Correlation analysis between texture features and elasticity of skin hyperspectral images in the near-infrared band.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Skin elasticity was used to evaluate healthy and diseased skin. Correlation analysis between image texture characteristics and skin elasticity was performed to study the feasibility of assessing skin elasticity using a non-contact method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin images in the near-infrared band were acquired using a hyperspectral camera, and skin elasticity was obtained using a skin elastimeter. Texture features of the mean, standard deviation, entropy, contrast, correlation, homogeneity, and energy were extracted from the acquired skin images, and a correlation analysis with skin elasticity was performed. RESULTS: The texture features, and skin elasticity of skin images in the near-infrared band had the highest correlation on the side of eye and under of arm, and the mean and correlation were features of texture suitable for distinguishing skin elasticity according to the body part. CONCLUSION: In this study, we performed elasticity and correlation analyses for various body parts using the texture characteristics of skin hyperspectral images in the near-infrared band, confirming a significant correlation in some body parts. It is expected that this will be used as a cornerstone of skin elasticity evaluation research using non-contact methods.

Efficacy and Safety of Skin Radiance Collagen on Skin and Hair Matrix: A Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial in Healthy Human Subjects.

Purpose: Collagen supplements are rising in the market as collagen has been demonstrated to be an important protein in the human aging process. Also, it is safe and easily absorbed in the body. Hence the aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness and safety of a collagen and antioxidant-rich treatment compared to a placebo in relation to various skin and hair indicators in healthy adult human subjects. Patients and Methods: Forty healthy adult non-pregnant/non-lactating women (aged 38-50 years) provided their informed consent in writing before their participation. Skin Radiance Collagen (SRC) treatment and a placebo were assessed for efficacy before application on Day 1, and post-application on Days 28 and 56, to measure changes in skin elasticity, hydration, brightness, pigmentation; texture, wrinkles, dryness, smoothness, fine lines, changes in the crow's feet region; as well as hair strength and hair fall. Results: It was observed after 56 days that therapy with SRC, compared to placebo, produced a substantial effect on reduction of wrinkle depth and fine lines by 48.11% and 39%, respectively, with p-value <0.01 in the test group. There was a 15.69% improvement in skin hydration observed and 28% reduction in hair fall with p-value <0.01. Conclusion: SRC, a combination of collagen with hyaluronic acid (HA), biotin, and vitamins C and E, showed a significant improvement in skin and hair health, including improvements in skin elasticity, skin hydration, reduction in crow's feet area wrinkles and fine lines, hair fall, and decrease in roughness, leading to improved skin texture. Vitamin C in the formulation also acts as a collagen builder for the body and helps in preventing oxidative stress in the body. The test treatment SRC was found to be efficacious and safe in healthy human adult subjects.

Essential oils extracted from nine different plants exhibit differential effects on skin antioxidation and elasticity.

Essential oils derived from plants are major ingredients in the medical and cosmetic industry. Here, we evaluated nine types of plant essential oils to identify potential candidates with antioxidant and elasticity-enhancing properties. Seven essential oils showed at least 10% radical scavenging activity at the highest concentration. Essential oils extracted from Aster glehnii, Cinnamomum cassia, Citrus unshiu, Juniperus chinensis L., and Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii significantly enhanced fibroblast viability, and oils from Cit. unshiu, J. chinensis L., and J. chinensis var. sargentii significantly increased cell proliferation and migration. Expression of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen 1, collagen 3, and elastin, were upregulated by J. chinensis L. and J. chinensis var. sargentii oil, which also significantly enhanced the contractile activity of skin cells in a three-dimensional gel contraction assay. The results suggest that J. chinensis L. and J. chinensis var. sargentii essential oils may be potential anti-wrinkling and anti-oxidative agents for future consideration of use in the medical and cosmetic industry.

The effects of Jawoongo soap on skin improvement.

