Skin-lightening effects of a new face care product in patients with melasma

Effects of anti-wrinkle and skin-whitening fermented black ginseng on human subjects and underlying mechanism of action

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of anti-wrinkle and skin-whitening of fermented black ginseng (FBG) in human subjects and to examine underlying biochemical mechanisms of action. A clinical study was performed to evaluate efficacy and safety using a 1% FBG cream formulation. Twenty-three subjects were recruited and instructed to apply control or FBG creams each on half of their face twice daily for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks FBG cream significantly reduced appearance of eye wrinkles compared to prior to exposure and control cream. Skin color was significantly brightened using FBG cream in comparison with control cream. To determine the mechanism of actions involved in anti-wrinkle and skin-whitening effects various concentrations of FBG were applied to human fibroblast CCD-986sk and mouse melanoma B16F1 cells. Collagen synthesis in CCD-986sk cells was improved significantly at 1, 3, 10, or 30 µg/ml of FBG. At 30 µg/ml, FBG significantly inhibited (73%) collagenase, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) compared to control. Tyrosinase activity and DOPA (3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine) oxidation were significantly decreased at all tested concentrations. Melanin production in B16F1 cells was concentration-dependently reduced 15% to 60% by all concentrations of FBG. These results suggested that a 1% FBG cream exerted anti-wrinkle and skin-whitening effects.

Effects of anti-wrinkle and skin-whitening fermented black ginseng on human subjects and underlying mechanism of action

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of anti-wrinkle and skin-whitening of fermented black ginseng (FBG) in human subjects and to examine underlying biochemical mechanisms of action. A clinical study was performed to evaluate efficacy and safety using a 1% FBG cream formulation. Twenty-three subjects were recruited and instructed to apply control or FBG creams each on half of their face twice daily for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, FBG cream significantly reduced the appearance of eye wrinkles compared to prior to exposure and control cream. Skin color was significantly brightened using FBG cream in comparison with a control cream. To determine the mechanism of actions involved in anti-wrinkle and skin-whitening effects various concentrations of FBG were applied to human fibroblast CCD-986sk and mouse melanoma B16F1 cells. Collagen synthesis in CCD-986sk cells was improved significantly at 1, 3, 10, or 30 µg/ml of FBG. At 30 µg/ml, FBG significantly inhibited (73%) collagenase, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) compared to control. Tyrosinase activity and DOPA (3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine) oxidation were significantly decreased at all tested concentrations. Melanin production in B16F1 cells was concentration-dependently reduced from 15% to 60% by all concentrations of FBG. These results suggested that a 1% FBG cream exerted anti-wrinkle and skin-whitening effects.

Meanings of quality of life for patients with facial melasma

Objective: To exhibit the meanings attributed to quality of life by patients with facial melasma. Methods: Qualitative research using the focal group technique, with 10 people with facial melasma from a public hospital and private clinic of a municipality in the interior of the state of São Paulo. The methodological indicative used was content analysis. Results: In the interviewees’ speech, one perceives the annoyance generated by the opinion of others, with curious and even malicious questions related to the blemish. There is difficulty to hide the injuries and the appearance of skin neglect is also cause for distress for the participants. Conclusion: Because it affects the face, which makes it easily visible, melasma is uncomfortable and has a negative impact on the quality of life, since it affects patients’ psychological and emotional well-being.

Significados da qualidade de vida para pacientes com melasma facial

Objective: To exhibit the meanings attributed to quality of life by patients with facial melasma. Methods: Qualitative research using the focal group technique, with 10 people with facial melasma from a public hospital and private clinic of a municipality in the interior of the state of São Paulo. The methodological indicative used was content analysis. Results: In the interviewees’ speech, one perceives the annoyance generated by the opinion of others, with curious and even malicious questions related to the blemish. There is difficulty to hide the injuries and the appearance of skin neglect is also cause for distress for the participants. Conclusion: Because it affects the face, which makes it easily visible, melasma is uncomfortable and has a negative impact on the quality of life, since it affects patients’ psychological and emotional well-being.

