Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of urea on skin moisture.
Institution: A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted at the Medcin Instituto da Pele – Clinical Research Center –, in Osasco, SP, Brazil.
Material and methods: Individuals with dry skin were submitted to one application of three different concentrations of a urea moisturizer, namely 3%, 5%, and 10%, and a control moisturizer. Clinical, subjective, and corneometry measurements were evaluated at 1, 4, and 6 hours.
Results: All moisturizers, including the control emulsion, improved significantly the skin moisture in the first evaluation (p < 0.05); 10% urea was superior to other concentrations, especially at the 4-hour evaluation, when it was compared with 3% urea, and at the 6-hour evaluation, when compared with the 5% and 3% presentations; at the 1-hour evaluation, patients referred itching and stinging with the use of 10% urea moisturizer.
Conclusion: The duration of the hygroscopic properties of urea is directly related with its concentration. Adverse symptoms, such as stinging, were observed only with higher concentrations.

Keywords: UREA

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: In order to protect against visible light, pigmented sunscreens have been developed by combining organic non-particulate sunscreens and opaque pigments. No reliable method has yet been proposed to measure the protection offered by these pigments.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of white and colored sunscreens in the protection against visible light. Methods: Twenty sunscreens marketed in Brazil were evaluated (13 colored and 7 white). Colorimetric measurements were used to classify the brightness and translucency of the roducts, which were applied to polymethylmethacrylate sheets. Spectrophotometric measurements were taken to evaluate the product''''''''s absorbance within the visible light spectrum between 400 and 450 nm, using the Absorptive Efficacy in the visible light range as a parameter.
Results: Colored products presented a higher Evis than white products. Statistical analysis demonstrated that there is strong correlation between absorptive effectiveness and the product''''''''s brightness and translucency. No correlation was verified between absorptive effectiveness and the products'''''''' sun protection factor.
Conclusions: Absorptive efficacy in the visible light range was a useful parameter in the assessment of sunscreens'''''''' effectiveness in protecting against visible light. Pigmented products provide more effective photoprotection within that band.

Keywords: SUNSCREENING AGENTS, PHOTOBIOLOGY, SUNLIGHT

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

The use of injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) in wrinkle filling and facial volumization is well established in the dermatological practice. While complications are rare, techniques for their management should be known by the dermatologist. Nodules may occur with the use of deeper application fillers, and the treatment is similar to that used for the more superficial and less viscous fillers. The use of a thinner cannula may reduce this risk, especially in areas where the dermis is thinner.

Keywords: HYALURONIC ACID; ACCIDENTS; DERMIS.

Introduction: Cosmiatric procedures are common in dermatology and products with moisturizing action are recommended in the post-procedure period in order to accelerate reepithelialization. Objective: To evaluate a formulation containing a skin barrier reparative complex, applied in the period after chemical exfoliation, used to reduce discomfort and improve skin hydration. Methods: Comparative, randomized clinical study with 52 volunteer patients. The patients were divided into two groups and had all undergone exfoliation with 5% retinoic acid. Clinical assessment and biophysical technique measurements were performed during visits 1 (D0) to 6 (D7), using the test product in combination with sunscreen (Group I) or sunscreen only (Group II). Results: The group treated (Group I) showed better improvement of desquamation and dryness at all visits, with a statistical significance (p<0.05) for a reduction in desquamation in D4 and in D7. In the assessment of hydration, the treated group (Group I) achieved better results than the control (Group II), with statistical significance in D2, D3, and D4 (p<0.05). Conclusions: The use of the studied formulation was proven effective in improving symptoms and hydrating skin after cutaneous chemical exfoliation.

Keywords: CHEMEXFOLIATION; SKIN; COSMETICS.

Introduction: Modern life in large urban centers exposes its residents to new factors related to extrinsic aging, such as pollution, poor diet and emotional stress. Treatments proposed for this cause of aging include the use of cosmeceutical products with antioxidant action.
Objective: To evaluate a formulation containing antioxidant substances in the treatment of skin affected by the effects of urban life.
Methods: Prospective clinical study evaluating 33 volunteers residing in urban centers. Clinical and instrumental measurements were carried out through the use of specific questionnaires and images captured using a VISIA device at baseline and twenty-eight days after using the product twice a day, in combination with sunscreen.
Results: The comparison of the data obtained from questionnaires applied in the initial and final visits showed a statistically significant improvement in most of the analyzed variables. There was a reduction of 15.78% in the extrinsic aging score. The image analysis demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (p <0.05) for the variables color uniformity and reduction of pores.
Conclusions: The use of the combination of active antioxidant substances led to an improvement in clinical and instrumental parameters of extrinsic aging caused by the phenomena linked to urban life ("urban damage"), arising as an alternative for this new indication.

