Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Vehicle-Controlled Study of Topical Coconut and Sunflower Seed Oil-Derived Isosorbide Diesters on Atopic Dermatitis

Background: Preliminary studies support the use of topical coconut and sunflower seed oil for atopic dermatitis (AD). However, standardized topical formulations of fatty acids from these sources have not been studied. Objective: This study investigates whether coconut oil- and sunflower seed oil-derived isosorbide diesters can be used in conjunction with colloidal oatmeal to improve itch, AD severity, and the need for topical steroids in adults. Methods: This was a single-center, 4-week, randomized, double-blind, and vehicle-controlled study conducted between 2021 and 2022. Thirty-two male and female adults with mild-to-moderate AD were enrolled and completed the study. Participants were randomized to receive either 0.1% colloidal oatmeal (vehicle) or isosorbide diesters (IDEAS, 4% isosorbide dicaprylate and 4% isosorbide disunflowerseedate) along with 0.1% colloidal oatmeal. The main outcomes of the study were changes in the visual analogue rating of itch and 75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index score (EASI 75) at 4 weeks. Other measures included the use of topical steroids and the relative abundance of skin Staphylococcus aureus. Results: Participants in the IDEAS group had a 65.6% improvement in itch compared with 43.8% in the vehicle group (P = 0.013). In total, 56.5% and 25% of the those in the IDEAS and vehicle groups, respectively, achieved EASI 75 at 4 weeks (P = 0.07). There was no difference in skin hydration or transepidermal water loss. The relative abundance of S. aureus was decreased in the IDEAS group at week 4 compared with no change in the vehicle group (P = 0.044). Topical corticosteroid use increased in the vehicle group compared with a decrease in the IDEAS group at week 1 (292.5% vs 24.8%; P value = 0.039) and week 2 (220% vs 46%; P value = 0.08). Conclusions: Topical application of emollients containing coconut oil- and sunflower seed oil-derived fatty esters may improve itch, reduce topical steroid use, and reduce the relative abundance of S. aureus in mild-to-moderate AD. CTR number: NCT04831892.

Prospective Evaluation of a Topical Botanical Skin Care Regimen on Mild to Moderate Facial and Truncal Acne and Mood

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory condition that can be associated with profound psychosocial impacts. Conventional treatment includes topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and antimicrobials, and some may cause irritation and skin dryness. In this 8-week open-label study, we examined the effects of a botanical skin care regimen (Codex Labs Shaant Balancing regimen) on mild to moderate facial and truncal acne. Twenty-four male and female subjects between the ages of 12 and 45 years were assessed for eligibility, 20 were enrolled, and 15 completed all study visits. Facial and truncal acne lesion counts, skin hydration, sebum excretion rate, and mood were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Total facial lesion counts (inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions) decreased by 20.5% at week 4 (p = 0.06) and by 25.2% at week 8 (p < 0.05). Inflammatory lesion counts on the trunk were found to decrease at week 8 relative to baseline by 48% (p < 0.05). Forehead sebum excretion rate decreased by 40% at week 4 (p = 0.07) and 22% at week 8 (p = 0.08), and cheek skin hydration increased by 27.6% at week 4 (p = 0.14) and 65% at week 8 (p = 0.10). Participants also experienced significant improvement in components of a positive effect, such as feeling "strong" and "inspired", and a decrease in negative effects, such as feeling "irritable." Overall, the botanical skin care regimen was found to be well-tolerated. Our study suggests that a botanical skin care regimen may reduce facial and truncal acne lesion counts, increase skin hydration, reduce sebum production, and augment positive effects and moods in those with mild to moderate facial and truncal acne.

The Effect of Synthetic Acetylhexapeptide-8 (AH8) on Sebaceous Function

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the in vitro and clinical effects of topical acetylhexapeptide-8 (AH8) on the appearance of oily skin.

METHODS

In vitro SEB-1 human sebocyte cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of AH8 , then the lipid content of the sebocytes was measured. For the randomized, controlled, split-face clinical study, participants received AH8 10% lotion formulated in Cetaphil Moisturizing Facial Lotion on one side of their face and the control vehicle lotion on the other side of their face. Facial oiliness was assessed by a trained physician using a 3-point grading system, high-resolution digital photographs, and a sebumeter (SM815). Participants also filled out self-assessments of their skin oiliness.

RESULTS

The in vitro experiments showed that sebocyte lipid content significantly decreased after AH8 treatment (p < 0.05 at 0.00005% AH8 , p=0.09 at 0.0005% AH8 , p < 0.05 at 0.005% AH8,and p < 0.001 at 0.025% AH8). In the clinical study, participants trended towards a 10% reduction (p=0.16) in sebum production after AH8 treatment in comparison to the vehicle treatment.

CONCLUSION

AH8 inhibits the accumulation of lipids in sebocytes in vitro without altering cell proliferation or SREBP-1 expression. Topical AH8 trended toward decreased sebum production in human participants. The use of AH8 may serve as a promising agent to reduce sebocyte lipid production and the appearance of oily skin.

Randomized double-blind vehicle controlled study of the effects of topical acetyl zingerone on photoaging

OBJECTIVE

Acetyl zingerone (AZ), a derivative of the phytochemical zingerone from Zingiber officinale (ginger), is a novel compound that is purported to have antiaging properties. The objective of this clinical study was to assess the role of acetyl zingerone in its ability to improve the appearance of facial skin wrinkles, redness, pigmentation, and photoaging was assessed.

METHODS

Thirty-one healthy participants (age 44 ± 7 years) were randomized in blinded fashion to apply either 1% AZ or placebo, consisting of the vehicle base cream, to the full face twice daily for 8 weeks with a total of 3 visits. Signs of photoaging, including wrinkles, dyspigmentation, and redness were assessed with facial image analysis photography and software.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in average wrinkle severity (P = .019; Mean=-25.7% change), total wrinkle volume (P = .003; Mean=-30.1% change), pigment intensity (P = .021; Mean=-25.6% change), and redness intensity (P = .035; Mean=-20.7% change) in the AZ group by 8 weeks compared with the placebo. No significant itching, burning, or stinging was noted by study participants. There was also no significant difference between both groups in the clinical assessment of scaling, erythema, hypopigmentation, or hyperpigmentation.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Topical AZ improves photodamage and decreases the appearance of wrinkles, dyspigmentation, and redness intensity when compared to placebo (vehicle) formulation. Acetyl zingerone is well tolerated with daily use.

The use of topical Nitrosomonas eutropha for cosmetic improvement of facial wrinkles

BACKGROUND

Both topical and oral probiotics are becoming widely used. There is increasing interest in the cosmetic potential in topical probiotics. Nitrosomonas eutropha is an ammonia-oxidizing bacteria.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to assess whether there is any improvement in facial wrinkles with the use of Nitrosomonas eutropha, a topical probiotic.

METHODS

In this prospective study, high-resolution photographs were obtained in twenty-nine participants at baseline and after using topical Nitrosomonas eutropha for seven days.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in wrinkle depth and severity in the high concentration probiotic group. There was also a statistically significant improvement in pigmentation of the forehead and glabella in the higher concentration group.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitrosomonas eutropha may have aesthetic benefits in terms of reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Larger studies with longer treatment and follow-up periods are required.