BACKGROUND: Jawoongo is used to treat and prevent skin issues such as dry and keratinization disorders, burns, trauma, pigmentation, scarring, and inflammatory skin conditions. In this study, the efficacy and safety of 0.47% Jawoongo extract-containing soap (JAUN-CS) were assessed in terms of skin improvement effects such as cleansing, moisturizing, sebum secretion management, and skin elasticity enhancement. METHODS: Twenty healthy adult men and women aged 20-60 years old took part in the study. Before and after using JAUN-CS, the participants were divided into groups, and various skin improvement effects were measured utilizing machines such as the Corneometer, Tewameter TM 300, and Visioscan. A dermatologist analyzed the product's safety in accordance with Frosch & Kligman and the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) rules. RESULTS: Using JAUN reduced the amount of base and point makeup by 25.7% and 76.7%, respectively. Also, JAUN showed a great facial exfoliation effect by removing the old and lifted skin keratins by 84.7% and 20.3%, respectively. Impurities in facial pores decreased by 58%, too. Furthermore, JAUN increased the moisture content of deep skin and skin surface by 3.5% and 74.0%, and skin elasticity by 2.8%. Skin tone, skin texture, skin radiance, and skin barrier all showed improvements of 3.3%, 20.0%, 15.0%, and 115.2%, respectively. Lastly, cleansing with JAUN successfully enhanced the condition of the youth triangle by 7.6%, while TEWL significantly decreased by 52.7%. Neither the JAUN nor the control group soap showed any adverse reactions, such as erythema or allergies, during the testing period. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that JAUN is safe for human use and has various skin-improving properties, making Jawoongo a promising natural material for the development of functional cosmetics in the future.

Asiatic acid-entrapped transfersomes for the treatment of hypertrophic scars: In vitro appraisal, bioactivity evaluation, and clinical study.

Non-invasive treatment options for hypertrophic scars (HTS) are limited, and treating HTS remains challenging due to their unappealing appearance and associated social stigma. In this work, a novel transfersomal system named Asiatic acid-entrapped transfersomes (AATs) was prepared. AATs were evaluated for their skin permeability, anti-inflammatory activity, and other characteristic parameters to determine the most promising formulation. Asiatic acid-entrapped transfersomal gel (AATG), which was obtained by incorporating the lead AATs in a gel base, underwent testing in an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-skin clinical study. The net skin elasticity (R5), melanin index (MI), and skin surface hydration were analyzed employing Cutometer®, Mexameter®, and Corneometer®, respectively, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed AATG. AATs exhibited vesicular sizes and zeta potential values within the range of (27.15 ± 0.95 to 63.54 ± 2.51 nm) and (-0.010 to -0.129 mV), respectively. TW80AAT gave the highest %EE (90.84 ± 2.99%), deformability index (101.70 ± 11.59 mgs-1), permeation flux at 8 h (0.146 ± 0.005 mg/cm2/h), and anti-inflammatory activity (71.65 ± 1.83%). The clinical study results of AATG indicated no adverse skin reactions. Furthermore, product efficacy tests demonstrated a significant reduction in MI and an increase in net skin elasticity at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. These pilot study outcomes support the effectiveness of the AATG.

Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities of skin mechanical properties measured in healthy individuals using skin elasticity meter.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to establish a standardized measurement method and to examine the intra- and inter-reliabilities and absolute reliability of measuring skin mechanical properties using a skin elasticity meter (Cutometer®). METHODS: Ten healthy participated in the study. Skin mechanical properties were measured at four sites: upper arm, lower arm, upper leg and lower leg on both sides in supine position using a non-invasive skin elasticity meter by two trained different raters. The measurements include quantitative indices of the maximal distensibility (R0), elasticity (R2, R5, R7), and viscoelasticity (R6). Intra- and inter- relative reliabilities were determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (1,1) and ICC (2,1) methods, respectively. The absolute reliability was assessed via the Bland-Altman analysis. Moreover, we evaluated the minimal detectable change at a 95% confidence level (MDC95). RESULTS: At each site, the ICC (1,1) values were >0.90, and the ICC (2,1) values were >0.50. The Bland-Altman analysis did not reveal any fixed errors, and several sites and parameters have proportional errors. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, intra- and inter-reliabilities were measured at "excellent" and more than "moderate" levels, respectively. However, because some proportional errors were observed, the limits of reliability agreement should be considered when using the proposed methods. We believe that the results of this study can be applied to clinical research in field of rehabilitation treatment.

