Clinical and histologic findings after use of a novel combined retinol,tripeptide, and glaucine containing cream in the treatment of photo-aged skin

Background

Neck skin is thinner and has a more delicate dermal layer than facial skin. The studied product was specifically formulated for the neck combining a hydrating delivery system with a trifunctional corrective technology composed of 0.2% pure retinol, 2.5% tripeptide concentrate, and 5.0% glaucine complex to help improvement in signs of aging.

Objectives

To evaluate cosmetic and histologic changes 3 months after treatment using immunostains for Type I collagen, Type III collagen, and glycosaminoglycan (GAGS). In addition, overall clinical improvement in photoaged skin was measured by both Griffith's photonumeric photoaging scale, photographic improvement, and questionnaires.

Methods

This study was an open-label, blinded clinical trial evaluating a combined retinol, tripeptide, and glaucine containing cream in the treatment of photo-aged skin. The study enrolled a total of 20 healthy male or female subjects, who applied the product for 3 months to their face and neck.

Results

Clinical as well histologic changes were consistent with improvement in all 20 subjects.

Conclusion

Use of a combined retinol, tripeptide, and glaucine containing cream led to both clinical and histologic improvement of phototoaging.     

Treatment of mild to severe acne with 1726 nm laser: A safe alternative to traditional acne therapies

Introduction

Acne is the most common reason for dermatology consultation in adolescents and young adults. Consultation is often delayed despite unsuccessful self-treatment. Postponing effective treatment places acne sufferers at higher risk for permanent acne scars and post-inflammatory pigment changes.

Aim

This review discusses clinical challenges with present therapeutic options for acne treatment and the role of a 1726 nm laser for acne.

Methods

Current acne treatment guidelines were reviewed. A literature review was conducted for trials of light-based acne therapy. The selectivity of previous light-based therapies was reviewed.

Results

Available acne therapy is effective, but treatment-related side effects are common. Acne treatment guidelines do not include recommendations for light-based treatments. Different types of light-based treatments have been tried but until now no wavelength specifically targeted sebaceous glands.

Conclusion

The 1726 nm laser is safe and effective for treating mild to severe acne in all Fitzpatrick skin types. Acne resolution is apparent within the first month and improves for up to 2 years beyond treatment.     

Macrocystis pyrifera ferment-containing creams for optimizing facial skin rejuvenation

Background

There is an increasing demand for facial skin rejuvenation. Specialized aesthetic skincare treatments may be one of the first steps to help prevent or treat facial signs of aging. This article discusses aesthetic skin care for facial skin rejuvenation, particularly data on two creams containing Macrocystis pyrifera ferment.

Methods

The authors convened a dermatology advisory board to discuss challenges and practices in using skincare for facial rejuvenation, combining their expert opinion and experience on facial rejuvenation with preclinical and clinical data on two creams containing Macrocystis pyrifera ferment and a review of the literature.

Results

Preclinical and clinical studies on Macrocystis pyrifera ferment and two creams containing the ferment exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and healing properties. In preclinical studies, the ferment demonstrated collagen type I enhancing properties in ex vivo skin models, and skin cells treated with the ferment migrated faster than untreated cells in the in vitro study. In clinical studies measuring visible anti-inflammatory activity, the ferment alone and the ferment-containing products significantly decreased erythema, and in anti-aging studies, they improved visible skin aging parameters. Finally, in clinical studies on the stratum corneum, the two creams increased moisture levels and decreased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), reflecting healing by enhancing barrier strength and recovery.

Conclusions

The Macrocystis pyrifera ferment and creams containing the ferment are effective skin care treatment products to decrease the visible effects of inflammation and signs of aging while promoting healing by enhancing barrier resilience and recovery.     

Aesthetic considerations for treating the Asian patient: Thriving in diversity international roundtable series

Background

The unique anatomy of the Asian face, along with the influence of cultural forces and regional preferences, has led to the development of specialized approaches to rejuvenation and beautification that are applicable to the aesthetic practice within Asia as well as those who serve these patients internationally.

Aims

To discuss similarities and differences in anatomy and treatment preferences of Asian patients and explore how these differences may influence aesthetic practices.

Patients/Methods

In support of clinicians who wish to serve a diverse patient population, a six-part international roundtable series focused on diversity in aesthetics was conducted from August 24, 2021 to May 16, 2022.

Results

The results of the sixth and final roundtable in the series, the Asian Patient, are described here. Anatomical differences and their influence on treatment preferences are discussed, and specific procedural information provided for management of facial shape and projection, including advanced injection techniques for the eyelid-forehead complex.

Conclusions

The continued exchange of ideas and treatment techniques support not only optimal aesthetic outcomes for a diverse range of patients within a given practice, but also the evolution of aesthetic medicine. The expert approaches detailed here may be used to inform treatment plans tailored to the Asian population.     

