Revitalizing skin, hair, nails, and muscles: Unlocking beauty and wellness with vegan collagen.

BACKGROUND: Collagen, a key protein in the body maintains hair, skin and bone health and its production tends to decrease in synthesis as humans age. The demand for vegan collagen-builder has increased worldwide due to increased adaptability to vegan diet. OBJECTIVE: This clinical study was designed aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vegan collagen builder (VEGCOL™ï¸) at different dosages (2.5, 5, and 10 g) in adult participants. METHODS: Total 66 subjects (22 subjects/dose) aged 30 to 50 years were enrolled, and 63 subjects completed the study. Duration of study was 60 days. Evaluations included change in skin elasticity, hydration, crow's feet area wrinkles, fine lines, skin, Glogau skin age, change in pain scale score, muscle strength and subject perception assessment about test treatment use. RESULTS: After 60 days of treatment, there was significant improvement in hair growth rate by 45.01%, 38.54% and 50.37% with p < 0.01 for doses 2.5, 5, and 10 g respectively. Additionally, 19.64% (p < 0.0001) and 20.51% (p < 0.0001) increase in hair density and hair thickness respectively was observed with 10 g dose. 2.5 g dose resulted in 33.03% (p < 0.01) increase in skin smoothness and 49.94% (p < 0.0001) decrease in crow's feet area wrinkles, decreased retraction time by 21.71 milliseconds (p < 0.05). 52.54% reduction in pain score (p < 0.001). No any adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Vegan collagen-builder effectively improved multiple age-related concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, joint pain, muscle strength and hair growth. All respondents perceived the product as beneficial in improving the aesthetics of the skin, hair, and nails. The findings support the use of vegan collagen-builder as safe and efficacious in promoting healthier skin, stronger muscles, and improved hair and nail conditions.

Comparative Analysis of Efficacy of Lactic Acid 30% with Ferulic Peel 12% (Combination Peel) Versus TCA 10% with Ferulic Peel 12% (Combination Peel) for Photoageing Skin.

OBJECTIVES: Chemical peels are used to treat photoageing, pigmentation, improve complexion and dull skin, fine lines and scars. The objective of this study is to do comparative analysis of Lactic Acid 30% with Ferulic peel 12% (combination peel) versus TCA 10% with Ferulic peel 12% (combination peel) for Photoageing Skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study from September 2021 to 2022 with total 50 female patients aged between 25 and 40 years were treated. Randomisation of patients was done (simple randomisation using lottery method) for both groups with 25 patients enrolled in each group. The first group (Group A-25 patients) were treated with lactic acid 30% with Ferulic peel 12% (combination peel). The second group (Group B-25 patients) were treated with TCA 10% with Ferulic peel 12% (combination peel). Inclusion and exclusion criteria have been defined for the study. Two scales have been used for assessing the results: Allergan Skin Roughness Scale (ASRS) and Allergan Fine Line Scale (AFLS). ASRS and AFLS scores were assessed at pre-treatment (pre) and post treatment (post-1 month after last peel session). Data were summarised in Mean ± SD (standard deviation). Pre and post groups were compared by paired t test. The pre to post change in outcome measures between two independent groups were compared by independent Student's t test. Discrete (categorical) groups were compared by Chi-square (χ2) test. A two-tailed (α=2) P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Analyses were performed on SPSS software (Windows version 22.0). Patients were followed up for 6 months post treatment. RESULTS: In Group A, comparing the pre and post ASRS score, paired t test showed significant (P < 0.001) decrease or improvement of 56.1%. In Group B, comparing the pre and post ASRS score, paired t test showed significant (P < 0.001) decrease or improvement of 52.8%. Comparing the pre to post mean decrease or improvement in ASRS score of two groups, Student's t test showed similar (P > 0.05) improvement between the two groups though it was 2.5% higher in Group B as compared to Group A. In Group A, comparing the pre and post AFLS score, paired t test showed significant (P < 0.001) decrease or improvement of 63.2% at post as compared to pre. In Group B, comparing the pre and post AFLS score, paired t test showed significant (P < 0.001) decrease or improvement of 58.8% at post as compared to pre. Further, comparing the pre to post mean decrease or improvement in AFLS score of two groups, Student's t test showed similar (P > 0.05) improvement between the two groups though it was 16.7% higher in Group A as compared to Group B. CONCLUSION: Study found both the treatments equally effective in the management of ageing skin after 6 months of treatment. However, study needs further validation on larger sample size, varied age groups and male gender. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Clinical Features and Biophysical Characteristics of Lips of South Asian Women.

Introduction: The vermillion lip has unique physical properties and environmental exposures make them prone to dryness and chapping. While lips contribute to facial beauty, perioral aging is highly individual and dependent on ethnicity. Specifically with regard to South Asian population, there is no other literature identified on the biophysical characteristics of the vermillion lip. Methods: In this work, characteristics of the vermillion skin in South Asians were examined through various clinical and biophysical characteristics of the lips such as dryness and roughness, fine lip lines, lip texture, hydration, and barrier function. Healthy South Asian females, from age 20-45 were recruited for this study and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, visual lip tolerance, and visual dryness were measured and graded by the dermatologist-investigator. Results: Lip texture and fine lines significantly increased from the 20s to the 40s. Overall lip health significantly decreased with age. TEWL and dryness increased with age while hydration decreased with age, although not significantly so. Discussion: This first-of-its kind study on South Asian females establishes that with age there is a decrease in overall lip health and an increase in signs of aging of the lips (fine lines, texture) from the 20s to 40s.

