Combining topical dermal infused exosomes with injected calcium hydroxylapatite for enhanced tissue biostimulation.

BACKGROUND: Exosome research continues to flourish. Subsequent knowledge surrounding indications, dose-response, safety, efficacy, and the ability to combine exosome treatment as a "skin primer"-for biostimulation modalities such as calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) is growing rapidly. The objective of this study was to develop safe, reproducible methods of improving topical exosome absorption to enhance the quality of skin either by themselves, or in combination with injectable CaHA. METHODS: Under IRB Approval (International Cell Surgical Society: ICSS-2022-007), 40 patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty patients underwent facial biostimulatory dermal infusion alone, to determine if this method allowed adequate exosome absorption. Five patients underwent facial biostimulatory infusion followed immediately by Dilute CaHA injection (1:1 dilution) to the face. Five patients underwent exosome biostimulatory dermal infusion followed immediately by hyperdilute CaHA (dilution 1:4) injection to the neck. Five patients underwent Facial Dilute CaHA injection (1:1 dilution) alone, without dermal infusion. Five patients underwent neck hyperdilute CaHA injection (1:4 dilution) alone, without dermal infusion. All patients had pretreatment Quantificare 3-D photo-documentation and skin analysis (Quantificare, France). In all patients, the skin was first cleansed with a gentle glycolic acid facial wash (Gregory MD). To induce a "homing inflammatory environment" for the exosomes, sea salt exfoliation was performed (SaltFacial®, SaltMed, Cardiff, CA). A nitric oxide-generating serum (N101 Pneuma Nitric Oxide, Austin, TX) was then applied to act as an enhanced vehicle for absorption. A 3 MHz ultrasound (SaltFacial®, SaltMed, Cardiff, CA) was then utilized to further deepen the absorption of the nitric oxide serum. A topical emulsion containing equal volumes (1.0 cc containing 1 million) of exosomes (Kimera Labs, Miramar, FL), 25 units of botulinum toxin (Xeomin, Merz Aesthetics, Raleigh, NC) and hyaluronic acid (Belatero, Merz Aesthetics, Raleigh, NC) was mixed via back-and-forth propulsion in a 3-cc syringe. When adequately mixed, the emulsion was then applied to the treatment areas. The cavitating ultrasound was then used to aid in the absorption of the emulsion. The patients were then treated with high-intensity LED therapy (SaltFacial®, SaltMed, Cardiff, CA), utilizing the collagen restoration preset program of combination red (660 nm) near-infrared (930 nm) wavelength for 20 min. Post-treatment Quantificare analysis was performed at 15 and 30 days after treatment. RESULTS: Without exception, all dermal infusion alone and CaHA injection alone patients showed an improvement in the tone, quality, and texture of their skin. Quantificare results showed consistent improvement in wrinkles, pores, skin evenness, improved vascularity, and a reduction in oiliness and unwanted pigment. When employed as a skin primer prior to injections (CaHA), enhanced and more rapid results were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Biostimulatory dermal infusion can be achieved utilizing topical placental mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes. These exosomes can be used alone, or mixed with ancillary ingredients such as botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid dermal filler, and CaHA to customize and personalize treatments based upon individual patient needs. Topical absorption is enhanced with sea salt exfoliation, a topical nitric oxide-generating serum, and 3 MHz cavitating ultrasound. Post-absorption activity is enhanced with high-intensity LED treatment. The addition of CaHA injections after the topical exosome "priming of the skin" yielded enhanced skin quality faster than exosomes or CaHA alone.

Phytoestrogens (Resveratrol and Equol) for Estrogen-Deficient Skin-Controversies/Misinformation versus Anti-Aging In Vitro and Clinical Evidence via Nutraceutical-Cosmetics.

The overarching theme for this review is perspective. Superfoods (a marketing term for fruits and vegetables, etc.) have a positive connotation, while many superfoods contain phytoestrogens, a term that is alarming to the public and has a negative connotation because phytoestrogens are endocrine-disruptors, even though they are strong antioxidants that have many health benefits. To understand phytoestrogens, this paper provides a brief summary of the characteristics of: (a) estrogens, (b) estrogen receptors (ER), (c) estrogen-deficient skin, (d) how perspective(s) get off track, (e) phytoestrogen food sources, and (f) misconceptions of phytoestrogens and food safety, in general, that influence person(s) away from what is true. Finally, a brief history of cosmetics to nutraceuticals is covered plus the characteristics of phytoestrogens, resveratrol and equol on: (g) estrogen receptor binding, (h) topical and oral dosing, and (i) in vitro, molecular mechanisms and select clinical evidence, where both phytoestrogens (resveratrol and equol) demonstrate promising applications to improve skin health is presented along with future directions of nutraceuticals. Perspective is paramount in understanding the controversies associated with superfoods, phytoestrogens, and endocrine-disruptors because they have both positive and negative connotations. Everyone is exposed to and consumes these molecules everyday regardless of age, gender, or geographic location around the world, and how we understand this is a matter of perspective.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Skin Ageing.