Engineered elastin-like polypeptide improves the efficiency of adipose-derived stem cell-mediated cutaneous wound healing in type II diabetes mellitus.

Impaired cutaneous wound healing is a major complication in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), leading to increased amputation and mortality rates in affected patients. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are widely used seed cells for promoted tissue regeneration to improve wound closure under diabetic conditions. However, ASCs-based therapies remain limited due to difficulties in maintaining cell quality during transplantation. To overcome this problem, extracellular matrix mimetic biomaterials have been developed for use in biomedical engineering field, including tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Herein, a biosynthesized arginine-glycine-aspartate amino acid residues (RGD motif, known as a cell adhesion motif)-containing elastin-like polypeptides (REPs) improved the efficacy of ASCs in enhancing wound closure and skin elasticity in diabetic wounds by promoting the expression of angiogenic growth factors. Therefore, REPs can be used as potential supplements to stem cell-based therapeutic approach to accelerate diabetic wound repair.

The Effects of Oral Isotretinoin on Atrophic Acne Scars Measured by Shear-wave Elastography: An Observational, Single-center Study.

Background: Although the effects of oral isotretinoin (OI) on acne vulgaris and preventing further acne scars have been well-documented, the specific impact of OI alone on pre-existing atrophic acne scars (AAS) remains unclear. No clinical study has objectively evaluated the effect of OI on AAS yet. Objective: We sought to investigate the OI effect on AAS quantitatively and reliably by shear-wave elastography (SWE). Methods: This work is a single-center, prospective and observational study. Thirty patients with moderate and severe acne vulgaris accompanied by AAS were included. We started the OI with a standard dose regime. On Days 0 and 90 of treatment, patients' global acne grading system (GAGS) and the Goodman and Baron's Qualitative Global Scar Rating System (GSRS) were evaluated. The dermal thickness, subcutaneous tissue thickness, scar size, and scar and subcutaneous tissue's elastic modules were measured on both cheeks of each patient by SWE. Results: The improvement in GSRS stages and GAGS scores in 90 days were statistically significant (respectively; p=0.029, <0.001). Scar size and dermal thickness decreased, while the subcutaneous tissue thickness and the elastic modulus of scar and subcutaneous tissue increased in bilateral cheeks. The thickness changes in the right side dermis, and subcutaneous tissue on both sides were noteworthy (p<0.05). Conclusion: Besides its well-known effect on acne vulgaris, OI also could be an effective treatment option for reducing scar size and severity while improving skin elasticity. SWE may help follow skin and scar properties.

Tolerability and efficacy assessment of an oral collagen supplement for the improvement of biophysical and ultrasonographic parameters of skin in middle eastern consumers.

BACKGROUND: Topical skin care products often do not reach the deeper layers of the skin, and oral hydrolyzed collagen is one of the newest and most popular systemic supplementations for skin rejuvenation. However, there are limited information in case of Middle Eastern consumers OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of an oral collagen supplement for improvement of skin elasticity, hydration, and roughness in Middle Eastern consumers. METHODS AND MATERIALS: It was a 12-week, before-after clinical study, conducted on 20 participants (18 women and 2 men) aged 44.15 ± 5.36 years with skin type III-IV. Skin elasticity parameters (R0, R2, R5, and R7), skin hydration and friction, as well as the thickness and echo density of the dermis, were measured after six and 12 weeks daily intake of the study product, as well as 4 weeks after stopping its use (week 16). Participants' satisfaction was assessed on the basis of their answers to the standard questionnaire, and tolerability of the product was assessed by monitoring the adverse effects. RESULTS: A significant improvement was detected in R2, R5, and skin friction at week 12 (p-values 0.041, 0.012 and <0.01, respectively). At week 16, the values remained at an increased level, which indicates the persistence of the results. The increase of dermis density in week 16 was also significant (p-value = 0.03). Moderate overall satisfaction was reported with the treatment, and a few gastrointestinal complications were reported. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that oral collagen peptides could significantly improve the skin elasticity, roughness, and dermis echo density, and they also proved to be safe and well-tolerated.

