Sunscreen lotions in the dermatological prescription: review of concepts and controversies.

The skin is regularly exposed to several environmental aggressions, including solar radiation, whose biological effects can induce sunburn, dyschromia, skin aging and cancer. Among the photoprotection measures, sunscreens comprise a relevant part of the strategy aimed to prevent solar radiation damage and, for effective action, the patient must adhere to the product use and the latter, in turn, must follow technical parameters to promote adequate protection. This review article brings together the most current and relevant concepts about photoprotection for dermatological use, including the challenges for their formulation, the risks of certain photoprotective active substances for individual and environmental safety and the importance of stringency in determining the product efficacy, considering the regulatory aspects, highlighting relevant differences between Brazil and other countries. Thus, when assessing a sunscreen, not only the visual aspects and sensory perception will be immediately evaluated, but also the quality and suitability of the vehicle, the chemical composition of the formulation, the environmental risks, the photostability of the screening system, and the measurement of its protection spectrum. Technical knowledge of sunscreens can help dermatologists in this important role of educating patients about the best photoprotective strategies in each situation.

Topical effects of SCA® (Cryptomphalus aspersa secretion) associated with regenerative and antioxidant ingredients on aged skin: evaluation by confocal and clinical microscopy.

PURPOSE: This was an open-label, single-center clinical study to evaluate a topical association of SCA® (Cryptomphalus aspersa secretion) with regenerative and antioxidant ingredients, according to the type and area of the face, on the improvement of signs of skin aging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty female participants aged between 40 and 65 years, with facial aging complaints (presence of static, dynamics wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and skin firmness) were randomized into two groups according to the type of skin: normal-oily and normal-dry, and 40 participants were randomized for evaluation of the periocular area (with the presence of wrinkles, expression lines, and dark circles) with both types of skin. The groups received serum for normal-oily skin, a cream for normal-dry skin, and a cream for periocular and eyelid skin (eye area). All the participants were evaluated by a dermatologist and submitted to hydration evaluation by corneometry, elasticity and firmness measures complementarily, and images were collected in confocal reflectance microscopy. RESULTS: Topical skin treatment with the association of SCA with antioxidant ingredients (green coffee oil, olive oil, ectoine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides) was able to promote significant clinical and subjective improvement of all signs of skin aging. This improvement was presented at the epidermal level, with improved hydration levels measured by corneometry and epidermal thickness, and at the dermal level, with improvement of the firmness and elasticity parameters, measured by cutometry, from 45 days of use. CONCLUSION: All the evaluated topical formulations seemed to be an effective alternative for the progressive treatment of signs of skin aging, since they demonstrate a real improvement of dermal-epidermal structure and function with high safety margin for long-term use.

Efeito de um suplemento nutricional na proteção contra os danos decorrentes da poluição em queratinócitos: comprovação in vitro / Effect of a nutritional supplement in the protection against keratinocyte damage due to pollution: in vitro confirmation

Introdução: A interação da pele com poluentes atmosféricos tem demonstrado efeitos na barreira cutânea, assim como o desencadeamento de processos oxidativos relacionados ao envelhecimento prematuro da pele. O receptor de aril hidrocarbonetos (ArH) é proteína de transcrição que interage com os xenobióticos, regulando a transcrição de genes envolvidos com estresse oxidativo, inflamação, imunossupressão e pigmentação, além de levar a processos relacionados ao envelhecimento e carcinogênese. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia antipoluente de uma associação antioxidante na prevenção da translocação nuclear do receptor AhR Métodos: Um modelo in vitro (cultura de queratinócitos) foi exposto à fumaça de cigarro, e a presença de AhR foi medida por ensaio Elisa-sanduíche. Resultados: A cultura tratada demonstrou inibição da translocação nuclear do AhR em todas as concentrações avaliadas: aumentos de ArH de 75,38%; 59,88% e 117,79% são observados nas concentrações de 0,316; 0,100 e 0,0316mg/ml, respectivamente. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem a capacidade da formulação avaliada em prevenir a ativação de genes responsáveis pelos efeitos nocivos da fumaça de cigarro.

