenoceptors and brimonidine acting via α2 -adrenoceptors.

Role of Topical Oxymetazoline for Management of Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea.

OBJECTIVE: To review and summarize topical oxymetazoline's pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, cost, and place in therapy for persistent redness associated with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. DATA SOURCES: Literature searches of MEDLINE (1975 to September 2017), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1975 to September 2017), and Cochrane Database (publications through September 2017) using the terms rosacea, persistent redness, α -agonist, and oxymetazoline. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Results were limited to studies of human subjects, English-language publications, and topical use of oxymetazoline. Relevant materials from government sources, industry, and reviews were also included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Data support the efficacy of oxymetazoline for persistent facial redness. Little study beyond clinical trials cited in the drug approval process has been conducted. Current data suggest that oxymetazoline is similar in safety and efficacy to brimonidine. Head-to-head comparisons of topical α-agonists for erythema caused by rosacea are needed. CONCLUSION: The topical α-agonist, oxymetazoline, is safe and effective for reducing persistent facial redness associated with erythematotelangiectatic subtype of rosacea. Health care practitioners selecting among treatments should consider not only the subtype of rosacea but also individual patient response, preference, and cost.

Development and evaluation of nanostructured lipid carrier-based hydrogel for topical delivery of 5-fluorouracil.

The aim of this study was to develop a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC)-based hydrogel and study its potential for the topical delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Precirol® ATO 5 (glyceryl palmitostearate) and Labrasol® were selected as the solid and liquid lipid phases, respectively. Poloxamer 188 and Solutol® HS15 (polyoxyl-15-hydroxystearate) were selected as surfactants. The developed lipid formulations were dispersed in 1% Carbopol® 934 (poly[acrylic acid]) gel medium in order to maintain the topical application consistency. The average size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index for the 5-FU-NLC were found to be 208.32±8.21 nm, -21.82±0.40 mV, and 0.352±0.060, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy study revealed that 5-FU-NLC was <200 nm in size, with a spherical shape. In vitro drug permeation studies showed a release pattern with initial burst followed by sustained release, and the rate of 5-FU permeation was significantly improved for 5-FU-NLC gel (10.27±1.82 µg/cm2/h) as compared with plain 5-FU gel (2.85±1.12 µg/cm2/h). Further, skin retention studies showed a significant retention of 5-FU from the NLC gel (91.256±4.56 µg/cm2) as compared with that from the 5-FU plain gel (12.23±3.86 µg/cm2) in the rat skin. Skin irritation was also significantly reduced with 5-FU-NLC gel as compared with 5-FU plain gel. These results show that the prepared 5-FU-loaded NLC has high potential to improve the penetration of 5-FU through the stratum corneum, with enormous retention and with minimal skin irritation, which is the prerequisite for topically applied formulations.

Topical application of spent coffee ground extracts protects skin from ultraviolet B-induced photoaging in hairless mice.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of spent coffee ground (SCG) on ultraviolet (UV) B-induced photoaging in hairless mice. The oil fraction (OSCG) and ethanol extract (ESCG) of SCG were prepared from SCG. OSCG contained a much higher level of caffeine (547.32 ± 1.68 µg mg(-1)) when compared to the sum of its chlorogenic acid derivatives (∼119 µg mg(-1)), and pyrazines were the major aromatic compounds in OSCG. OSCG effectively inhibited the UVB-induced increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species in HaCaT cells. Topical application of OSCG or ESCG significantly reduced the UVB-induced wrinkle formation in mice dorsal skin. The combined application of OSCG and ESCG (OEH) led to a decrease in the wrinkle area by over 35% when compared with the UVB-treated control (UVBC). Epidermal thickness was also reduced by 40%. This result was connected to the significant reduction in transdermal water loss (27%) and erythema formation (48%) that result from UVB irradiation. Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) and antibody-based histological analyses showed that OSCG and ESCG effectively suppressed the UVB-induced decrease in collagen content. The level of type 1 collagen (COL1) in the OEH group was enhanced by around 40% compared with the UVB control group (UVBC). This was attributed to the down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, 9, and 13), which are known to be responsible for collagen destruction. Our results indicate that topical treatment with OSCG/ESCG protects mouse skin from UVB-induced photoaging by down-regulating MMPs; therefore, suggesting the potential of SCG extracts as a topical anti-photoaging agent.

Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil or no Oil for Baby Dry Skin or Massage: A Pilot, Assessor-blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial (the Oil in Baby SkincaRE [OBSeRvE] Study).

Topical oils on baby skin may contribute to development of childhood atopic eczema. A pilot, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial assessed feasibility of a definitive trial investigating their impact in neonates. One-hundred and fifteen healthy, full-term neonates were randomly assigned to olive oil, sunflower oil or no oil, twice daily for 4 weeks, stratified by family history of atopic eczema. We measured spectral profile of lipid lamellae, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration and pH and recorded clinical observations, at baseline, and 4 weeks post-birth. Recruitment was challenging (recruitment 11.1%; retention 80%), protocol adherence reasonable (79-100%). Both oil groups had significantly improved hydration but significantly less improvement in lipid lamellae structure compared to the no oil group. There were no significant differences in TEWL, pH or erythema/skin scores. The study was not powered for clinical significance, but until further research is conducted, caution should be exercised when recommending oils for neonatal skin.

Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency Treatment for Acne-related Post-inflammatory Erythema.

Post-inflammatory erythema is a common result of acne inflammation and is cosmetically unacceptable without effective treatment. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) has potential for treatment of post-inflammatory erythema. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment. A retrospective chart review was undertaken of 25 patients treated with 2 sessions of radiofrequency at 4-week intervals and 27 patients treated with oral antibiotics and/or topical agents. Efficacy was assessed through an investigator's global assessment of photographs, and the analysis of erythema with image analysis software and photometric devices. Histological changes resulting from the treatment were evaluated by skin biopsy. FMR treatment resulted in significant improvements in erythema with no severe adverse effects. Histological study revealed a reduction in vascular markers and inflammation. FMR is a safe and effective treatment for post-inflammatory erythema, with potential anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenetic properties.