Effects of Milk Amazake on Skin Elasticity, Hydration, and Transepidermal Water Loss: An 8-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Amazakes made from rice and koji mold are rich in nutrients, such as groups of vitamin B, minerals, essential amino acids, and oligosaccharides, and can improve skin moisturization. However, there are few reports on milk amazake, made from milk and koji mold. Therefore, in this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, we investigate the effect of milk amazake on skin function. Healthy women and men (n = 40) were randomly allocated to the milk amazake or placebo group. The test beverage was consumed once daily for 8 weeks. Skin elasticity, hydration, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured at baseline and at weeks 4 and 8, and all subjects completed the trial. Skin elasticity (R2 and R5) at 8 weeks was significantly increased in the milk amazake group compared with baseline. In addition, changes in R5 in the milk amazake group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group. Conversely, TEWL, an evaluation item of skin moisturizing function at 8 weeks, was significantly decreased in the active group compared with baseline. In conclusion, milk amazake may be useful as a functional food for improving skin function.

The safety and effectiveness of low-level light therapy (LLLT) with light-emitting diode (LED) bed system and a novel topical anti-cellulite gel on grades 1-2 thigh/buttock cellulite: a randomized, comparative-controlled split-thigh/buttock IRB study.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite of the upper lateral and posterior thighs and lower buttocks represents a common unwanted condition. OBJECTIVES: The author sought to comparea LLLT-LED bed therapy and a novel topical anti-cellulite gel on one thigh/buttock cellulite vs light therapy for cellulite to the opposite side. METHODS: Eight healthy female subjects were randomly treated with a LLLT-LED bed twice weekly for 20 minutes in prone/supine positions with twice daily application of a novel anti-cellulite gel to one randomized thigh/buttock. RESULTS: At the end of the 3-month trial, skin elasticity increased after combined therapy on one thigh but decreased with only LLLT-LED bed treatments on the opposite thigh. Thighs treated with active gel and LLLT-LED bed, were downgraded to a lower cellulite grade, while monotherapy did not demonstrate any change from their baseline cellulite grading. Changes in thigh circumference did not correlate with either treatments regimens.Subject and investigator questionnaire evaluations at month-3 were assessed as "satisfactory" results. There were no adverse reactions to treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The use of LLLT-LED bed therapy and an anti-cellulite gel demonstrated an efficient alternative in the treatment of cellulite-involved thighs/buttocks over similarly affected thighs/buttocks that were treated only with LLLT-LED bed therapy.

Effect of A. polygama APEE (Actinidia polygama ethanol extract) or APWE (Actinidia polygama water extract) on wrinkle formation in UVB-irradiated hairless mice.

BACKGROUND: Actinidia polygama (silver vine) is considered a medical plant which has been used in oriental medicine. It has been used for the treatment of pain, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammation. Few studies reported on the effect of Actinidia polygama (silver vine) on skin photoaging. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-photoaging effect of the ethanol and water extracts of A. polygama (APEE and APWE, respectively) in UVB-irradiated hairless mice. METHODS: SKH-1 hairless mice were exposed to UVB irradiation (30-60 mJ/cm2 ), following orally APEE or APWE oral administration for 10 weeks. We examined the effect on winkle improvement by a measuring Fullscope, PRIMOS, Craniometer, and Cutometer. Furthermore, we analyzed histological changes in mouse dorsal skin through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome (MT) staining. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (1, 3, and 9) was analyzed by immunoblotting. RESULTS: Oral administration of APEE or APWE at 100 or 200 mg/kg in UVB-irradiated mice alleviated the symptoms of skin aging, such as wrinkling, epidermal hyperplasia, and water loss. In addition, the APEE or APWE oral administration increased skin elasticity by enhancing the production of type I collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid synthase and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase (1, 3, and 9) expression. CONCLUSION: Based on results for our study, APEE or APWE could protect the UVB-mediated skin wrinkle and is new target for the developing anti-wrinkle cosmetics.