Introduction: The interaction between the skin and air pollutants has demonstrated effects in the cutaneous barrier, as well as triggering oxidative processes related to premature ageing of the skin. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (ArH) is a transcription protein that interacts with xenobiotics, regulating the transcription of genes involved with oxidative stress, inflammation, immunosuppression and pigmentation, besides leading to processes related to ageing and carcinogenesis. Objective: Evaluate the anti-pollution efficacy of an antioxidant association for the prevention of the nuclear translocation of the AhR receptor. Methods: A in vitro model (keratinocyte culture) was exposed to cigarette smoke and the presence of AhR was measured through sanduwich ELISA assay. Results: The treated culture demonstrated inhibition of the nuclear translocation of AhR in all concentrations evaluated: ArH increase of 75.38%; 59.88% and 117.79% are seen with the concentrations of 0.316; 0.100 and 0.0316mg / mL, respectively. Conclusion: The results suggest the ability of the formulation analyzed in preventing the activation of genes responsible for the damaging effects of cigarette smoke.

Beyond photoaging: additional factors involved in the process of skin aging.

Studies assessing the impact of extrinsic factors on skin aging have increased during the last with the increase in life expectancy. Although most of the studies are about the sun radiation impact, many factors should be considered in elderly people, beyond environmental conditions. Lifestyle factors, like diet, sleeping, smoking, should be analyzed carefully, as common age-related conditions (menopause, diabetes, pulmonary diseases, etc.). All these factors could accelerate the natural decline of skin structure and functions, possibly affecting the responses to treatments and drugs. This review demonstrates that growing evidence regarding environmental factors that are associated with lifestyle and comorbidities deserve greater attention from researchers and dermatologists and may require new approaches in the management of skin aging.

Improvement of dermal parameters in aged skin after oral use of a nutrient supplement.

PURPOSE: Skin aging is a progressive and degenerative process caused by a decrease in the physiological functions of the skin tissue. In addition, environmental factors as well as concomitant diseases and lifestyle (nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, etc) negatively impact the aging process. An association between oral administration of collagen peptides combined with vitamin C and extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Aristotelia chilensis (Delphynol®) (Eximia Firmalize Age complex®) on dermal thickness was studied and the improvement in aging signs was evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Female adult patients received an oral nutritional supplement containing collagen peptides, vitamin C, H. sabdariffa, and A. chilensis (Delphynol) in a sachet and were instructed to consume 1 sachet diluted in 200 mL of water once daily for 12 weeks. They were evaluated clinically, by high frequency ultrasound and cutometry. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of firmness and elasticity and an increase in dermal thickness by ultrasound after 3 months of use. CONCLUSION: The association of collagen peptides, vitamin C, H. sabdariffa and A. chilensis (Delphynol) could improve the signs of dermal skin aging.

Antioxidants in dermatology.

The skin cells continuously produce, through cellular respiration, metabolic processes or under external aggressions, highly reactive molecules oxidation products, generally called free radicals. These molecules are immediately neutralized by enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems in a physiological and dynamic balance. In situations where this balance is broken, various cellular structures, such as the cell membrane, nuclear or mitochondrial DNA may suffer structural modifications, triggering or worsening skin diseases. several substances with alleged antioxidant effects has been offered for topical or oral use, but little is known about their safety, possible associations and especially their mechanism of action. The management of topical and oral antioxidants can help dermatologist to intervene in the oxidative processes safely and effectively, since they know the mechanisms, limitations and potential risks of using these molecules as well as the potential benefits of available associations.

Antioxidants in dermatology

Abstract The skin cells continuously produce, through cellular respiration, metabolic processes or under external aggressions, highly reactive molecules oxidation products, generally called free radicals. These molecules are immediately neutralized by enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems in a physiological and dynamic balance. In situations where this balance is broken, various cellular structures, such as the cell membrane, nuclear or mitochondrial DNA may suffer structural modifications, triggering or worsening skin diseases. several substances with alleged antioxidant effects has been offered for topical or oral use, but little is known about their safety, possible associations and especially their mechanism of action. The management of topical and oral antioxidants can help dermatologist to intervene in the oxidative processes safely and effectively, since they know the mechanisms, limitations and potential risks of using these molecules as well as the potential benefits of available associations.