CONTEXT: Astaxanthin (ASX), a xanthophyll carotenoid derived from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, mitigating skin photoaging and age-related skin diseases by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to systematically evaluate if ASX applications have anti-ageing effects in humans. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science found a total of eleven studies. Nine randomised, controlled human studies assessed oral ASX effects and two open-label, prospective studies evaluated topical, oral-topical ASX effects on skin ageing. GetData Graph Digitizer was used to extract mean values and standard deviations of baseline and endpoint, and Cochrane Collaboration's tool assessed RoB for all included studies. Review Manager 5.4 was used to conduct meta-analysis of RCTs; the results were reported as effect size ± 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Oral ASX supplementation significantly restored moisture content (SMD = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.05, 1.01; I2 = 52%; p = 0.03) and improved elasticity (SMD = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.19, 1.35; I2 = 75%; p = 0.009) but did not significantly decrease wrinkle depth (SMD = -0.26; 95% CI = -0.58, 0.06; I2 = 0%; p = 0.11) compared to placebo. Open-label, prospective studies suggested slightly protective effects of topical and oral-topical ASX applications on skin ageing. CONCLUSIONS: Ingestion and/or topical usages of ASX may be effective in reducing skin ageing and have promising cosmetical potential, as it improves moisture content and elasticity and reduces wrinkles.

Treatment challenges in adult female acne and future directions.

Introduction: Acne is a chronic, inflammatory, and immune-mediated disease of the pilosebaceous unit, highly prevalent in adolescents. However, an increasing number of adults over 25 years old with facial acne, particularly women, have been observed. It is considered a different disease when compared to acne vulgaris. Face is the mainly involved area with inflammatory lesions and more sensitive skin, pointing out the need of a holistic approach.Areas covered: We performed a comprehensive literature search on PubMed database, up to January 2021, regarding adult female acne. We synthesized data about pathogenesis; differences compared to acne vulgaris; and treatment, with focus in the management challenges and perspectives.Expert opinion: It is essential to value the negative impact on quality of life of adult female acne, independently of severity. The disease has prolonged evolution, and patient might be resilient once the improvement, regardless of the treatment option, will just be noticeable after 3 months. Aggravating factors should be clearly discussed, such as the need of changing many habits, especially lesions manipulation. The therapeutic regimen includes make-up and tailored skin care (considering proneness to sensitivity), while anti-acne drugs should be chosen in accordance with desire to be pregnant, presence of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Treatment Update of Port-Wine Stain: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Port-wine stain (PWS) is a congenital vascular malformation affecting 0.3–0.5% of normal population. These characteristic lesions arise due to the interplay of vascular, neural, and genetic factors. Treatment options include lasers, cosmetic tattooing, electrotherapy, cryosurgery, derma-abrasion, and skin grafting; however, none of these treatment alternatives appears to be satisfactory and is unable to provide consistent, satisfactory responses or even complete cures. Currently, laser is the treatment of choice, as it is comparatively safe and more effective than other procedures. The most commonly used modality is pulsed dye laser (PDL). The literature research includes peer-reviewed articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) to January 2020 and reference lists of respective articles. Only articles published in English language were included. J Drugs Dermatol. 20(5): doi:10.36849/JDD.5005.