Soap or alcohol-based products? The effect of hand hygiene on skin characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Different strategies for hand skin hygiene have been used to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. However, frequent hand sanitization has been associated with skin damage. The present study aimed to evaluate hand hygiene habits during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect of the repetitive use of soap or alcohol-based products on skin characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a survey regards hand hygiene habits acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, we performed cutometry in a cohort of individuals who cleansed their volar forearms every 30 min, during 4 h, using soap or alcohol-based products. RESULTS: We received 138 responses from people with medium-high educational level who reported a 2.5-time increase in the frequency of hand cleansing (p < 0.0001) that resulted in skin damage. An in vivo analysis of skin moisture and elasticity was also performed among 19 health workers and students. In general, skin moisture decreased with every cleansing, mainly after 2 h of washing with soap (p < 0.01), while skin elasticity only reduced after 4 h of treatment (p < 0.05). Alcohol-based solution or alcohol-based gel (70% ethanol, both) did not affect skin moisture or elasticity during testing. CONCLUSION: It is known that the excessive use of soap or alcohol-based products causes dermatological issues. The present study demonstrates that non-medicated soap significantly affects skin moisture and elasticity, probably because the soap removes the hydrolipidic protective barrier, favoring transepidermal water loss, where the lack of the appropriate stratum corneum hydration also affects skin elasticity, mainly associated with changes in epidermal structure.

Dermocosmetic evaluation of a nutricosmetic formulation based on Curcuma.

Endogenous and exogenous factors can alter the skin layer and appearance, determining skin aging. The extracts and isolated molecules from food matrixes can be used to formulate "healthy" antiaging cosmetics. Two different cosmetic approaches can be used to achieve the antiaging effect. It is possible to use topical products based on food extract (cosmeceutical approach) or take a food supplement and apply a topical cosmetic product based on food extract on the surface to be treated (nutricosmetic approach). This work evaluated in vivo the antiaging potential of a nutricosmetic formulation (cream + food supplement) and a cosmeceutical cream based on Curcuma. The choice of the commercial Curcuma extract to be used for experimental purposes was based on the curcuminoid content determined by an HPLC test. Curcuminoids are the bioactive compounds responsible for Curcuma's antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Their levels in Curcuma extracts vary according to the storage condition, variety, and pedoclimatic cultivation conditions. The Tewameter® TM300 was used to evaluate the Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), the Corneometer® CM 825 to determine the moisturizing effect, the Cutometer® to estimate the skin firmness and elasticity, the Dermascan to assess the collagen index, and the Visioface® 1000D to evaluate the wrinkles. The nutricosmetic product showed potential as moisturizing, anti-age, and anti-wrinkle action better than the cosmeceutical product alone.

Exploring the Impact of Hydrolyzed Collagen Oral Supplementation on Skin Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

With increasing life expectancy, the quest for skin rejuvenation has gained prominence among individuals of diverse age groups. The popularity of nutricosmetics, notably dietary supplements, has garnered significant attention in recent years. Many scientific investigations have amassed compelling evidence highlighting the positive impact of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation in mitigating the visible signs of skin aging. This study aims to know the powerful effect of hydrolyzed collagen on the skin. This research method is to conduct a systematic review followed by a meta-analysis of the clinical trial focusing on randomized, double-blind, and controlled trials that examined the oral consumption of hydrolyzed collagen and reported outcomes related to skin aging, wrinkles, moisture levels, elasticity, and firmness. The selected articles from CENTRAL, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases were published from 2017 to 2023. The subsequent meta-analysis, comprising 14 distinct studies and a collective cohort of 967 participants, revealed encouraging findings favoring hydrolyzed collagen supplementation. It consistently demonstrated substantial enhancements in skin moisture levels and elasticity compared to the placebo group, a trend robustly corroborated by subgroup analysis. These compelling findings underscore the effectiveness of a 12-week regimen of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation in revitalizing the skin by augmenting its hydration and elasticity.