Efeito de suplementação nutricional no fortalecimento e crescimento das lâminas ungueais / Nutritional supplementation effect ON THE nail PLATE'S strength and growing

Introdução: "unhas quebradiças", ou que não crescem, constituem queixa relativamente frequente na prática dermatológica; entretanto, há poucos estudos sobre a influência nutricional nessa queixa Objetivo: avaliar a possível influência de suplemento nutricional na melhora da resistência da lâmina ungueal, bem como de seu crescimento Material e Métodos: 45 pacientes com queixas de unhas frágeis/quebradiças foram observadas durante 16 semanas, sob uso de suplemento nutricional contendo vitaminas e oligoelementos em ingestão diária recomendada com avaliações clínicas e subjetivas em oito, 12 e 16 semanas. Resultados: houve melhora nos parâmetros força, resistência, crescimento e integridade ungueais a partir de oito semanas, melhora que progride com o uso continuado do suplemento, permitindo afirmar que esse tratamento levou a perceptível melhora da qualidade da lâmina ungueal. Conclusões: O suplemento nutricional avaliado se mostrou seguro e eficaz na melhora de sinais de enfraquecimento ungueal, como perda da resistência e redução da velocidade de crescimento.

Introduction: Brittle nails or nails that do not grow are relatively frequent complaints in the dermatological practice, nonetheless there are few studies on how nutrition influences these symptoms. Objective: To evaluate the possible influence of nutritional supplementation for improving the nail plate's resistance and growth. Methods: Forty-five patients complaining of fragile/brittle nails were observed for 16 weeks under recommended daily intake of a nutritional supplement containing vitamins and trace elements, having undergone clinical and subjective evaluations in Weeks 8, 12 and 16. Results: There were improvements in the parameters strength, resistance, growth and nail integrity from Week 8, with further progress after continued use of the supplement, allowing the conclusion that this treatment led to noticeable improvement of the nail plate's quality. Conclusions: The nutritional supplement evaluated was safe and effective in improving the signs of nail weakening, including loss of resistance and reduction of growth rate.

Skin barrier in rosacea.

Recent studies about the cutaneous barrier demonstrated consistent evidence that the stratum corneum is a metabolically active structure and also has adaptive functions, may play a regulatory role in the inflammatory response with activation of keratinocytes, angiogenesis and fibroplasia, whose intensity depends primarily on the intensity the stimulus. There are few studies investigating the abnormalities of the skin barrier in rosacea, but the existing data already show that there are changes resulting from inflammation, which can generate a vicious circle caused a prolongation of flare-ups and worsening of symptoms. This article aims to gather the most relevant literature data about the characteristics and effects of the state of the skin barrier in rosacea.

Skin barrier in rosacea

Abstract Recent studies about the cutaneous barrier demonstrated consistent evidence that the stratum corneum is a metabolically active structure and also has adaptive functions, may play a regulatory role in the inflammatory response with activation of keratinocytes, angiogenesis and fibroplasia, whose intensity depends primarily on the intensity the stimulus. There are few studies investigating the abnormalities of the skin barrier in rosacea, but the existing data already show that there are changes resulting from inflammation, which can generate a vicious circle caused a prolongation of flare-ups and worsening of symptoms. This article aims to gather the most relevant literature data about the characteristics and effects of the state of the skin barrier in rosacea.

Brazilian Consensus on Photoprotection

Brazil is a country of continental dimensions with a large heterogeneity of climates and massive mixing of the population. Almost the entire national territory is located between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Earth axial tilt to the south certainly makes Brazil one of the countries of the world with greater extent of land in proximity to the sun. The Brazilian coastline, where most of its population lives, is more than 8,500 km long. Due to geographic characteristics and cultural trends, Brazilians are among the peoples with the highest annual exposure to the sun. Epidemiological data show a continuing increase in the incidence of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Photoprotection can be understood as a set of measures aimed at reducing sun exposure and at preventing the development of acute and chronic actinic damage. Due to the peculiarities of Brazilian territory and culture, it would not be advisable to replicate the concepts of photoprotection from other developed countries, places with completely different climates and populations. Thus the Brazilian Society of Dermatology has developed the Brazilian Consensus on Photoprotection, the first official document on photoprotection developed in Brazil for Brazilians, with recommendations on matters involving photoprotection.

Brazilian consensus on photoprotection.

