Adverse cutaneous reactions to skin care products on the face vary with age, but not with sex

Gender-Related Characterization of Acne in Chinese: A Multiple-Center Cross-Sectional Survey on 13085 Cases

Background

Acne is a common inflammatory dermatosis. Although gender-related differences in prevalence and age of onset have been documented. Other gender-related characteristics of acne have not been well elucidated yet.

Objective

We compared characteristics of skin lesions, severity and risk factors of acne between males and females in Chinese.

Methods

Investigator-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, clinical feature and risk factors of acne from May 2020 to August 2021. All participants were from outpatient clinics in seven cities, China.

Results

A total of 13085 participants, including 4746 males (36.27%) and 8339 females (63.73%), aged 8 to 35 years old, completed the questionnaire. The age of onset of acne was significantly younger in males than in females(p<0.001). More females than males had comedones(83.76% vs 75.22%, p<0.001). In contrast, more males than females had pustules, cyst/nodules, scars and severer lesions(p<0.001). Moreover, the major risk factors for acne were constipation, cosmetics, dairy and sweet foods for females, while the major risk factors for males were computer usage/playing electronic games, staying up late at night, intake of hot or spicy foods. More females than males experienced good response to photodynamic treatment(79.52% vs 52.86%, p<0.05).

Conclusion

Acne appears earlier in males than in females. Clinical features and risk factors for acne differ between males and females. More females than males experience good response to photodynamic therapy.

Limitation

This questionnaire survey was carried out in Chinese aged 8 to 35 years old. Gender-related characteristics in other ages and regions remain to be explored.

A Soothing Lavender-Scented Electrospun Fibrous Eye Mask

Electrospinning technology has demonstrated extensive applications in biomedical engineering, energy storage, and environmental remediation. However, its utilization in the cosmetic industry remains relatively underexplored. To address the challenges associated with skin damage caused by preservatives and thickeners used for extending the shelf life of conventional products, a soothing lavender-scented electrospun fibrous eye mask with coaxial layers was developed using the electrospinning technique. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) served as the hydrophilic outer sheath, while polycaprolactone (PCL) constituted the hydrophobic core, with lavender oil (LO) encapsulated within. The structural and physicochemical properties of the samples were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and contact angle measurements. Upon hydration, the fibrous membrane exhibited strong adhesion properties, notable antioxidant activity, and a degree of antibacterial efficacy, demonstrating its potential for safe and effective use in skincare and eye mask applications. These findings suggest that the developed electrospun material offers promising functional properties and functional properties for integration into cosmetic formulations.

Adverse reactions to cosmetics reported to the Chongqing adverse drug reaction monitoring centre system in China

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic adverse reactions (CARs) are becoming widespread in China. However, a comprehensive analysis of data is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the clinical characteristics of patients with reported adverse reactions to cosmetics in Chongqing, China.

METHODS

Cases with CARs reported to the Chongqing Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centre System from 2017 to 2021 were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 23 245 cases were identified, of which 94.5% were women. Contact dermatitis (84.3%) was the most common diagnosis of CARs, followed by acne (3.1%). The most frequently reported clinical signs were erythema (70.1%), followed by papules (35.5%). The majority of CARs were reported to be due to ordinary cosmetics (87.9%), of which 81.0% were skin care products and 7.1% were makeup products. Cosmetics with special functions constituted 12.2%, of these, skin whitening (54.0%) and sunscreen (28.0%) products were most frequently reported.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that adverse reactions to cosmetics are of concern in China, and dermatologists should actively identify and diagnose CARs. In addition, we should establish a convenient and effective model for collecting, reporting, and evaluating CARs.