Skin Anti-Aging Efficacy of Enzyme-Treated Supercritical Caviar Extract: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Oxidative stress in the skin, induced by an unhealthy lifestyle and exposure to UVB radiation, leads to skin aging, including reduced elasticity, formation of wrinkles, moisture loss, and inflammation. In a previous study, we revealed the photoaging effects of enzyme-treated caviar extract (CV) by regulating collagen and hyaluronic acid synthase, melanogenesis, anti-oxidant mechanisms, and inflammation in a UVB irradiation-induced mice model. HPLC and MALDI-TOF were performed to determine the effect of enzyme treatment on the free amino acid contents and peptide molecular weight in supercritical caviar extract. As results of the analysis, CV is mainly composed of low-molecular-weight peptides consisting of leucine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. Based on our in vitro and in vivo study, we conducted a clinical trial to assess the skin anti-aging efficacy of CV. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we measured indicators related to elasticity, wrinkles, and skin hydration at 4 and 8 weeks after consumption of CV. The subjects were categorized into caviar, combination, and placebo groups. After 4 weeks, skin hydration, dermal hydration, and transepidermal water loss all showed significant improvement. Furthermore, after 8 weeks, skin elasticity indexes-R2 (total elasticity), R5 (net elasticity), and R7 (ratio of elastic recovery to total deformation)-exhibited significant increases. Improvement in wrinkle indicators (Rmax, Ra, and Rz) and the whitening indicator melanin pigment was also observed. This is the first report showing that CV has significant skin anti-aging efficacy on human skin. In conclusion, our study suggests that CV can be used as skin anti-aging nutraceuticals through positive effects on skin condition in clinical trials.

Photoprotective and Antiaging Effects of a Standardized Red Orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) Extract in Asian and Caucasian Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study.

The increase in solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that reaches the Earth's surface should make us reflect on the need to develop new approaches in protecting the skin from UVR exposure. The present study aims to evaluate the photoprotective and antiaging efficacy of a red orange extract (100 mg/day) in both Asian and Caucasian subjects. A randomized, double-blind, controlled study was carried out in 110 Asian and Caucasian subjects. Product efficacy was measured as follows: (1) the photoprotective effect was measured by the minimal erythema dose (MED) assessment; (2) the efficacy in decreasing the UVA+B-induced skin redness was measured by colorimetry; (3) the antioxidant efficacy was measured by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) assay; and (4) skin moisturization, skin elasticity, skin radiance, the intensity of melanin staining, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and wrinkles were measured to assess the antiaging efficacy. The intake of the product for 56 days was effective in improving the skin reaction to UV exposure; in increasing the skin antioxidant capacity as well as in decreasing UVA-induced lipid peroxidation; in increasing the skin moisturization, skin elasticity, and skin radiance; and in decreasing TEWL, the intensity of melanin staining inside dark spots, and wrinkle depth. Our results suggest that the test product is effective in counteracting both the harmful effects of UVR exposure and aging signs.

Microinjections with hyaluronic acid in combination with glycerol: How do they influence biophysical viscoelastic skin properties?

