Case report: Long-term follow-up of a large full-thickness skin defect treated with a photosynthetic scaffold for dermal regeneration.

It is broadly described that almost every step of the regeneration process requires proper levels of oxygen supply; however, due to the vascular disruption in wounds, oxygen availability is reduced, being detrimental to the regeneration process. Therefore, the development of novel biomaterials combined with improved clinical procedures to promote wound oxygenation is an active field of research in regenerative medicine. This case report derives from a cohort of patients enrolled in a previously published ongoing phase I clinical trial (NCT03960164), to assess safety of photosynthetic scaffolds for the treatment of full skin defects. Here, we present a 56 year old patient, with a scar contracture in the cubital fossa, which impaired the elbow extension significantly affecting her quality of life. As part of the treatment, the scar contracture was removed, and the full-thickness wound generated was surgically covered with a photosynthetic scaffold for dermal regeneration, which was illuminated to promote local oxygen production. Then, in a second procedure, an autograft was implanted on top of the scaffold and the patient's progress was followed for up to 17 months. Successful outcome of the whole procedure was measured as improvement in functionality, clinical appearance, and self-perception of the treated area. This case report underscores the long-term safety and applicability of photosynthetic scaffolds for dermal regeneration and their stable compatibility with other surgical procedures such as autograft application. Moreover, this report also shows the ability to further improve the clinical outcome of this procedure by means of dermal vacuum massage therapy and, more importantly, shows an overall long-term improvement in patient´s quality of life, supporting the translation of photosynthetic therapies into human patients.

Vichy mineralizing water with hyaluronic acid is effective and well tolerated as an adjunct to the management of various dermatoses and after esthetic procedures.

INTRODUCTION: M89, containing 89% of Vichy mineralizing water and hyaluronic acid, has been developed to reinforce the skin barrier and to improve skin quality. AIM: To assess efficacy and tolerability of M89. METHOD: Observational survey of subjects with facial dermatoses or after esthetic procedures. M89 served as adjunct to conventional therapy. Clinician assessments of erythema, desquamation, irritation and patient-reported dryness, burning, itching, and stinging/tingling were conducted at baseline and 4 weeks. At 1 week and 4 weeks, patient assessed tolerance and satisfaction with M89. RESULTS: A total of 1630 subjects participated; 92.5% were females. Mean age was 41.1 ± 11.3 years. Dermatological indications accounted for 32.5%, procedures for 67.5%. At 4 weeks, in subjects with dermatoses, erythema had resolved or improved in 68.0%, desquamation in 83.4%, and irritation in 93.3%. Dryness, burning, itching, and stinging/tingling scores had decreased by 63.8%, 81.8%, 70.9%, and 85.2%, respectively (all P ≤ .0001); 75.7% considered that their skin was sufficiently hydrated. In the procedure group, erythema had resolved or improved in 72.5%, desquamation in 75.2%, and irritation in 88.1%. Dryness, burning, itching, and stinging/tingling scores had decreased by 62.1%, 78.8%, 70.0%, and 84.2%, respectively (all P ≤ .0001); 74.1% considered that their skin was sufficiently hydrated. Almost all subjects reported soothed skin and satisfaction with product texture. Subject and investigator satisfaction was very high. CONCLUSION: M89 significantly improves skin signs and symptoms after 4 weeks of continued use with no tolerance issues in subjects with dermatological indications. Moreover, subjects who have had recently undergone esthetic procedures M89 allowed a satisfying skin recovery.

Clinical efficacy of adapalene (differin(®)) 0.3% gel in Chilean women with cutaneous photoaging.

Skin photoaging is a concern for many patients today, and it is important for dermatologists to evaluate new therapeutic approaches. This 6-month open-label study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of adapalene 0.3% gel in 40 Latin American women with signs of facial photoaging. Assessments at baseline, week 12, and week 24 included clinical severity grading, measurement of transepidermal water loss, hydration, and elasticity (Cutometer MPA 850®), evaluation of general skin tone and number of wrinkles (VISIA(®) Complexion Analysis System), and ultrasonography to measure changes in skin thickness. There were significant improvements in clinical grading of wrinkles (p < 0.01) with a reduction in mean severity score of 40% in forehead wrinkles, 52% in periorbital wrinkles, and 29% in perioral wrinkles. Melanin, transepidermal water loss, and hydration were improved, as were general skin tone and the number of wrinkles (p < 0.05). Measurement of skin thickness showed a non-significant improvement in the epidermis and dermis and a significant decrease of the elastosis band (11.6% at week 12 and 15.1% at week 24). Adapalene was well tolerated overall, although three patients discontinued the study due to skin irritation in the first month. We conclude that adapalene 0.3% gel is a new safe and effective approach to photoaging.

Botanical extracts used in the treatment of cellulite.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite is defined as skin relief alterations that give the skin an orange peel or mattress appearance. The lesions tend to be asymptomatic and may be considered the anatomic expressions of the structures in the affected area, such as the fat and subcutaneous septa. OBJECTIVE: The present article reviews the most important botanical extracts used as active ingredients in the treatment of cellulite, as well as the steps to obtain these botanicals as raw material and their standardization and quality control, which are important to guarantee their therapeutic action. METHODS: The current literature was reviewed, and we also obtained information from the manufacturers of the products that contained botanicals because of the few publications about this subject. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in fat deposits through the continuous use of anticellulite products depends on the availability of the active ingredient at the action site, the concentration of the ingredient in the formulation, and the physiochemical characteristics particular to each active ingredient. The botanicals used in topical products must have standardized extracts, which would permit each phytomedicine to have the same effect anywhere in the world. New scientific research is necessary to verify the efficacy and ideal concentrations of such substances.