The link between cutaneous inflammation and cognitive impairment

Cognitive impairment is a symptom of neurological disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease; and mild cognitive impairment can be a precursor of both disorders. Aged humans and animal models with other systemic disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, display a higher incidence of cognitive decline. Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of cognitive impairment also is higher in subjects with certain inflammatory skin disorders, including psoriasis and chronic eczematous dermatitis. Chronologically aged individuals exhibit increased cutaneous inflammation and elevated circulating cytokine levels, linked to alterations in epidermal function, which itself can induce cutaneous inflammation. Conversely, strategies that improve epidermal function can lower cytokine levels in both the skin and circulation. Thus, it seems likely that epidermal dysfunction could contribute, at least in part, to the development of chronic low-grade inflammation, also termed 'inflammaging', in the elderly. The evidence of cognitive impairment in patients with inflammatory dermatoses suggests a link between cutaneous inflammation and cognitive impairment. Because of the pathogenic role of epidermal dysfunction in ageing-associated cutaneous inflammation, improvements in epidermal function could be an alternative approach for mitigation of the ageing-associated decline in cognitive function.

Does sensitive skin represent a skin condition or manifestations of other disorders?

Sensitive skin or cutaneous sensory syndrome is defined as a skin condition that is hypersensitive to stimuli, presented with itching, irritant, erythema, and dryness. However, is it associated with more than impairment of epidermal functions, psychological stress and topical medication or products? We think that it can be a skin condition or manifestation of other cutaneous or extracutaneous disorders. In this paper, we brief relation of sensitive skin syndrome with cutaneous and extracutaneous disorders, clinically, and pathophysiologically.

Prevalence and Severity of Dermatological Condition-Associated Skin Pain in the Chinese

BACKGROUND/AIM

Although the characteristics of cutaneous sensory symptoms in the general population have been documented, dermatological condition-associated skin pain has not been characterized yet. In the present study, we aimed to characterize dermatological condition-associated skin pain in the Chinese.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was given to outpatients to identify self-proclaimed skin pain at our dermatology clinic. The severity of skin pain was assessed using pain scale 0-10. Prevalence and pain severity were compared between males and females.

RESULTS

A total of 2144 patients, including 1254 females and 890 males aged 13-94 years, were included in this study. The overall prevalence of skin pain was 9.93% in this cohort. The prevalence of skin pain varied greatly with dermatological conditions (p<0.0001). Moreover, a higher prevalence of skin pain was observed in males than in females (p<0.05). Among the dermatological conditions reported, higher skin pain scales were found in subjects with either glucocorticoid-induced dermatitis (4.20 ± 0.73) or herpes zoster (4.00 ± 0.29). While the overall pain scales were comparable between males and females (2.38 ± 0.13 versus 2.68 ± 0.13), pain scales in patients with eczematous dermatitis were higher in females than in males (p<0.05). Furthermore, pain scales correlated positively with age. However, pain scales did not differ between subjects with versus without a family history of cutaneous sensory symptoms. These results demonstrate that the prevalence and severity of dermatological condition-associated skin pain vary with dermatological conditions and gender in the Chinese.

CONCLUSION

Patients with some dermatological conditions may experience skin pain. Although the pain is moderate, it can negatively impact the quality of patients' lives. Alleviation of skin pain should be considered when treating patients with certain dermatological conditions.

Clinical and in vitro evaluation of new anti-redness cosmetic products in subjects with winter xerosis and sensitive skin

Objective

To demonstrate the in vitro activities of panthenol, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and niacinamide (NAM) and determine the biophysical properties, clinical safety, tolerability together with efficacy of two developmental anti‐redness (AR) formulations containing these ingredients, in alleviating facial redness associated with winter xerosis in healthy volunteers with sensitive skin.

Methods

The anti‐inflammatory and skin protective properties of panthenol, PEA and NAM were evaluated in vitro. The physical properties of the AR formulations were analysed using measurement of water vapour transport rate (WVTR) and infrared spectroscopy. Clinical studies were performed between the months of December and April (2014–2015) with efficacy assessed during the winter. Facial redness, irritation, sensitization potential, photo‐irritation, and photo‐sensitization were evaluated. Self‐assessed adverse reactions were reported in diaries of use.