BACKGROUND: Skin quality improvement with hyaluronic acid microinjections is increasing as a clinical treatment indication and as a scientific issue. This present study assessed changes in biomechanical viscoelastic skin properties after microinjections with the skin quality booster CPM-HA20G (Belotero Revive). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen subjects have been randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either three treatments (total 3 ml per side) or a single-dose treatment (total 1.5 ml per side) with CPM-HA20G at dermal level into the lower cheeks via microinjections. Treatments were provided 4 weeks apart. Biophysical measurements were performed describing the viscoelastic skin properties and the underlying skin structure. The measurements were performed before injection (week 0) and on follow-up visits 4, 8, 16, 24, and 36 weeks after the last injection treatment. RESULTS: One (p = 0.028) as well as three (p = 0.003) consecutive treatments with CPM-HA20G improved statistically significant skin firmness (R0). For the multiple-treatment group improved significant differences were observed for skin fatigue (R3; p = 0.007) and skin density (p = 0.017) with stable skin thickness levels (p > 0.05), too. There were zero-to-weak correlations between skin thickness and biomechanical skin properties (R0, rs  = 0.084; R3, rs  = 0.093). CONCLUSION: Overall, microinjections with CPM-HA20G improved biomechanical viscoelastic skin properties with a stronger and more pronounced effect in the multiple-treatment group. The observed changes may explain some of the skin quality improvements observed after treatment with CPM-HA20G.

Effect of Cirsium japonicum Flower Extract on Skin Aging Induced by Glycation.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have recently been increasingly discussed as one factor of skin aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of Cirsium japonicum flower (CFE) extract on glycation in relation to skin aging and skin elasticity. Moreover, we learned the main active constituent of CFE that has effects against glycation. To demonstrate the effects of CFE on glycation, we carried out an in vitro glycation study, 3-dimensional culture, and clinical study. As a result, CFE inhibited formation of AGEs in both bovine serum albumin (BSA)/glucose glycation system and aldehyde-derived glycation system. Moreover, CFE reduced Nε-(carboxymethyl), lysine (CML), and carbonylated proteins that increased by glycation. Furthermore, CFE broke crosslinks of collagen-AGEs and inhibited the increase of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) gene expression by AGEs. In the 3D culture condition, CFE restored the reduction of collagen gel contraction by glycation. Moreover, apigenin was detected as the main active constituent in CFE that has anti-glycation effects. In the clinical study, we confirmed that CFE has effects on skin wrinkles and skin elasticity. Our findings suggest that CFE can be used as a cosmetic or cosmeceutical ingredient for improving skin elasticity and wrinkles. Regulation of AGEs can be an interesting target for anti-aging.

Effects of arginine glutamate (RE:pair) on wound healing and skin elasticity improvement after CO2 laser irradiation.

BACKGROUND: Glutamic acid is known to be effective for keratinocyte proliferation, but its dermatological application is limited due to its poor solubility in water and various solvents. AIM: Here, the efficacy of the arginine glutamate ion pair (named as RE:pair) for recovering damaged skin and improving skin elasticity was investigated through the analysis of keratinocyte proliferation and collagen synthesis. METHODS: Following the structural analysis of RE:pair using spectroscopic methods, a scratch assay, and Pro-Collagen I ELISA, skin tissue changes in wound-induced artificial skin, changes in wound area after laser wound induction, and the sensory evaluation of skin improvement were investigated. RESULTS: As a result of scratch assay, wound recovery of 94.55% ± 9.57% was confirmed at 10 ppm RE:pair treatment. When evaluation of expression efficacy of procollagen type I, it was found that the expression rate was increased by 32.47% ± 5.62% compared with the control group. Further, the upregulation of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and filaggrin expression in the damage-induced artificial skin was verified. Clinically, the improvement was subjectively verified in terms of the reduction of the wound area, the restoration of the barrier, the improvement of skin elasticity, and through the sensory experience of skin improvement. CONCLUSION: RE:pair shows a greater therapeutic effect than the individual effects of its constituent amino acids and those of the simple mixtures of these compounds. RE:pair exerts its therapeutic action by promoting the proliferation of keratinocytes and enhancing collagen synthesis in fibroblasts. Accordingly, it can be used throughout the cosmetic industry as an effective amino acid wound healing and skin elasticity improving material.