Saponin fraction from Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn as a novel cosmetic additive: Extraction, biological evaluation, analysis of anti-acne mechanism and toxicity prediction.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. (S. mukorossi), known as 'mu huan zi' in Chinese folklore, belongs to the family Sapindaceae and it has been traditionally used for treating coughing and excessive salivation, removing freckle, whitening skin, etc. Evidence-based medicine also verified the antimicrobial, anti-tyrosinase and anti-acne activity of S. mukorossi extract, suggesting that it has the potential to be a pharmaceutical and cosmetic additive. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was intended to evaluate the freckle-removing and skin-whitening activities of S. mukorossi extracts, and further analyzing the potential anti-acne mechanism. METHODS: Saponin fractions were purified by using the semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, and their antibacterial activity was detected against Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), which was the leading cause of inflamed lesions in acne vulgaris. The anti-lipase and anti-tyrosinase activities were assayed using a commercial kit, while the potential anti-acne mechanism was predicted on the basis of the network pharmacology. Active components of saponin fraction were identified by HPLC-MS analysis. Furthermore, the different toxicity level of compounds was predicted according to the quantitative structure-activity relationship, and the first application of crude extract and saponin fraction to facial masks was analyzed based on the comprehensive evaluation method. RESULTS: The saponin fraction (F4) purified from the fermentation liquid-based water extract (SWF) showed the best antibacterial activity against P. acnes ATCC 6919 with the MIC of 0.06 mg/mL, which was 33-fold of its parent SWF (with the MIC of 2.0 mg/mL). Compared with SWF, the application of F4 caused greater inhibition rates on lipase and tyrosinase. Chemical constituents of F4 were evaluated, from which four oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins were detected to contribute to the above biological activities of F4. The mechanism of the four compounds on anti-acne was predicted, and seven targets such as PTGS2 and F2RL1 were obtained to be important for the treatment of acne. The four compounds were also predicted to have different levels of toxicity to various species, and they were not harmful to rats. Besides, F4 and SWF were applied to facial masks and there was no significant influence on the physicochemical properties including pH, stability, and sensory characteristics. CONCLUSION: This work demonstrated that oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins were speculated to contribute to the skin-whitening, freckle-removing, and anti-acne activities of F4. These findings will facilitate the development of the S. mukorossi extract and the allied products as the new and natural anti-acne agent and cosmetic additives.

Current Insights for the Management of Acne in the Modern Era.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris a chronic disease which is caused by blockage of the sebaceous gland is commonly seen in almost every human being at some point in their lives. There are 20-25% chances of progression of acne to severe cases, which leads to permanent scarring that results in psychological problems like depression, social isolation, lowered self-esteem, and lowered self-confidence. OBJECTIVE: Though several conventional treatments are available in the market but still there are various adverse effects associated with topical anti-acne agents due to which it lacks patient compatibility. The present study is undertaken to find out the major shortcoming; why the current therapies do not give the desired therapeutic results. CONCLUSION: Novel drug delivery strategies can play a crucial role in the enhancement of topical delivery of anti-acne agents by escalating their dermal localization and reducing their adverse effects. Consumption of medicinal plants like Aloe vera, Withania somniferia etc. have clinical evidence regarding the effective management of acne. The current inclination towards nanotechnology is considerable due to several changes in the pharmaceutical research area. To secure the research work in different pharmaceutical fields, patents are filed against various agents like Galderma Research & Development have filed patents for adapalene and benzoyl peroxide for the management of acne vulgaris. The current review highlights the potential of various novel drug delivery approaches like liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, transfersomes etc. in enhancing the topical delivery of anti-acne agents.

The improvement on the skin surface by a new type of dermocosmetic loaded plant extract: A split face skin topographic study.

Various extrinsic and intrinsic origins slant skins and pledge evident vicissitudes of the skin surface. We explored the effects of dermocosmetic loaded medical Cannabis seed extract and evaluate the improvement on the skin surface in Asian and male volunteers in a split face topographic study. Dermocosmetic and base (without extract) fabricated were directed to apply by volunteers (Asian male) on their right and left cheek, respectively, in the split face skin topographic study up to three months. Efficacy of dermocosmetic versus base was assessed by non- invasive diagnostic technique focusing on skin texture parameters (energy, contrast and variance) and surface evaluation of the living skin (SELS), SEr (skin roughness), SEsc (skin scaliness), SEsm (skin smoothness), SEw (skin wrinkles). Unlike base, dermocosmetic showed significant effects on skin texture parameters (energy, variance and contrast) and SELS (SEr, SEsc, SEsm and SEw) parameters in Asian male volunteers when ANOVA applied. The level of significance was 5%. Dermocosmetic ultimately improved on skin surface and advocacies for anti-aging effects on skin appearance.

Clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a timosaponin A-III-based antiwrinkle agent against skin aging.

