A pilot study on the efficacy of a seaweed mud application in the treatment of cellulite.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite represents a common multi-factorial condition that affects nearly all women and is now recognized as a clinical condition associated with systemic factors and negative psychological effects. Several noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments were developed during the last few years, but limited evidence supports many of them due to lack of evidence, insufficient participants, and potential adverse effects. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a seaweed mud application in improving both the structure and function of tissues affected by cellulite. Sixty women with cellulite underwent 4-week applications of seaweed mud on the buttocks and thighs. The following assessments were performed at baseline and after the last treatment: photographic, clinical, and anthropometric evaluation; tests for elasticity and hydration; ultrasonography of cellulite nodules; and cellulite biopsies in the trochanteric region. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire. RESULTS: The treatment resulted in a significant improvement in the severity of cellulite severity between the initial assessment and the 4-week follow-up, with enhanced structure, elasticity, and hydration of the affected tissues. Microscopic analysis of the cellulite biopsies revealed a significant restoration of dermal organization with induced collagen synthesis and reduced inflammation, edema, and lipid deposition following the 4-week seaweed mud applications. Additionally, the treatment led to a remarkable improvement in comfort and satisfaction as well as a reduction in body circumferences. CONCLUSIONS: The cosmetic application of seaweed mud has proven to be a safe, non-invasive treatment for improving the tissue alterations characteristic of cellulite.

The role of hyaluronic acid and amino acid against the aging of the human skin: A clinical and histological study.

BACKGROUND: In esthetic medicine, different techniques have been used against the aging of the human skin especially in the facial area. Hyaluronic acid is used for improving the quantity of water and extracellular matrix molecule. The aim of this study is a clinical and histological evaluation of the effect of low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid fragments mixed with amino acid (HAAM) on the rejuvenation the face skin treated with intradermal microinjections. METHODS: Twenty women with mean age 45 range from 35 to 64 were studied, thereof 8 in menopause and 12 of childbearing age. The patients were treated with the HAAM products by mesotherapy technique; before and after 3 months of the therapeutic procedure, each patient underwent small biopsies with a circular punch biopsy. RESULTS: The clinical results of the present study showed that the administration of the dermal filler containing fragments of hyaluronic acid between 20 and 38 monomers and amino acid via dermis injection technique produces an esthetic improvement in the faces of the treated patients, while the histological evaluation shows an increased fibroblast activity with the production of type III reticular collagen and increased number of vessels and epidermis thickness. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and histological assessment showed that subcutaneous HAAM infiltration has a significant impact on the dermis and clinical aspects of the face.