Brazil is a country of continental dimensions with a large heterogeneity of climates and massive mixing of the population. Almost the entire national territory is located between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Earth axial tilt to the south certainly makes Brazil one of the countries of the world with greater extent of land in proximity to the sun. The Brazilian coastline, where most of its population lives, is more than 8,500 km long. Due to geographic characteristics and cultural trends, Brazilians are among the peoples with the highest annual exposure to the sun. Epidemiological data show a continuing increase in the incidence of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Photoprotection can be understood as a set of measures aimed at reducing sun exposure and at preventing the development of acute and chronic actinic damage. Due to the peculiarities of Brazilian territory and culture, it would not be advisable to replicate the concepts of photoprotection from other developed countries, places with completely different climates and populations. Thus the Brazilian Society of Dermatology has developed the Brazilian Consensus on Photoprotection, the first official document on photoprotection developed in Brazil for Brazilians, with recommendations on matters involving photoprotection.

Uso de hialuronidase em complicações causadas por ácido hialurônico para volumização da face: relato de caso / The use of hyaluronidase in complications caused by hyaluronic acid for volumization of the face: a case report

O uso do ácido hialurônico (AH) injetável no preenchimento de rugas e volumização facial está consagrado na prática dermatológica. O manejo de suas complicações, embora raras, deve ser do conhecimento do dermatologista. No uso dos preenchedores de aplicação mais profunda, a formação de nódulos pode ocorrer, e a conduta é similar à utilizada para preenchedores mais superficiais e menos viscosos. O uso da cânula mais fina possivelmente reduz esse risco, sobretudo em áreas de derme mais fina.

The use of injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) in wrinkle filling and facial volumization is well established in the dermatological practice. While complications are rare, techniques for their management should be known by the dermatologist. Nodules may occur with the use of deeper application fillers, and the treatment is similar to that used for the more superficial and less viscous fillers. The use of a thinner cannula may reduce this risk, especially in areas where the dermis is thinner.

Aumento da dose eritematosa mínima a partir da ingestão de um suplemento vitamínico contendo antioxidantes / Increase in the minimum erythema dose level based on the intake of a vitamin supplement containing antioxidants

Introdução: O fotodano induzido pela luz ultravioleta leva agudamente a eritema solar, que é o fenômeno medido para avaliar a proteção solar de um determinado produto. Objetivo: Investigar a capacidade de um suplemento alimentar contendo antioxidantes (carotenoides, oligoelementos, óleo de linhaça e vitaminas E e C) para prevenir fotodano, usando como parâmetro a dose eritematosa mínima. Método: Foi determinada a dose eritematosa mínima de 28 voluntários de fototipos 2 e 3 de Fistspatrick, com um simulador solar, antes e após 30 e 60 dias do uso do suplemento. Resultados: O uso diário do suplemento foi bem tolerado. Houve aumento significativo da dose eritematosa mínima no grupo avaliado (p = 0,017) Conclusão: A associação de antioxidantes estudada exibiu aumento estatisticamente significativo da dose eritematosa mínima, sugerindo a atividade fotoprotetora.

Introduction: UV light-induced photodamage is an acute precipitator of solar erythema, which is the phenomenon measured to assess the protection against the sun provided by a particular product. Objective: To investigate the ability of a dietary supplement containing antioxidants (carotenoids, trace elements/oligoelements, flaxseed oil, and vitamins E and C) to prevent photodamage, using as a parameter the minimum erythema dose level. Method: The minimum erythema dose level of 28 volunteers (Fitzpatrick skin types 2 and 3) was measured with a solar simulator, before and after 30 and 60 days of supplement use. Results: The daily use of the supplement was well tolerated. There was a significant increase in the minimum erythema dose level in the group evaluated (p = 0.017). Conclusion: The studied combination of antioxidants was demonstrated to increase the minimum erythema dose level with statistical significance, suggesting the presence of photoprotective activity.

