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Zhang AD, Lazar M, Akhundova E, Brem CE, Beltrami EJ, Vashi NA. A Scoping Review on Melasma Treatments and Their Histopathologic Correlates. Dermatopathology (Basel) 2025; 12:13. [PMID: 40265344 PMCID: PMC12015840 DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology12020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2025] [Revised: 04/09/2025] [Accepted: 04/10/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025] Open
Abstract
Melasma is an incredibly common dyschromic disorder, mostly impacting women with skin of color. There are three variants of melasma based on the depth of pathologic involvement: epidermal, mixed, and dermal. While there are many treatments for melasma, there is a paucity of research on melasma treatments and their dermatopathological correlates. A scoping review was conducted of all human trials on melasma with histopathologic analysis, including 37 trials in the final analysis. Most studies were conducted on women with a Fitzpatrick skin type of III or greater. Strong histologic evidence supports the utilization of retinols/retinoids for epidermal melasma and microneedling for dermal melasma. There is a paucity of trials conducted on melasma utilizing histologic correlates, and fewer still that are comprehensive to include analyses on quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore D. Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany St., J502, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Michelle Lazar
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany St., J502, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Emiliya Akhundova
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany St., J502, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Candice E. Brem
- Dermatopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany St., J300, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Eric J. Beltrami
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany St., J502, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Pathak GN, Parikh AK, Saifullah A, Ajmal H, Tchack M, Musolff N, Rao BK. Applications of reflectance confocal microscopy in photoaging and aesthetic conditions: skin characterization and treatment monitoring. Arch Dermatol Res 2025; 317:538. [PMID: 40056212 PMCID: PMC11890249 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-025-04020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2025] [Accepted: 02/12/2025] [Indexed: 03/10/2025]
Abstract
Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is an in-vivo, non-invasive imaging modality that provides a high-resolution image of the epidermis and upper dermis. RCM has been utilized as a diagnostic aid for several inflammatory, infectious, and malignant skin conditions; however, its use for clinical and aesthetic skin purposes has not been well established. The purpose of this review is to describe the landscape of RCM utilization for the application of aesthetic skin conditions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed using the search terms "reflectance confocal microscopy cosmetic", and "reflectance confocal microscopy aesthetic". The search was limited to clinical and animal studies published in English in the last 10 years. RCM must have been utilized to measure an aesthetic dermatological outcome to be eligible for the review. After data abstraction, a total of 46 studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified. The most common utilization of RCM for cosmetic conditions included treatment monitoring and skin morphologic characterization. The primary skin conditions evaluated included skin aging, pigmentation, skin dryness, irritated, and sensitive skin related conditions. Treatment monitoring was primarily conducted for topical agents for skin hydration, skin UV protection, acne, skin dryness, and skin pigmentation purposes. Identification of histo-structural correlations with aesthetic skin conditions may pave the way for future aesthetic drug development. As the popularity of cosmetic dermatologic procedures continues to increase, utilization of RCM for skin characterization and treatment monitoring may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav N Pathak
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Somerset, NJ, USA.
