Marine Ingredients for Sensitive Skin: Market Overview

Controlled comparison evaluation of the soothing effect of 3 cosmetic products on skin discomfort induced by an irritant chemical agent (capsaicin)

BACKGROUND

Sensitive skin is a highly prevalent problem. The objective of the study was to assess whether the tested products are effective and safe in terms of improving the symptoms of sensitive skin.

METHODS

A clinical randomized split-face study was carried out on 24 healthy female subjects. Three cosmetic combinations were tested versus vehicle: product A (Solía Thermal Spring Water-TSW-from Cantabria, Spain + diatom algae-P. tricornutum-extract), product B (Solía TSW + diatom algae extract + Annona cherimola Fruit Extract) and product C (Solía TSW + diatom algae extract + Annona cherimola Fruit Extract + niacinamide). Prior to each application of the study Product (A, B, or C)/vehicle, 10% of aqueous solution of capsaicin to induce skin irritation was applied, mimicking the symptoms of sensitive skin. Stinging and burning sensations were evaluated at different time points.

RESULTS

All three tested products A, B, and C showed to act better in calming the symptoms induced by capsaicin when compared to the vehicle.

CONCLUSIONS

The tested products would be an interesting option for treating stinging and burning sensations in sensitive skin patients.

Nutritional Supplements for Skin Health-A Review of What Should Be Chosen and Why

Supplementation of micronutrients is considered to be crucial in the reinforcement of the skin's barrier. In this paper, 14 nutritional compounds commonly used in food or pharmaceutic industries were analyzed in terms of influencing skin conditions. The major objective of this paper was to provide a narrative review of the available literature regarding several chosen compounds that are currently widely recommended as supplements that aim to maintain proper and healthy skin conditions. We conducted a review of the literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until September 2023 without any other restrictions regarding the year of the publication. Ultimately, we reviewed 238 articles, including them in this review. Each of the reviewed compounds, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, curcumin, chlorella, Omega-3, biotin,Ppolypodium leucotomos, Simmondsia chinesis, gamma oryzanol, olive leaf extract, spirulina, and astaxanthin, was observed to present some possible effects with promising benefits for a skin condition, i.e., photoprotective radiation. Adding them to the diet or daily routine might have a positive influence on some skin inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Further, UV radiation protection facilitated by some supplements and their impact on human cells might be helpful during chemotherapy or in preventing melanoma development. Further research is needed because of the lack of clear consensus regarding the doses of the described compounds that could provide desirable effects on the skin.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of an Ecobiological Dermo-Cosmetic Product to Help Manage and Prevent Relapses of Eyelid Atopic Dermatitis

Purpose

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing, inflammatory disease which causes eczematous lesions. Itching and symptoms visibility can have a significant impact on quality of life. This is the case when eyelids are affected. Therefore, we evaluated a dermo-cosmetic product designed to care AD on eyelids.

Subjects and Methods

An initial analysis of the product included 20 healthy women with no AD signs. A clinical evaluation of the effect of the product on AD sign severity was performed on 33 subjects presenting AD symptoms on eyelids. We also analyzed the product's capacity to prevent relapses in a parallel group clinical evaluation performed on 66 subjects.

Results

First, on the forearm skin of healthy subjects, the product reduces erythema and decreases transepidermal water loss when used for 28 days. Second, when clinically evaluated on subjects with eyelid symptoms undergoing a corticoid treatment, the product leads to reduced AD signs scored by a dermatologist, better self-evaluation of symptoms by subjects, and improved quality of life. Besides, upon assessment in a randomized controlled clinical evaluation with subjects prone to AD relapses but without symptoms, the product also drastically reduces relapse frequency. If erythema reduction is the only sign identified by a dermatologist, the product greatly and rapidly improves the quality of life of subjects.

Conclusion

These effects can be explained by the known actions of the product's ingredients. Rich in hydrating compounds, fatty acids and anti-inflammatory compounds, it aims at maintaining and restoring the epidermis structure and function to preserve it from irritants. It effectively shows that a daily care and hygiene routine with a dermo-cosmetic product designed according to an ecobiological approach leads to objective improvement of AD and subjective perception of quality of life.

An extensive review of marine pigments: sources, biotechnological applications, and sustainability

The global demand for food and healthcare products based on natural compounds means that the industrial and scientific sectors are on a continuous search for natural colored compounds that can contribute to the replacement of synthetic colors. Natural pigments are a heterogeneous group of chemical molecules, widely distributed in nature. Recently, the interest in marine organisms has increased as they represent the most varied environment in the world and provide a wide range of colored compounds with bioactive properties and biotechnological applications in areas such as the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and textile industries. The use of marine-derived pigments has increased during the last two decades because they are environmentally safe and healthy compounds. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current knowledge of sources, applications, and sustainability of the most important marine pigments. In addition, alternatives to protect these compounds from environmental conditions and their applications in the industrial sector are reviewed.

Up-to-Date Overview of the Use of Natural Ingredients in Sunscreens

The photoprotective skincare segment is in high demand to meet consumer concerns on UV-induced skin damage, with a recent trend towards sunscreen alternatives with a natural origin. In this study, the use of natural ingredients, either from terrestrial or marine origin, in a panel of 444 sunscreen commercial formulations (2021) was analyzed. Ingredients from terrestrial organisms represent the large majority found in the analyzed sunscreen formulations (48%), whereas marine ingredients are present only in 13% of the analyzed products. A deeper analysis regarding the most prevalent families of ingredients from terrestrial and marine organisms used as top ingredients is also presented, as well as their mechanisms of action. This study provides an up-to-date overview of the sunscreen market regarding the use of natural ingredients, which is of relevance for scientists involved in the development of new sunscreens to identify opportunities for innovation.

Occurrence of Allergens in Cosmetics for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is characterized by symptoms such as stinging and tingling in response to stimuli that usually do not cause unpleasant sensations. Epidemiological studies show that individuals with sensitive skin are more prone to developing skin allergies, although the link between both conditions is unknown. Aiming to evaluate the presence of allergens in facial-skin products for sensitive skin, a pool of 88 cosmetic products from international brands marketed in pharmacies and parapharmacies was analyzed. A list of allergens identified in product labels was compiled and grouped according to their function. Fragrances were the most common allergens, followed by skin-conditioning agents, surfactants, and preservatives. Fragrances presenting the highest use percentages were linalool, benzyl alcohol, geraniol, and citronellol. Overall, the majority of cosmetic formulations were absent of fragrance allergens, being present only in 7% of products. Other allergens were found in most products (95%). This finding should be interpreted with caution, since many of these compounds are rare sensitizers and studies demonstrating their risk for individuals with sensitive skin are lacking. With this study, useful information for health professionals is provided to support their advice and to help consumers choosing cosmetic products.