Minimal erythema dose, minimal persistent pigment dose which model for whitening products evaluation is better?

BACKGROUND/AIMS

How to select a suitable method in whitening products evaluation is still under discussion. Here, we compared two different artificial pigmentation models and explored an ideal UV dosage for skin whitening products evaluation model establishment.

METHODS

Thirty five healthy volunteers with type IV human skin were recruited and the skin minimal erythema dose (MEDs) and minimal persistent pigment dose (MPPDs) were measured. All volunteers were simultaneously exposed to six increasing doses of radiations from different ultraviolet sources on lower back bilateral flattening area: 95% UVA/5% UVB with the radiating doses of 0.75, 0.94, 1.17, 1.46, 1.83, 2.29 MEDs was used on the left side; meanwhile 99% UVA/1% UVB with radiating doses of 6.0, 7.5, 9.4, 11.7, 14.6, 18.3 MPPDs were used on the right side. Observations and pigmentation measurements were carried out before and after UV radiation for 24 weeks.

RESULT

1.83 MED and 2.29 MED induced medium depth pigmentation by 95% UVA/5% UVB irradiation. 1.83 MED dose causing minimal photo-damage on skin was selected as the most suitable dose. With 99% UVA/1% UVB irradiation, 9.4 MPPD and 11.7 MPPD induced medium depth pigmentation. 9.4 MPPD dose causing minimal photo-damage on skin was selected.

CONCLUSION

These findings potentiate advanced understanding of UV model establishment and selection for skin whitening products evaluation as related to dermatopharmacology and dermatotoxicology.

An updated review of clinical methods in the assessment of ageing skin - New perspectives and evaluation for claims support

With the advancement of skin research, today's consumer has increased access to an informed understanding of ageing skin and its appendages, together with a plethora of targeted products to meet such needs. In recent years, increased legislative demands for quality evidential claims support have led not only to the development and validation of clinical methods to measure and quantify ageing skin, but also a clearer understanding of the skin ageing process-especially the impact of both its internal and external environments-as well as a tougher stance on clearly unjustifiable claims. Traditional testing methods used to research and evaluate anti-ageing products claim to employ sophisticated instruments. Today, however, since the term anti-ageing can be considered a misnomer, intelligent use of combined more advanced clinical methods has enabled the development of technologically improved consumer products providing enhanced efficacy and targeted performance. Non-invasive methods for the assessment and quantification of the causes of ageing skin provide tools to the clinical researcher as defined by key clinically observed ageing parameters. Where evidence requires additional support, a number of clinical procedures evaluating ageing skin and hair products are combined with invasive procedures, thus enabling an added value to product claims. As discussed herein, given the enhanced understanding of ageing, we provide an update to our previous reviews of clinical methods used in the assessment of skin ageing, to include the wider aspects of environmental exposure; skin pigmentation; microbiome disturbance; surface topography; colour, radiance, and pH; and structural integrity-all requiring a disciplined approach to their use in dermatological investigations and product claims evidence.

Natural options for the management of hyperpigmentation

Facial hyperpigmented disorders are a common complaint in the adult population of all races. First-line topical treatments are usually hydroquinone or topical retinoids, which can cause irritant reactions. The need for better tolerated, yet effective, skin lightening agents that could be utilized by a wider population has led to the investigation of several potential botanical/natural compounds. There are currently many topical cosmetic formulations claiming skin depigmenting effects. A few of the ingredients (e.g. soy) are supported not only by in vitro results but also by a body of controlled clinical efficacy studies; other ingredients, instead, are backed mostly by in vitro data and a few small uncontrolled clinical studies. In this review, we describe the most common natural ingredients used for skin depigmentation and their major published studies: soy, licorice extracts, kojic acid, arbutin, niacinamide, N-acetylglucosamine, COFFEEBERRY(™) and green tea.