Role of botulinum toxin A in improving facial erythema and skin quality.

Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections have become the most popular noninvasive cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. With growing interest, investigators continue to uncover an expanding array of aesthetic indications for BTX-A. Botulinum toxin A has been used off-label in the management of masseter hypertrophy for facial slimming, platysmal bands, nasal 'bunny' lines, perioral rhytides, gummy smile and scars, to name a few. Interestingly, the injection of multiple microdroplets of dilute BTX-A into the dermis, sometimes referred to as 'microbotox', has been investigated as a tool for facial rejuvenation. A handful of prospective studies and case series have demonstrated the benefit of BTX-A in the treatment of facial erythema and improving skin texture. The aim of this review is to summarize and appraise currently available data on the role of BTX-A in treating facial erythema and skin quality, with a special focus on potential pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Comparative Analysis of Efficacy of Lactic Acid with Ferulic Peel (Combination Peel) Vs Ferulic Peel Alone as a Monotherapy for Photoaging.

OBJECTIVES: Chemical peels are used to treat fine lines, photoaging, skin discoloration and scars. The objective of this study is to do a comparative analysis of lactic acid 30 % with ferulic peel 12 % (combination peel) versus ferulic peel 12% alone as a monotherapy for photoaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study from Feb 2016 to 2020 in which a total of 60 female patients with ages between 25 and 36 years were treated. Randomization of patients was done for both groups with 30 patients enrolled in each group. The first group of 30 patients was treated with ferulic peel 12 % (hydroalcohol base) with L-ascorbic acid 15% as a sealer alone (i.e., Group A). In the second group, 30 patients were treated with lactic acid 30 % with ferulic peel 12% (hydroalcohol base) with L-ascorbic acid 15% as a sealer (combination peel) (i.e., Group B). Inclusion and exclusion criteria have been defined for the study. Two scales have been used for assessing the results, Allergan Skin Roughness Scale (ASRS) and Allergan Fine Line Scale (AFLS). ASRS and AFLS scores were assessed at pre-treatment (pre) and post-treatment (post 1 month after last peel session) and compared using Student's paired t test and independent t test. RESULTS: The results showed significant and higher improvement of 27% and 42%, respectively, in ASRS (1.37 ± 0.49 vs. 1.87 ± 0.51, diff = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.76, p < 0.001) and AFLS (1.20 ± 0.41 vs. 2.07 ± 0.58, diff = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.61-1.13, p < 0.001) scores in patients treated with lactic acid and ferulic peel as compared to patients treated with ferulic peel alone. No complications were observed in our study. CONCLUSION: The study found the combination of lactic acid and ferulic peel significantly more effective than ferulic peel alone in the management of fine lines, photoaging and skin discoloration. The findings of this study may need to be further validated on a larger sample size and multicentric analysis. Initial results of our 4-year study have yielded promising results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Cosmetic benefit of a biomimetic lamellar cream formulation on barrier function or the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in randomized proof-of-concept clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE: Two studies were designed to evaluate the potential cosmetic benefit of a biomimetic, niacinamide-containing moisturizing cream for the first time in humans. METHODS: In both studies, healthy women were randomized to use two treatments, one for the left side of the body and one for the right, from three options: the test cream, a positive control or no treatment (use of standard cleanser only). Treatments were applied twice daily for 4 weeks to the face and forearms (Study 1) or the face only (Study 2). Instrumental and clinical skin assessments were performed by trained technicians. Study 1 involved tape stripping and a 5-day no-treatment ('regression') period at the end of the 4 weeks. Independent lay graders were asked to grade the skin texture of subjects in Study 2 from high-resolution photographs. RESULTS: In Study 1 (n = 66), the test cream significantly decreased the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values on the forearm, and in the cheek area of the face, relative to baseline and compared to no treatment, and increased skin Corneometer values. The improvements were partially retained during a subsequent 5-day period of no treatment. Increases in TEWL values on skin subjected to tape stripping were significantly lower after 4 weeks of using the test cream compared to no treatment. In Study 2 (n = 72 subjects with visible signs of ageing), there was a favourable trend in the change from baseline of a skin roughness parameter, Ra , for the test cream compared to no treatment. There were statistically significant improvements in the Fitzpatrick wrinkle score compared to no treatment, decreases in TEWL and increased Corneometer values and Cutometer values (R5 elasticity parameter). Grading of high-resolution images failed to detect the improvements in skin texture (defined as pores, smoothness and unevenness) for the test cream vs. no treatment. No treatment-related serious or severe adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Twice daily application of the test cream over 4 weeks had beneficial effects on skin barrier function, moisturization, wrinkle dimensions and elasticity compared to no treatment. These studies provide proof-of-concept evidence and highlight the cosmetic benefit of the biomimetic lamellar cream formulation. STUDY REGISTRATION: NCT03216265, NCT03180645.