Results

Panthenol and PEA reduced prostaglandin E₂, interleukin‐6, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin levels in vitro, while NAM induced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels and the keratinocyte differentiation markers: filaggrin (2‐fold increase, P < 0.001), loricrin (2‐fold increase, P < 0.05), involucrin (2 fold increase, P < 0.001) & peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor‐alpha (1.5 fold increase, P < 0.05). The two AR products exhibited low WVTR vs. no treatment (P < 0.001) and displayed an ordered lipid structure. The day cream formulation protected against ultraviolet B radiation in vitro. A total of 382 participants were included in clinical studies which showed the AR formulations significantly improved facial redness associated with winter xerosis (Day 29 mean change from baseline: AR day cream 0.77 (P < 0.001); AR serum 0.67 (P < 0.001)). No irritation, sensitization, photo‐irritation, photo‐sensitization or product‐related adverse reactions were observed or reported in the clinical studies.

Conclusion

The new products significantly improved skin redness associated with winter xerosis in participants with self‐perceived sensitive skin. Both products were well tolerated with a suitable safety profile for topical use in subjects with sensitive skin.

Aging-associated alterations in epidermal function and their clinical significance

Chronologically-aged skin displays multiple functional changes in both the dermis and the epidermis. It appears that epidermal dysfunction, compromised permeability homeostasis, reduced stratum corneum hydration and elevated skin surface pH predispose to the development of aging-associated cutaneous and extracutaneous disorders. Improvements in epidermal function have been shown to be an effective alternative therapy in the prevention and treatment of some aging-associated cutaneous disorders, including eczematous dermatitis, pruritus, and xerosis. Recent studies demonstrated that epidermal dysfunction leads to the development of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation, termed ‘inflammaging,’ which is linked to the development of aging-associated systemic disorders. Thus, correction of epidermal dysfunction could comprise a novel strategy in the prevention and treatment of aging-associated systemic disorders as well. In this review, we summarize aging-associated alterations in epidermal function, their underlying mechanisms, and their clinical significance. Regimens to improve epidermal function in the elderly are also discussed.

Gender-related characterization of sensitive skin in normal young Chinese

BACKGROUND

While clinical signs, symptoms, as well as etiology of sensitive skin in general populations have been extensively studied over the last decades, characteristics of sensitive skin in normal subjects, particularly gender-related characteristics, still remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we characterize facial sensitive skin in normal young Chinese.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was given to each participant aged 10-30 years. Clinical signs, symptoms, and associated trigger factors of facial sensitive skin were compared in normal young Chinese males versus females.

RESULTS

After excluding subjects with pre-existing skin disorders, 475 females and 429 males out of 954 responders were included in the analyzes. Prevalence of self-reported facial sensitive skin was significantly higher in females than in males. Yet, while more females experienced various symptoms, symptoms were more severe in males than in females. However, both the prevalence and severity of clinical signs were similar in females and males. Skin care products appeared to be the major contributors to facial sensitive skin in both genders. Moreover, it appeared that females were more sensitive to environmental factors such as low humidity and sun-exposure while males were more sensitive to emotional factors. Taken together, these results demonstrate that characteristics of sensitive skin are associated with gender, while the underlying mechanisms remain to be explored.

CONCLUSIONS

There are gender differences in prevalence, symptoms, and trigger factors of facial sensitive skin in normal young Chinese.

Benefits of Hesperidin for Cutaneous Functions

Hesperidin is a bioflavonoid, with high concentration in citrus fruits. In addition to its well-known benefits for cardiovascular function, type II diabetes, and anti-inflammation, recent studies have demonstrated multiple benefits of hesperidin for cutaneous functions, including wound healing, UV protection, anti-inflammation, antimicrobial, antiskin cancer, and skin lightening. In addition, hesperidin enhances epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis in both normal young and aged skin. The mechanisms by which hesperidin benefits cutaneous functions are attributable to its antioxidant properties, inhibition of MAPK-dependent signaling pathways, and stimulation of epidermal proliferation, differentiation, and lipid production. Because of its low cost, wide availability, and superior safety, hesperidin could prove useful for the management of a variety of cutaneous conditions.