| | - Aarushi K Parikh
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Somerset, NJ, USA
| | - Aleena Saifullah
- Department of Dermatology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Rao Dermatology, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, USA
| | - Hamza Ajmal
- Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO, USA
| | - Madeline Tchack
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Somerset, NJ, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Rao Dermatology, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, USA
| | - Noah Musolff
- Department of Dermatology, Rao Dermatology, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, USA
| | - Babar K Rao
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Somerset, NJ, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Rao Dermatology, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, USA
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Chuesomboon P, Rades T, Chaiyana W. Potential of Encapsulated Bovine Colostrum in Powder-Based Formulations for Facial Clay, Peel-Off Gel, and Sleeping Gel Masks. Gels 2025; 11:111. [PMID: 39996654 PMCID: PMC11854522 DOI: 10.3390/gels11020111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2025] [Accepted: 01/27/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Bovine colostrum is a bioactive compound with potential in cosmetic applications but has a limited shelf life. This study aimed to develop an effective encapsulation system for bovine colostrum using the complex coacervation method and incorporate it into powder formulations for facial masks. The research explored various gelatin-to-gum Arabic ratios to optimize the physical and chemical stability, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity of the encapsulated bovine colostrum (EBC). The EBC was further incorporated into powder formulations for clay masks, peel-off gel masks, and sleeping gel masks. The optimal gelatin-to-gum Arabic ratio was found to be 2:1, yielding the highest entrapment efficiency (66.6 ± 3.3% w/w) and loading capacity (67.6 ± 3.4% w/w) of bovine colostrum. For clay masks, the most effective powder blend incorporating EBC enhanced the moisture content, water solubility, and hygroscopicity, without affecting the drying time (9.7 ± 0.6 min). Additionally, peel-off gel masks incorporating EBC significantly reduced water activity and improved moisture content and hygroscopicity, while the drying time decreased from 44.3 ± 0.6 to 25.0 ± 1.7 min. For sleeping gel masks, the formulation with EBC increased water activity, while other parameters remained stable. In conclusion, the EBC with enhanced stability was effectively integrated into various powders for facial mask formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornpansa Chuesomboon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Thomas Rades
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Wantida Chaiyana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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Liu Q, Chen S, Nie Y, Li Q, Chen F. Determination of 4-n-butylresorcinol by fluorescence derivatization based on dopamine. Talanta 2025; 281:126909. [PMID: 39321559 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 09/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
4-n-butylresorcinol (4nBR) is a frequently utilized as whitening ingredients in skincare cosmetics. Compared with other whitening ingredients, it can effectively inhibit tyrosinase with lower toxicity and superior inhibition efficacy. Under alkaline conditions, an induced oxidative coupling reaction can occur between 4nBR and dopamine (DA) to generate strong fluorescent substance azamonardine with an intense emission band centering at 476 nm when excited at 440 nm. This phenomenon can be used to establish a fluorescence analysis method for 4nBR. The results indicated that the linear range of the method was 1.0-24.0 nmol L-1, and the detection limit was as low as 0.25 nmol L-1. The method showed high sensitivity, good selectivity, mild experimental conditions and low cost. The proposed method was successfully used to detect 4nBR in cosmetics, and the results were consistent with those of HPLC. The spiking recoveries were between 98.2% and 108 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry & Materia Medica, China; Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage (HUST), Ministry of Education, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Si Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry & Materia Medica, China; Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage (HUST), Ministry of Education, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiming Nie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry & Materia Medica, China; Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage (HUST), Ministry of Education, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry & Materia Medica, China; Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage (HUST), Ministry of Education, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry & Materia Medica, China; Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage (HUST), Ministry of Education, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, China.
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Guida S, Longo C, Ronga R, Stabile G, Podo Brunetti A, Bigotto GD, Conforti C, Ciardo S, Cantisani C, Paolino G, Mercuri SR, Nisticò SP, Zerbinati N, Rongioletti F, Pellacani G. Melasma and reflectance confocal microscopy: from baseline to treatment monitoring. Int J Dermatol 2024; 63:1007-1012. [PMID: 38448367 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.17117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Melasma is a frequent condition worldwide, and it represents one of the most challenging disorders to treat in cosmetic dermatology. One of the critical factors for treatment prognosis is the assessment of the depth and distribution of pigment within the hyperpigmented area. Nowadays, non-invasive skin imaging techniques, such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), have been used to estimate pigment distribution and depth within different skin layers. This article aims to provide a systematic review of RCM applications in melasma, providing terminology and investigating characteristics of melasma at baseline and after medical and laser treatment. Our results support the recognition of two main types of melasma, epidermal and mixed type, thanks to the role of RCM in highlighting the precise pigment depth location in the skin non-invasively. RCM treatment monitoring enables the objectification of pigment variations after treatment and the identification of prognostic factors for different treatment modalities. After the era of the application of RCM as a technique applied strictly to skin cancers, additional cosmetic applications are emerging, such as the application of melasma treatment monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Guida
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Dermatology Clinic, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Longo
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ronga
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stabile
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Dermatology Clinic, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Podo Brunetti
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Dermatology Clinic, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianmarco D Bigotto