BACKGROUND: Timosaponin A-III (TA-III) is known to exist in the medicinal herb of Anemarrhena asphodeloides as one of major chemical components. AIMS: The photoprotective properties of TA-III on UVB-exposed HaCaT cells were evaluated on the antiwrinkle effects and skin safety in terms of clinical trial. METHODS: The level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured in HaCaT cells following UVB irradiation. To evaluate the clinical safety of an agent containing 0.25% of TA-III for use on human skin. Female subjects (n = 21) between the ages of 43 and 55 who met the criteria for subject selection were selected. They were beginning to form or had already formed wrinkles. RESULTS: UVB irradiation increased MMP-1 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These increases were attenuated by TA-III pretreatment of UVB-exposed HaCaT cells. We found that the agent containing 0.25% of TA-III ameliorated skin wrinkling. A comparison between groups showed that wrinkle parameters were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of product use (P < 0.05). According to skin safety result, TA-III showed no dermatological toxicity was found in participants. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, TA-III could provide protection against photoaging and daily application of TA-III for 12 weeks significantly reduced signs of facial aging by limiting wrinkle formation.

A cosmetic treatment based on the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa 40% improves the clinical results after the use of nonablative fractional laser in skin aging.

INTRODUCTION: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the application of a cosmetic treatment based on the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA) enhances the clinical results, tolerance, and skin regeneration after nonablative laser treatment in patients with moderate photoaging. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, split-face trial in 20 patients with moderate aging. Two sessions with fractional nonablative laser were performed, and the cosmetic treatments (SCA 40% on one hemiface and vehicle on the other) were applied immediately after laser session and daily during the study (28 days). Tewameter, Cutometer, Visioscan, VisioFace, photography, dermoscopy, and clinical evaluation were assessed. Side effects were also evaluated. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the density of microcolumns (25%, 71%, 32%, and 61% less density, respectively, at T3 P = 0.008, T7 P = 0.002, T22 P < 0.001, and T24 P < 0.001) was observed on the side treated with SCA compared to the vehicle-treated side. Cutaneous elasticity, area of wrinkles, and hydration on the SCA-treated side also showed a significant improvement compared to the vehicle-treated side. Both the researcher and patients observed a significant improvement on the side treated with SCA compared to the vehicle-treated side. Significantly fewer side effects (erythema, burning, and dryness) were also detected. CONCLUSION: A cosmetic product with SCA 40% applied immediately after laser and for a period thereafter enhances and accelerates repair of damage produced by the laser and significantly reduces related adverse effects. In addition, SCA treatment could improve clinical results. In conclusion, we suggest that SCA enhances the effectiveness of laser in the treatment of cutaneous aging.

Anti-sebum efficacy of guava toner: A split-face, randomized, single-blind placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Guava has benefit phytochemicals that are important for skin-disorder treatment. Nevertheless, its efficacy against oily skin has never been reported. AIMS: The guava toner was developed and clinical evaluated. METHODS: The base toner was formulated, accelerated stability tested, and sensory-evaluated in 10 volunteers. The highest preference base was incorporated with guava extract, stability examined, and skin irritation assessed in 21 volunteers by a single application close patch test. Anti-sebum efficacy was split-face, randomized, single-blind placebo-controlled evaluated in 21 volunteers for 28 days and monitored by Sebutape® on forehead and nose. RESULTS: The stable toner base with the greatest preference (83.20 ± 1.85%) was incorporated with 3%, 4.5%, and 6% of guava extract. The toners were stable with none of skin irritation. The toner with 6% guava extract was selected for efficacy evaluation. Guava toner significantly reduced oiliness of forehead (13.10 ± 3.67%, P < 0.05) and nose (21.43 ± 3.21%, P < 0.001) better than the base toner. The activity on nose was significantly noted (10.72 ± 3.51%, P < 0.05) since the 3rd week of application. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-sebum guava toner was efficiently evidence approved and suitable for a daily application to improve the efficacy.

Assessment of the moisturizing properties of a magnetic mask containing iron oxide particles.

