Introduction:The French cosmetics industry sells spring mineral waters that are advertised as having biological benefits.
Objective: This study analyzes, in vitro and in vivo, a Brazilian mineral water''''''''s oligomin- erals composition, as well as its physical and chemical characteristics and biological effects.
Methods: Tests to evaluate physical chemical properties, cytotoxicity (viable cells) and irritability (het-cam test) were conducted. In vitro studies were performed to evaluate its capacity to induce the genic expression and immunohistochemical detection of filaggrin and aquaporin 3, nf-kb activity and fibroblast proliferation compared to Milli Q water.
Results: This water was found to be non-cytotoxic and non-irritating. In addition, it pre- sented a high content of strontium (0.61 mg/ml). The expression of filaggrin and its immunohistochemical tests were relevant. The aquaporin 3 increased 1.8 times and nf-kb decreased its activity by 47%. It was also capable of stimulating fibroblast proliferation.
Conclusion: The initial evaluation of the mineral water from Serra do Japi (SP, Brazil) indicates that it has the potential to be an adjuvant treatment in dermatology, since the results suggest it moisturizes the skin barrier, stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts, and repairs and inhibits inflammatory reactions. Clinical studies should be done in order to reassure the in vitro results achieved on the present study.

Keywords: MINERAL WATERS, BRAZIL, COSMETICS

Introduction: Abdominal striae(i.e. stretch marks) are considered scars, for which there are no known treatments.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of three treatments: subcision, 20% trichloroacetic acid, and subcision + 20% trichloroacetic acid in the treatment of stretch marks.
Methods: The lower abdomens of 11 patients with stretch marks were divided into four quadrants. Each patient had one stria selected for a single treatment session; the three treatments (subcision, 20% trichloroacetic acid, and subcision + 20% trichloroacetic acid) were administered in 3 quadrants, and the 4th quadrant served as a control. Each selected stria was biopsied before and after 12 weeks. The Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate the differences between the treatments.
Results: In all treatments there was a reduction in the mean value after treatment, however the 20% trichloroacetic acid treatment was statistically significant for the epidermal parameter and the collagen fiber staining. The subcision associated with 20% trichloroacetic acid presented a statistically significant result in the superficial dermis parameter, while the isolated subcision was significant in the superficial dermis parameter only.
Conclusions: These treatments are safe and present low operating costs, which make them a great alternative for treating abdominal striae. Future studies should conduct a clinical-histological evaluation after a greater number of sessions.

Keywords: STRIAE DISTENSAE, DERMATOLOGY, AMBULATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES, SURGICAL PROCEDURES, MINOR, CHEMEXFOLIATION

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

Introduction: Stretch marks occur due to the rapid stretching of the skin, which is typical in pregnancy. Several topical treatments to prevent them have been studied.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a topical formulation (lactic acid and sodium lactate in an emulsion with caprylic and capric acids’ triglycerides) in the prevention of stretch marks.
Methods: Seventy-five pregnant women aged 18-40 were assessed. The treated area was the abdomen and the control area was the inner forearm, with and without the application of the tested product. Softness, hydration, and elasticity – and biophysical measurements for hydration and elasticity – were evaluated.
Results: Of the 52 women who completed the study, 9.6% presented stretch marks in the treated abdominal area. There was a significant improvement in all clinical parameters assessed (p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement – compared the control area – in the instrumental measurements of hydration and elasticity in the abdomen. A significant improvement was also verified in the treated forearm area compared to the untreated forearm area for both parameters evaluated (p = 0.001).
Conclusions: The formulation improved the skin’s elasticity and hydration, reducing the striae incidence more than previously reported in the literature.

Keywords: STRIAE DISTENSAE; PREGNANCY; RELAXIN.

Cutaneous atrophic striae (or striae distensae) is a very common skin condition that frequently motivates dermatological consultations. Due to its unaesthetic appearance, it can have a significant impact on patients' psychosocial status and quality of life. This study reviews the literature involving possible treatments for more recent and older cutaneous striae or stretch marks. Given the great number of etiological factors involved, the literature is abundant and divergent regarding the treatment of the condition.