Keywords: COSMETICS; ANTIOXIDANTS; ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Introduction: The use of nutraceutical products in order to attenuate signs of skin aging has been proposed in the literature. The stimulus to the synthesis of substances that support the dermis is one of the mechanisms linked to this effect.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a nutraceutical compound containing lutein, lycopene, vitamin C and manganese for the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.
Methods: An in vitro study was carried out based on the culture of human fibroblasts treated with the investigated product in different non-cytotoxic concentrations. The quantification of the elastin and collagen was performed with the assistance of spectrophotometric measurements. Hyaluronic acid was measure using a immunoenzymatic method.
Results: Cell cultures treated with the different concentrations of the product showed a significantly higher amount of synthesized collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid as compared to the untreated culture (p <0.05).
Conclusions: The use of the nutraceutical compound containing lycopene, vitamin C, lutein and manganese has shown in vitro efficacy for stimulating the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, components that are crucial for providing the dermis' supporting structure, being responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity.

Keywords: DERMATOLOGY; DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS; SKIN AGING

Introduction: The use of nutraceutical products in the treatment of chronic telogen effluvium of non-specific cause – associated or not with signs and symptoms of nail plate frailty – has been proposed in the literature. Supplementation of nutrients and trace elements that are crucial to follicle’s metabolism seems to be linked to this effect.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a nutraceutical containing vitamins A, C, E and B complex, folic acid, iron, niacin, biotin, zinc and calcium pantetonate, among others, in the treatment of telogen effluvium associated with the brittle nails syndrome.
Methods: A clinical, prospective, open and monocentric study was carried out with the evaluation of 62 volunteers. Clinical evaluation measurements – based on digital phototrichogram and imaging – were performed at the baseline, and at 45 and 90 days after the use of the studied product.
Results: At the end of the study, a statistically significant (p <0.05) reduction of 31.56% in the number of telogen strands could be observed, coupled with a significant improvement in clinical parameters related to hair and nails. The instrumental evaluation based on image analysis showed a 36.63% reduction in nail desquamation, which, although not statistically significant, has shown benefits in the absolute outcome.
Conclusions: The use of nutraceuticals was proven effective in the treatment of telogen effluvium associated with the brittle nails syndrome.

Keywords: Alopecia; Dietary supplements; Nails

INTRODUCTION: Polypodium Leucatomos Extract (PLE) is a recognized topical and oral photoprotective agent that adds biological protection to physical and chemical filters.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of an SPF 90 sunscreen containing physical and chemical filters, and PLE in reducing sun damage when compared to the same formulation but without the presence of PLE.
METHODS: Ten volunteers were included, each representing 4 areas (non-irradiated skin; irradiated and unprotected skin; irradiated and protected with sunscreen not containing PLE; irradiated and protected with sunscreen containing PLE) exposed to solar radiation. Colorimetric evaluations of erythema and pigmentation were performed. Samples were collected for histopathology.
RESULTS: The area treated with PLE-containing SPF 90 sunscreen, compared to the sunscreen of the same formulation but without the presence of PLE, showed lower intensity of erythema and pigmentation, lower generation of sunburn cells, p53, and MMP-1, and higher CD1-a cell positivity (lower Langerhans cell depletion).
CONCLUSIONS: The association of Polypodium Leucatomos Extract with physical and chemical filters is effective in reducing the damage caused by solar radiation. The presence of EPL in the formulation contributed to the reduction of damage when compared to the formulation without the active.

Keywords: Sunscreens; Polypodium; Solar radiation

Polypodium leucotomos extract was first described in the literature 55 years ago, demonstrating anti-inflammatory action in dermatoses such as vitiligo and psoriasis. It is currently available as an oral and topical photoprotection agent in more than 26 countries to prevent and treat dermatoses resulting from solar radiation, such as polymorphous light eruption, melasma, actinic keratoses, skin cancer, and photoaging, among others. In Brazil, ANVISA registered the patented Polypodium leucotomos extract in 2012. After 10 years of its launch, its recommendation by Brazilian dermatologists is well established and is presented in this review paper.

Keywords: Solar radiation; Sunscreening agents; Polypodium

INTRODUCTION: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit of multifactorial origin, which causes a significant impact on quality of life.
OBJECTIVE: Clinical trial assessing the superiority of efficacy of a treatment regimen with an oral probiotic associated with a fixed combination of adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% compared to an oral placebo with the same topical treatment in patients with acne.
METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted with 212 patients aged from 12 to 35 years. The study was divided into two phases of 90 days each. In the first phase, patients received treatment with adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% associated with a probiotic (IT), or adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% associated with placebo (CT). In the second phase (90 days), patients received only oral treatment with a probiotic or placebo. Efficacy criteria were: reduced Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scale to 0 or 1 and reduced lesion count.
RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the proportion of participants with IGA 0 or 1 - the arm receiving the test treatment was superior to the control (p<0.05). Both treatments were safe and well tolerated.
CONCLUSION: In light of the evidence on efficacy and safety, treatment with probiotics should be considered as an adjuvant therapy for acne control.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Probiotics; Gastrointestinal microbiome