Barreira cutânea na dermatite atópica: o valor de um limpador adequado / Skin barrier in atopic dermatitis: the importance of an appropriate cleansing agent

Introdução: A xerose cutânea, comum na dermatite atópica, favorece o prurido e a inflamação. A higiene com tensoativos syndet é suave e preserva a barreira cutânea. Objetivo: Avaliar a tolerância e melhora da xerose da pele com gel de banho especialmente desenvolvido para a pele atópica. Métodos: Avaliaram-se 33 pacientes entre 18 e 50 anos, durante quatro semanas de uso exclusivo; medidas de hidratação, perda de água transepidérmica e pH da superficie cutânea foram feitas no antebraço ao início do estudo, e, após aplicação única, a área foi comparada com a que não foi tratada (antebraço contralateral). Resultados: Todos os pacientes terminaram o estudo; não houve reações adversas. Foram constatados maiores níveis de hidratação e redução da perda de água transepidérmica na área lavada com o gel de banho em comparação à área lavada com água pura, observandose melhora significativa no tempo de duração de prurido, bem como na maciez da pele, além de menor irritação e ressecamento após o uso continuado. Conclusões: A higienização com gel syndet demonstrou não somente preservar a integridade da barreira cutanea no paciente atópico, como também a melhora clínica de sintomas e sinais relacionados à xerose, tais como ressecamento e prurido.

Introduction: Skin xerosis commonly occurs in atopic dermatitis, promoting pruritus and inflammation. Hygiene with syndets (synthetic detergents) is gentle and preserves the skin barrier. Objective: To evaluate the skin's tolerance, and improvement of the xerosis, with the use of a shower gel specially developed for atopic skin. Methods: Thirty-three patients (18 to 50-years-old) were evaluated during four weeks, when using exclusively this product. Hydration, transepidermal water loss, and skin surface pH measurements were taken from the forearm at baseline and after a single application, and were compared to the untreated control area (contralateral forearm). Results: All patients completed the study and there were no adverse reactions. Higher levels of hydration and a reduction of transepidermal water loss were verified in the area washed with the shower gel when compared to the area washed with pure water. Significant improvement was observed in the pruritus and skin smoothness, and there was less irritation and dryness after continued use. Conclusions: A cleansing process using a syndet gel was demonstrated as capable of preserving not only the skin's integrity, but also the skin barrier in atopic patients, in addition to improving clinical signs and symptoms related to xerosis, such as dryness and pruritus

Avaliação clínica de uma formulação de uso tópico como auxiliar na prevenção de estrias na gestação / Clinical evaluation of a topical formulation to help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy

Introdução: As estrias ocorrem pelo rápido estiramento da pele, típico da gestação. Tratamentos tópicos vêm sendo estudados para prevenir seu aparecimento. Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia preventiva de estrias de uma formulação tópica. Métodos: Avaliaram-se 75 gestantes entre 18 e 40 anos. A área tratada foi o abdome, e a área-controle, a face interna do antebraço, com e sem o produto de teste, avaliando-se: maciez, hidratação e elasticidade além de medidas biofísicas para elasticidade e hidratação. Resultados: Das 75 gestantes, 52 finalizaram o estudo; destas, 9,6% apresentaram estrias na área abdominal tratada. Houve melhora significativa em os todos parâmetros clínicos avaliados (p<0,001). Nas medidas instrumentais, houve melhora significativa da hidratação e elasticidade na área abdominal, superior à da área-controle; quanto ao antebraço, também houve melhora significativa da área tratada em relação ao controle para ambos os parâmetros avaliados (p = 0,001). Comentários e Conclusão: A associação dos ingredientes da formulação (ácido láctico e lactato de sódio em emulsão com triglicerídeos do ácido caprílico e cáprico) foi capaz de aumentar os níveis de elasticidade e hidratação, reduzindo a incidência de estrias em comparação ao relatado em literatura.

Introduction: Stretch marks occur due to the rapid stretching of the skin, which is typical in pregnancy. Several topical treatments to prevent them have been studied.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a topical formulation (lactic acid and sodium lactate in an emulsion with caprylic and capric acids' triglycerides) in the prevention of stretch marks.Methods: Seventy-five pregnant women aged 18-40 were assessed. The treated area was the abdomen and the control area was the inner forearm, with and without the application of the tested product. Softness, hydration, and elasticity ­ and biophysical measurements for hydration and elasticity ­ were evaluated. Results: Of the 52 women who completed the study, 9.6% presented stretch marks in the treated abdominal area. There was a significant improvement in all clinical parameters assessed (p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement ­ compared the control area ­ in the instrumental measurements of hydration and elasticity in the abdomen. A significant improvement was also verified in the treated forearm area compared to the untreated forearm area for both parameters evaluated (p = 0.001).Conclusions: The formulation improved the skin's elasticity and hydration, reducing the striae incidence more than previously reported in the literature.

