Introduction: Striae in pregnancy are caused by the rupture of collagen and elastic fibers, due to the distension of the skin.The dermal structures that allow the skin to expand – being responsible for the biomechanical properties of the skin such as firmness and elasticity – when ruptured, cause striae. Since pregnancy seems to change these properties in order to facilitate skin distension, there is a correlation between those parameters and the occurrence of striae during pregnancy. Objective: To investigate the correlation between the occurrence of striae and the skin''''''''s capacity to increase its elasticity. Methods: Skin firmness and elasticity was measured with a Cutometer MPA 580® device in order to investigate the occurrence of striae in 60 pregnant women. Results: A positive correlation between increased elasticity and the absence of striae was observed. Conclusions: There is a possible correlation between the occurrence of striae and the skin''''''''s capacity to increase dermal elasticity.

Keywords: PREGNANCY, DERMIS, RELAXIN

Introduction: The hair shaft''''''''s integrity can be compromised by the presence of some genodermatoses, with the use of cytostatic agents, and in physical-chemical traumas, such as straightening, dyeing, drying, etc.
Objective: To evaluate improvements in hair resistance after the ingestion of a dietary supplement. Methods: Patients complaining of hair loss due to breakage, with virgin or processed hair (dyed, straightened, or dyed and straightened) ingested a vitamin supplement for 90 days.
Results: There was clinical improvement in damaged strands that were removed in the pull test, in addition to statistically significant increases in the strength and shine of the hair, as perceived by patients (p <0.05).
Conclusions: Nutrition affects the maintenance of hair''''''''s resistance, and supplementation can improve the synthesis of the structures of the hair.

Keywords: SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING, HAIR, HAIR DYES

Introduction: The aging process of areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun has a clinical pattern different from that of facial photoaging. According to a number of published studies, the combination of retinaldehyde, glycolic acid, and nicotinamide presents promising results. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new dermocosmetic formulation in the treatment of body photoaging. Methods: Clinical, prospective, open, and monocentric study that evaluated 60 volunteers (phototypes I to III) with signs of photoaging in the neck region. Clinical and instrumental measurements (cutometry, corneometry, evaporimetry, and profilometry) were taken in the initial visits and 30 and 60 days after using the study product, which was applied at night, combined with the daytime application of sunscreen. Results: After using the test product, the categories of clinical parameters (wrinkles, smoothness, hydration, and sagging) and biophysical hydration (measured using corneometry) presented statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the intermediate and final visits. Despite showing improvement, the biophysical measurements of skin viscoelasticity and roughness were not statistically significant. Conclusion: This combination was effective in the clinical improvement of body photoaging, and is an effective and safe alternative for treating this condition.

Keywords: SKIN AGING, COSMETICS, THERAPEUTICS