BACKGROUND: Moisturizer is an important component of many cosmetic products. It helps to maintain the skin's integrity and its barrier functions. Recently, magnetic masks that seek to improve the properties of the skin have been developed and have become a new cosmetic trend. However, scientific proof of their stated properties is lacking. AIMS: To test whether iron oxide contained in a face mask with magnetic properties in an oily matrix with a freeze-dried aloe-vera base increases moisturization of the skin and improves skin barrier function. METHODS: Formulations were prepared containing an oil phase (67.3% wt.) and a solid phase (32.7% wt.). The moisturizing properties of the mask were tested by measuring in vivo electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, contact angle, and visual appearance. Meanwhile, human panel tests were performed to evaluate the sensory perception of potential users. RESULTS: The moisturizing effect of the iron oxide mask is clearly superior to that of the other tested samples. Water retention and low transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were evidenced for the iron oxide magnetic mask. Its occlusive action on the skin resulted in larger water contact angles and enhances the barrier effect. A favorable sensory perception on the part of the users was obtained for the iron oxide magnetic mask. CONCLUSION: The presence of iron oxide and the magnetic property of the mask enhance occlusive behavior, diminishing the TEWL. Sensory analysis of the iron oxide magnetic mask performed by human panel tests shows that they possess characteristics including neutral odor, and easy, pleasant-feeling application.

Facial Microfiber Tissue with plant extracts: A new cosmetic concept shows whitening efficacy in Asian volunteers.

BACKGROUND: The Asian population presents a high incidence of Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV. The management of skin tone is a very important cosmetic issue in these groups. Efficacy check of a new cosmetic concept to achieve skin color lightening arouses great interest. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the clinical efficacy of a new facial microfiber tissue (FMT) which combines a surface micropeeling technology (due to the structure of the microfibers) with skin whitening cosmetic actives in Asian skin. The FMT is a new concept featuring a dry microfiber tissue loaded with cosmetic actives, which is just wetted with little tap water before use. METHODS: A total of 34 females aged 21-58 years old with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV were enrolled in this randomized, blank-controlled trial for 12 weeks. Participants applied FMT on the left or right forearm according to random assignment. At the same time, FMT was used on the face. Skin whitening effects on the forearm and face were evaluated using Mexameter MX18 and Minolta Spectrophotometer CM-2600d. In addition, assessment by subjects via a self-evaluation questionnaire was conducted at study end. RESULTS: The FMT treatment showed a significant whitening effect mainly on the forearm compared with blank control forearm. Facial whitening was also noted. No adverse reactions were reported during the study. CONCLUSION: The new cosmetic concept of FMT can be used as an effective and safe whitening cosmetic agent.

Stable Liposome in Cosmetic Platforms for Transdermal Folic acid delivery for fortification and treatment of micronutrient deficiencies.

Oral folate fortification has been successful in many developed nations, however, developing countries still face low compliance and high incidence of folate deficiency associated with low birth weight infants and preterm deliveries. We report safe and efficient approach for transdermal systemic folate delivery using fluidising liposomes (120 ± 4 nm) stabilised within 3D matrix of naturally occurring cosmetic bases: Fuller's earth and henna with room temperature stability. The proof of stratum corneum fluidisation was established ex-vivo by Langmuir-Blodgett film, FTIR and confocal imaging in rat skin. In-vivo topical application in rats showed 11-fold increase in plasma folate within 2 hr, confirming systemic delivery through skin. Efficacy study in folate deficient rats over 4 weeks showed significantly higher plasma levels compared to oral delivery with significant skin depot. Sub-acute toxicity studies in rats at 750-fold higher doses showed safety after 4 weeks daily application. Primary irritation patch test on 25 healthy human volunteers proved non-irritant nature of the nutricosmetics. The technology is first demonstration of transdermal folate fortification with nanosized liposome incorporated in cosmetics, without synthetic surfactants/ethanol or need of external energy. The platform technology opens the possibility of delivering multiple nutrients systemically through skin and can be scaled for affordable community fortification.

Potential use of polymers and their complexes as media for storage and delivery of fragrances.

The use of fragrances is often essential to create an elegant, welcoming, or exhilarating environment. Through encapsulation, the release and delivery of fragrances are customized in many consumer products. For such purposes, cost-effective techniques have been developed and employed with the use of various polymers and porous organic materials to efficiently impart fragrances to foods and various other consumer products. After entrapment or uptake/storage of fragrant molecules within a polymeric complex, the properties can be investigated by automated thermal desorption (ATD) analysis. For efficient delivery, fragrances are adsorbed (or entrapped) in some media (e.g., fabric or paper). The release of such entrapped fragrances usually is achieved by spraying. Fragrances can be also loaded in a media by purging aroma gases or by adding fragrance essence directly into a liquid medium. Porous materials, such as zeolites, have been traditionally used for air purification as well as in cosmetics and similar applications. Similarly, other polymeric porous complexes have also been used in fragrance delivery as a templating agent for aromatherapy textiles. Such polymeric materials offer an advantage in terms of development of new hybrid blends via homogenous mixing of two or more matrices. Such blends may possess different desirable physical properties as encapsulants. This review article is aimed at presenting an overview of polymers and their complexes as the main media of fragrance encapsulation. This study also discusses the expansion and future application of porous materials as host matrices for fragrances.