Fatores nutricionais e resistência da haste capilar: estudo clínico piloto / Nutritional factors and resistance of the hair shaft: a pilot clinic study

Introdução: A integridade da haste capilar está comprometida em algumas genodermatoses, uso de citostáticos, além de traumas físico químicos, como processamentos (alisamentos , tinturas, uso de secadores, etc.). Objetivo: Avaliar a possível melhora na resistência capilar após a ingestão de um suplemento alimentar. Métodos: Pacientes com queixa de queda de cabelo por fratura, com cabelos virgens ou processados por tintura, tintura e alisamento ingeriram um suplemento vitamínico por 90 dias. Resultados: Houve melhora clínica dos fios fraturados removidos pelo pull test e melhora da resistência e brilho do cabelo percebida pelas pacientes, estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05). Conclusões: Há um impacto nutricional na manutenção da resistência do fio de cabelo e a suplementação nutricional pode melhorar a síntese das estruturas do fio.

Introduction: The hair shaft's integrity can be compromised by the presence of some genodermatoses, with the use of cytostatic agents, and in physical-chemical traumas, such as straightening, dyeing, drying, etc. Objective: To evaluate improvements in hair resistance after the ingestion of a dietary supplement. Methods: Patients complaining of hair loss due to breakage, with virgin or processed hair (dyed, straightened, or dyed and straightened) ingested a vitamin supplement for 90 days. Results: There was clinical improvement in damaged strands that were removed in the pull test, in addition to statistically significant increases in the strength and shine of the hair, as perceived by patients (p <0.05). Conclusions: Nutrition affects the maintenance of hair's resistance, and supplementation can improve the synthesis of the structures of the hair.

Proteção oferecida por fotoprotetores contra luz visível ? uma proposta de avaliação / Sunscreen protection against visible light: a new proposal for evaluation

Introdução: Têm sido desenvolvidos fotoprotetores pigmentados, com a combinação de filtros inorgânicos não particulados e pigmentos opacos, para a proteção contra a luz visível. Ainda não foi apresentado, entretanto, método confiável para a medida dessa proteção. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de fotoprotetores brancos e coloridos na proteção contra a luz visível. Métodos: Foram avaliados 20 fotoprotetores comercializados no mercado brasileiro, sendo 13 produtos classificados como coloridos, e sete como brancos. Medidas colorimétricas foram realizadas para classificação da luminosidade e da translucidez dos produtos quando aplicados em placas de polimetilmetacrilato, e medidas espectrofotométricas foram calculadas para avaliação da absorbância na faixa de luz visível, entre 400 e 450nm, utilizando-se como parâmetro a eficácia absortiva na faixa de luz visível (Evis). Resultados: Produtos coloridos apresentaram Evis superior à dos produtos brancos. A análise estatística mostrou que há forte correlação entre a eficácia absortiva e a luminosidade e translucidez do produto, e não houve correlação entre a eficácia absortiva e o valor de FPS dos produtos. Conclusões: O uso da Evis mostrou-se parâmetro útil na avaliação de eficácia de fotoprotetores na proteção contra a luz visível. A presença de pigmentos nos produtos coloridos confere maior eficácia fotoprotetora dentro dessa faixa.

Introduction: In order to protect against visible light, pigmented sunscreens have been developed by combining organic non-particulate sunscreens and opaque pigments. No reliable method has yet been proposed to measure the protection offered by these pigments. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of white and colored sunscreens in the protection against visible light. Methods: Twenty sunscreens marketed in Brazil were evaluated (13 colored and 7 white). Colorimetric measurements were used to classify the brightness and translucency of the roducts, which were applied to polymethylmethacrylate sheets. Spectrophotometric measurements were taken to evaluate the product's absorbance within the visible light spectrum between 400 and 450 nm, using the Absorptive Efficacy in the visible light range as a parameter. Results: Colored products presented a higher Evis than white products. Statistical analysis demonstrated that there is strong correlation between absorptive effectiveness and the product's brightness and translucency. No correlation was verified between absorptive effectiveness and the products' sun protection factor. Conclusions: Absorptive efficacy in the visible light range was a useful parameter in the assessment of sunscreens' effectiveness in protecting against visible light. Pigmented products provide more effective photoprotection within that band.