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Dermatology Clinic, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Silvana Ciardo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carmen Cantisani
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Internal Anesthesiologic Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paolino
- Dermatology and Cosmetology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Santo R Mercuri
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Dermatology and Cosmetology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Steven P Nisticò
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Internal Anesthesiologic Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Zerbinati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Franco Rongioletti
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Dermatology Clinic, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pellacani
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Internal Anesthesiologic Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Guerra LO, Cortinoz JR, Vasques LI, Leonardi GR. Methods for skin image analysis and their applications in dermatology and cosmetic research: a comprehensive review. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2024; 159:146-160. [PMID: 38376503 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.23.07704-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, several non-invasive imaging methods have been introduced to facilitate studies in dermatology and cosmetic research, almost completely replacing invasive methods such as biopsy. Imaging devices have proven to be useful tools in skin analysis and therapy monitoring. This review aimed to investigate the most recent studies in cosmetic dermatology the imaging technology and methods that are being used to assess skin characteristics and summarize its fundamentals, possible applications, advantages, and limitations, and to give a future perspective to the clinical trials. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION For that, a literature review was carried out in the main scientific database platforms and the studies associating skin image analysis with dermatology and cosmetic research were selected and discussed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS It was possible to infer that skin image analyses are not only practical and effective, but have also become increasingly essential for the skin sciences. The in vivo and real-time image analyses allow a more complete evaluation and the follow-up of the same region for different periods. It was also possible to observe that macroscopic, microscopic, and mesoscopic imaging methods are complementary, allowing different approaches in the same study. CONCLUSIONS These technologies are expected to evolve more and more quickly in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas O Guerra
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- ALS Life Sciences-Allergisa Pesquisa Dermato-Cosmética Ltda, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janaina R Cortinoz
- ALS Life Sciences-Allergisa Pesquisa Dermato-Cosmética Ltda, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Louise I Vasques
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil -
| | - Gislaine R Leonardi
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Avianggi HD, Indar R, Adriani D, Riyanto P, Muslimin M, Afriliana L, Kabulrachman K. The effectiveness of tomato extract on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and severity degree of patients with melasma. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2022; 157:262-269. [PMID: 35707866 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.22.07152-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melasma is present in 40% of cases in Southeast Asia. The condition is often unresponsive to therapy; treatment has variable success rates, and melasma has high recurrence rates. Lycopene-rich tomato extract is needed to avoid oxidative stress due to ultraviolet rays that cause melasma through the melanogenesis pathway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral tomato extract supplement as an adjuvant for melasma therapy. METHODS The study recruited 62 subjects with melasma to a true-experimental clinic with a double-blind, randomized, pre and post-test control design over 12 weeks at the Diponegoro National Hospital, Indonesia. The subjects received an oral tomato extract supplement contains lycopene 30 mg (placebo). All subjects applied topical sunscreen and hydroquinone-4%-cream. Subjects were assessed by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and melasma area and severity index (MASI). RESULTS Fifty-nine patients completed the research. The serum SOD levels in the treatment group (tomato extract supplementation) were higher than in the control group given the placebo, with delta SOD (P<0.05). The difference in MASI Scores after therapy in the treatment group had a significant decrease compared to the control group, with statistical review results suggesting that the difference was significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Supplementation of tomato extract as an adjuvant therapy can increase serum SOD levels and improve melasma severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayra D Avianggi
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia -
| | - Retno Indar
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Diah Adriani
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Puguh Riyanto
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Muslimin Muslimin
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Liza Afriliana
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
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Skin Depigmenting Agents in Anti-Aging Cosmetics: A Medicinal Perspective on Emerging Ingredients. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12020775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Human skin aging results from intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Uneven pigmentation is one of the major changes of extrinsic aging. Many compounds have been tested for depigmenting activity but only a few are actually used by the cosmetic industry, which is continually looking for new ingredients. In this study, the trends in the use of skin depigmenting ingredients in a panel of anti-aging formulations commercialized in the Portuguese pharmacy market were analyzed, by comparing the composition of the products marketed in 2011 with products launched or reformulated in 2018 (59% and 74%, respectively). The analysis of the top 12 ingredients put forward three novelties for 2018: tranexamic acid, bakuchiol, and 4-butylresorcinol. Regarding their mechanisms of action, tranexamic acid inhibits melanin synthesis through inhibition of the plasminogen/plasmin system. Bakuchiol depigmenting efficacy was attributed to the ability to block both α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and tyrosinase activation, while 4-butylresorcinol exerts its action through the inhibition of both tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1). Industry-optimized and efficient synthetic methodologies that embrace green chemistry, reducing the environmental impact, are commonly used. This analysis aims to bring insights to both formulators, involved in the development of depigmenting cosmetic products, and chemists performing the synthesis of new and existing compounds intended for this purpose.
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