Turmeric: A condiment, cosmetic and cure.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is an integral part of Asian culture and cuisine. It has been used in traditional medicine since centuries. A myriad of health benefits have been attributed to it. Curcumin, the most biologically active curcuminoid in turmeric, is being investigated in pre-clinical and clinical trials for its role in disease prevention and cure. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, anti-proliferative and antimicrobial effects. We review the chemistry of this plant, its cultural relevance in Indian skin care, and its uses in dermatology.

Consumer exposure to certain ingredients of cosmetic products: The case for tea tree oil.

Reliable exposure data are essential to evaluate the safety of ingredients in cosmetics. The study reported here was carried out on behalf of the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association in order to support safety assessment of TTO in consumer cosmetic products. Data regarding the use of TTO-containing cosmetic products were collected through a web-survey among 2535 qualified users of validated TTO-containing cosmetics in 5 European countries. Data regarding the percentage of TTO present in the individual products (TTO-inclusion) were collected from the suppliers of those products. Beyond TTO exposure-measures there were several significant findings: One is a special "TTO-effect" for several categories of TTO-containing cosmetic products showing a positive correlation between consumers' strength of TTO-orientation and frequency of product use, combined with a negative correlation between frequency of product use and amount of product used per application. Another is significant differences regarding the intensity of product use between TTO-containing cosmetics and respective types of products in general. Thus it seems not to be appropriate to evaluate the toxicological safety of certain ingredients of cosmetic products from exposure data on "generic" types of cosmetic products.

Strawberry-Based Cosmetic Formulations Protect Human Dermal Fibroblasts against UVA-Induced Damage.

Extreme exposure of skin to Ultraviolet A (UVA)-radiation may induce a dysregulated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can interact with cellular biomolecules leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and alteration of cellular molecular pathways, responsible for skin photoaging, hyperplasia, erythema, and cancer. For these reasons, the use of dietary natural bioactive compounds with remarkable antioxidant activity could be a strategic tool to counteract these UVA-radiation-caused deleterious effects. Thus, the purpose of the present work was to test the efficacy of strawberry (50 µg/mL)-based formulations supplemented with Coenzyme Q10 (100 µg/mL) and sun protection factor 10 in human dermal fibroblasts irradiated with UVA-radiation. The apoptosis rate, the amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the expression of proteins involved in antioxidant and inflammatory response, and mitochondrial functionality were evaluated. The results showed that the synergic topical use of strawberry and Coenzyme Q10 provided a significant (p < 0.05) photoprotective effect, reducing cell death and ROS, increasing antioxidant defense, lowering inflammatory markers, and improving mitochondrial functionality. The obtained results suggest the use of strawberry-based formulations as an innovative, natural, and useful tool for the prevention of UVA exposure-induced skin diseases in order to decrease or substitute the amount of synthetic sunscreen agents.

Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles by petals extract of Rosa indica L., its formulation as nail paint and evaluation of antifungal activity against fungi causing onychomycosis.

Aim: The authors report the biological synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from the petals extract of Rosa indica L. (rose). Its efficacy was evaluated against two dermatophytes: namely: Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis which cause onychomycosis. The activity of antibiotics against the tested dermatophytes was enhanced, when evaluated in combination with ZnO-NPs. Methods and results: The synthesised ZnO-NPs were preliminary detected by using ultraviolet UV visible spectroscopy, which showed specific absorbance. The ZnO-NPs were further characterised by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction and Zetasizer. Moreover, nanoparticles containing nail paint (nanopaint) was formulated and its antifungal activity was also assessed against T. mentagrophytes and M. canis. ZnO-NPs and formulated nanopaint containing ZnO-NPs, both showed significant antifungal activity. The maximum activity was noted against M. canis and lesser against T. mentagrophytes. Minimum inhibitory concentration of ZnO-NPs was also determined against the dermatophytes causing onychomycosis infection. Conclusion: ZnO-NPs can be utilised as a potential antifungal agent for the treatment of onychomycosis after more experimental trials.