OBJECTIF: Deux études ont été conçues pour évaluer pour la première fois chez l'être humain l'éventuel bénéfice cosmétique d'une crème hydratante biomimétique contenant de la niacinamide. MÉTHODES: Dans les deux études, des femmes en bonne santé ont été randomisées pour utiliser deux traitements, un pour le côté gauche du corps et un pour le côté droit, choisis entre trois options : la crème testée, un contrôle positif ou aucun traitement (utilisation d'un nettoyant standard uniquement). Les traitements ont été appliqués deux fois par jour pendant 4 semaines sur le visage et les avant-bras (Étude 1) ou seulement sur le visage (Étude 2). Des évaluations instrumentales et cliniques de la peau ont été effectuées par des techniciens qualifiés. L'étude 1 impliquait un stripping et une période de 5 jours sans traitement (« régression ¼) à la fin des 4 semaines. Il a été demandé à des évaluateurs profanes indépendants d'évaluer la texture de la peau des participantes dans l'Étude 2 à partir de photographies à haute résolution. RÉSULTATS: Dans l'Étude 1 (n = 66), la crème testée a diminué de manière significative les valeurs de la perte en eau transépidermique (transepidermal water loss, TEWL) au niveau de l'avant-bras, et au niveau de la joue, par rapport à la valeur de base, et par rapport au groupe sans aucun traitement, et a augmenté les valeurs des paramètres cutanés mesurés avec un cornéomètre. Les améliorations ont été partiellement conservées pendant une période ultérieure de 5 jours sans aucun traitement. Des augmentations des valeurs TEWL sur la peau exposée à un décollement d'un ruban adhésif étaient significativement plus faibles après 4 semaines d'utilisation de la crème testée par rapport à l'absence de traitement. Dans l'Étude 2 (n = 72 participantes avec des signes visibles de vieillissement), il y avait une tendance favorable au niveau de la variation par rapport à la valeur de base du paramètre relatif à la rugosité de la peau, Ra, pour la crème testée par rapport à l'absence de traitement. Il y a eu des améliorations statistiquement significatives du score de Fitzpatrick pour les rides par rapport à l'absence de traitement, des diminutions des valeurs TEWL et une augmentation des valeurs des paramètres mesurés avec un cornéomètre et des valeurs des paramètres mesurés avec un cutomètre (paramètre élasticité R5). L'évaluation des images à haute résolution n'a pas permis de détecter les améliorations de la texture de la peau (définie par les pores, la finesse et les irrégularités) pour la crème testée par rapport à l'absence de traitement. Aucun événement indésirable grave ou sévère lié au traitement n'a été rapporté. CONCLUSION: Une application deux fois par jour de la crème testée pendant 4 semaines a eu des effets bénéfiques sur la fonction barrière de la peau, l'hydratation, l'aspect des rides et l'élasticité par rapport à l'absence de traitement. Ces études fournissent des éléments de preuve de concept et soulignent les bienfaits cosmétiques de la formule lamellaire biomimétique de la crème. Numéro d'enregistrement de l'étude : NCT03216265, NCT03180645.

Efficacy and Safety of an Anti-aging Technology for the Treatment of Facial Wrinkles and Skin Moisturization.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of five topical test products intended to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, increase skin moisturization, and reduce transepidermal water loss. DESIGN: Two studies-a controlled clinical trial for each individual test product and an experience trial involving more than 200 patients using a strategic combination of products-were done. Test products included a day facial cream, a night facial cream, an eye cream, a day lip cream, and a night lip cream. SETTING: The setting for the first study was AMA Laboratories (New York, New York)and 19 physician practices for the second. PARTICIPANTS: For the first study, participants were recruited via advertisements, phone solicitation, or electronic media. Patients of the second study (N=222) were from 19 physician practices. MEASUREMENTS: For the first study, efficacies of the facial and eye creams were determined by measuring the surface evaluation of living skin, transepidermal water loss, and electroconductivity. Efficacy of the lip creams was evaluated by measuring surface evaluation of living skin and electroconductivity. These evaluation parameters were measured at the test sites prior to initial application of test product,15 minutes after the initial application, and at seven, 14, 28, and 56 days of test product use. For the second study, each subject completed an assessment of the topical product(s) effects after four weeks of use. RESULTS: With each of the five topical test products, an improvement in surface evaluation of living skin became apparent within 15 minutes of initial application of test products and continued for at least 56 days of regular use. Electroconductivity data showed that each product dramatically increased the moisture content in the skin almost immediately after application and for at least 56 days. Improvement in transepidermal water loss was nearly immediate and continued over time with the day and night facial creams and eye cream. For the experience trial, a significant majority of subjects achieved one or more endpoints within 30 days or less. CONCLUSION: The facial, eye, and lip creams are effective anti-aging products that reduce the appearance of both fine and coarse lines and wrinkles, dramatically increase the moisturization of the skin, and, in the case of the face and eye products, reduces transepidermal water loss. These changes last for at least 56 days without significant adverse effects.