Treatment of mild-to-moderate facial cutaneous aging using a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid

Chemical peeling treats facial cutaneous aging and may avoid risks in patients with sensitive skin, darker skin types, limited finances, or concern for side effects of other resurfacing techniques. Tolerability and improvement of photoaging using a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid for treatment of mild-to-moderate signs of facial photoaging were assessed. This is a prospective, single-center, single-arm, study of 32 female subjects with mild-to-moderate signs of facial aging and Fitzpatrick Skin Types I–V treated with three monthly treatments of a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid. After 3 treatments, there were statistically significant improvements in clarity, brightness, redness, pigmentation, fine lines, tactile and visual roughness, and overall appearance scores. Subjective improvements in photoaging parameters varied from 53% (fine lines) to 91% (clarity/brightness). Three treatments with a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid achieved improvements in signs of facial photoaging. This procedure is safe and effective at treating cutaneous aging for all skin types and a viable option for patients who wish to avoid other resurfacing techniques such as laser resurfacing, microneedling among others.     

Comparing the application of various engineered xenografts for skin defects: A systematic review

Introduction

Xenografts are a now a cornerstone in the management of wound dressings. Promising results were achieved since 1960 in the application of skin substitute for skin defects.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various xenografts.

Methods

A literature research was conducted using the following query: ‘Porcine skin dermatology substitute’, ‘bovine skin dermatology substitute’, ‘xenograft skin substitute dermatology’, ‘xenografts skin defect’, ‘porcine skin defect’, ‘bovine skin defect’.

Results

The review yielded 35 articles pertaining to the topic. Main indications for porcine and bovine xenograft application were burn wounds and post-traumatic wounds, respectively. Mean discharge date or length of stay was at the 6th day after porcine application, and the time of graft healing was reported for 33.7% (n = 510) of patients. Promising results were seen with Matriderm and split-thickness skin graft. Most wounds achieved an excellent cosmetic result with full range of motion and a smooth contour appearance. A great variety of tissue substitutes exist, and the choice of graft application should depend on a patient's factors, product availability, wound type, size, and physician's factors.

Conclusion

In summary, xenografts are more economic and affordable but have higher risk of infections compared to allografts.     

Selective photothermolysis with a novel 1726 nm laser beam: A safe and effective solution for acne vulgaris

Background

Selective photothermolysis on sebaceous glands is an effective method for treating acne vulgaris (AV); however, safety, efficacy, and discomfort hinder its utilization in clinical settings.

Aims

The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel 1726 nm laser with contact cooling to treat AV.

Methods

Seventeen patients aged 18 to 36 were enrolled and treated in this IRB-approved, single-center, open-label study. Patients received up to three facial laser sessions up to seven weeks apart. Follow-up visits happened ten days post-session and at the 4 and 12 weeks following the final session. The investigator assessed the severity of device-related adverse events (AEs). Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) and inflammatory lesion counts (ILC) were used as metrics to evaluate acne resolution and skin condition enhancement. Patients' perspectives on satisfaction and comfort using this technology were assessed using Subject Experience Questionnaires (SEQ).

Results

Safety assessment showed mild and transient AEs. All subjects tolerated anesthetics-free treatments well, with a mean treatment discomfort score of 4.9 ± 1.5. Compared to baseline, a statistically significant reduction in ILC (p = 0.003) of 52% to 56% is achieved four to twelve weeks following treatment. Long-term follow-ups showed progressive improvement 24 months post-treatment with a 97% reduction in ILC. SEQs revealed high subject satisfaction (71%) with psychosocial improvement three months post-treatment.

Conclusion

The novel 1726 nm laser appears safe and effective for treating mild-to-severe acne. Acne resolution is apparent within the first month and progresses beyond the study duration.     

Adult and juvenile dermatomyositis treatment

Introduction

Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting skin and muscles. The disease can be seen in both adults and children. It can be associated with malignancy. Considering involvement of skin in the disease, many patients consult dermatologists for its treatment. Hence, knowledge about its presentation, complications, prognosis, and treatment is necessary.

Objective

The objective of this review article is to provide comprehensive information about treatment of dermatomyositis.

Methods

In this review article, we reviewed the published literature on adult and juvenile dermatomyositis to highlight the treatment. Articles published in peer-reviewed journals including reviews, clinical trials, case series, and case reports published in electronic database (MEDLINE/PubMed) through January 2021, cross references of respective articles and trials from clinicaltrials.gov were included for qualitative analysis of the literature.

Results

Treatment options for dermatomyositis include traditional immunosuppressive agents and immunomodulatory therapy. High-dose corticosteroids represent the first line of treatment while other immunosuppressive agents are also used, either in combination with or as an alternative to corticosteroids, after initial treatment failure. Some biological agents have been used for the treatment of dermatomyositis with variable responses.

Conclusion

Although several treatment options are available, several questions remain unanswered about the optimal treatment of dermatomyositis.