Efeito do uso de silicone em spray na reparação cutânea em procedimentos envolvendo ablação epidérmica: estudo de 20 casos / Use of silicone spray in cutaneous repair in dermal ablation procedures: study of 20 cases

Introdução: Não existe padronização dos cuidados imediatos após procedimentos de ablação epidérmica; a escolha cuidadosa dos produtos pode oferecer maior conforto ao paciente e menores riscos e períodos de recuperação e complicações Objetivo: Analisar a segurança e eficácia do silicone em spray na reparação tecidual de dois procedimentos de ablação epidérmica, o laser YSGG ablativo fracionado de 2790nm e a dermoabrasão. Métodos: Foram avaliados 20 pacientes com fotoenvelhecimento ou cicatrizes de acne, divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos iguais; cada paciente usou de forma aleatorizada em cada hemiface, o silicone spray e vaselina líquida como controle. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à medida de perda de água transepidérmica.Resultados: Todos os pacientes completaram o estudo; o eritema e a ardência foram os achados mais comuns, sendo significativamente mais frequentes na área de aplicação da vaselina. Conclusões: O silicone em spray se mostrou seguro e eficiente nos cuidados após procedimentos ablativos epidérmicos, sendo significativamente superior à vaselina no controle da ardência e do eritema.

Acne da mulher adulta: aspectos epidemiológicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos / Acne in adult women: epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects

FUNDAMENTOS: A acne da mulher adulta (AMA) é uma dermatose de incidência crescente; o hiperandrogenismo está presente em muitos casos, mas há pacientes sem anormalidades hormonais. OBJETIVO: Analisar as características prevalentes na mulher adulta com acne sem hiperandrogenismo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Um levantamento de 226 prontuários com queixa de AMA foi realizado; 116 pacientes (51,3 por cento) possuíam perfil hormonal normal e, portanto, foram incluídas no estudo. Foram pesquisados idade, etnia, perfil clínico da acne, exames complementares, tratamentos anteriores, tratamentos prescritos e evolução. RESULTADOS: A média das idades foi de 33,9 anos e o grau clínico predominante foi o inflamatório moderado (grau II); a face foi a área mais acometida. Os retinoides tópicos foram as drogas mais prescritas, e a medicação sistêmica foi indicada em 53,4 por cento das pacientes. A regressão total foi observada em 31 pacientes (26,7 por cento) até 12 semanas de tratamento. Houve reação adversa ao tratamento tópico em 21,5 por cento das pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: O quadro clínico da AMA em pacientes sem hiperandrogenismo é de moderada intensidade, com predomínio de lesões inflamatórias. Seu tratamento é similar ao da acne vulgar; entretanto, atenção especial deve ser tomada com medicações de maior potencial irritante, uma vez que esse grupo parece ter uma maior predisposição a irritações cutâneas.

BACKGROUND: Adult female acne (AFA) is a dermatosis of increasing incidence; hyperandrogenism is present in many cases, but there are patients without hormonal abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalent characteristics in adult women with acne without hyperandrogenism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey of 226 medical records with AFA complaints was conducted; of these, 116 (51.3 percent) had a normal hormonal profile and were, therefore, included in the study. We investigated age, ethnicity, clinical profile of acne, complementary exams, previous treatment, prescribed treatment and evolution. RESULTS: The mean age was 33.9 years and the predominant clinical grade of acne was moderate inflammatory (grade 2). The face was the most affected area. Topical retinoids were the most prescribed drugs, and systemic medication was prescribed to 53.4 percent of the patients. Total regression was observed in 31 patients (26.7 percent) within 12 weeks of treatment. Adverse reactions to topical treatment occurred in 21.5 percent of the patients. CONCLUSION: The clinical manifestations of AFA in patients without hyperandrogenism are moderate, with predominance of inflammatory lesions. Treatment is similar to that of acne vulgaris; however, special attention should be taken with more irritating medication since this group appears to be more predisposed to skin irritations.