Keywords: STRIAE DISTENSAE; THERAPEUTICS; LASER THERAPY.

Introduction: Chronic and intense photodamage usually produces numerous actinic keratoses, with early and global treatment of the affected skin being of paramount importance. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of two different treatments for multiple actinic keratoses. Methods: Five patients were selected Were selected five patients with diffuse, with diffuse actinic keratoses on the dorsum of the hands and forearms. The patients underwent the following protocol: Side A (right): biweekly superficial chemical peeling with 70% glycolic acid in gel, followed by the subsequent application of 5% 5-fluorouracil solution; Side B (left): monthly sessions of cryopeeling. The number of sessions ranged from four to six in Side A and two to three in Side B, according to the degree of photodamage. Results: All patients had a satisfactory clinical response, with improvement of actinic keratoses throughout the whole area of actinic damage, and good tolerance of the treatment among patients. The only exception was that a more intense and persistent erythema arises after the cryopeeling. Conclusions: Both treatments are valid and effective alternatives for the treatment of the field cancerization.

Keywords: KERATOSIS ACTINIC, THERAPEUTICS, FLUOROURACIL, CRYOTHERAPY

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: The treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars are an everyday challenge for the dermatologist. Despite the existence of a large therapeutic armamentarium, a variable rate of effectiveness, side effects, and recurrences make it difficult to achieve satisfactory results. As an isolated or in-combination therapy, 5-fluorouracil has the potential to be a part of the treatment paradigm for hypertrophic and keloid scars. Objective: To evaluate, during 12 years, the outcomes of the use of 5-FU (50 mg/ml) in a ratio of 9:1 with triamcinolone acetonide (20 mg/ml) in patients bearing keloids and hypertrophic scars. Methods: Retrospective study of 32 patients with keloids, hypertrophic scars, and cicatricial fibrosis who underwent 1 to 17 intralesional injections of a combination of 5-FU and triamcinolone acetonide in fortnightly intervals. A visual analog scale (VAS) was employed to evaluate the pain/discomfort caused by the lesion, as well as to assess the patient's perception of the scar when seeing it in the mirror. Results: In the comparison of the visual analogue scales (VAS) after the treatment, there was a significant reduction in the level of pain/discomfort (VAS pain) (p = 0.001) and in the assessment of the scar's appearance in the mirror (VAS mirror) (p <0.001). Three patients (9.4%) had complications: hyperchromia (two patients = 6.3%) and atrophy (one patient = 3.1%). Conclusions: 5-FU injections in hypertrophic scars, keloids, and fibroses was found to be a minimally invasive, cost effective, and easily reproducible therapeutic approach with consistent results, which does not invalidate or preclude other techniques.

Keywords: CICATRIX, HYPERTROPHIC; FLUOROURACIL; KELOID

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: Atrophic stretch marks constitute skin disorders characterized by the loss of collagen and elastin in the dermis, and resemble scars. Fractional lasers, microneedling and chemical peels have led to good outcomes in some cases, however there is no ideal treatment.
Objective: The objective of the present retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Pulsed Radiofrequency with Multineedles (RFPM^®) in late atrophic stretch marks.
Methods: A retrospective study of the safety and effectiveness of the technique was carried out by evaluating outcomes with the application of a patient satisfaction questionnaire and the assessment of clinical results by independent dermatologist physicians.
Results: A total of 8 patients (aged between 22 and 38 years) who underwent the technique were evaluated, of whom 100% reported satisfaction with the outcomes. Additionally, in the comparative evaluation of photographs carried out by two independent dermatologist physicians, the improvement rate was 50% in 2 patients and 75% in 8 patients . Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in 10 to 20 days after the treatment in 6 patients, having been reversed after clinical treatment.
Conclusions: The new procedure is an option in the treatment of atrophic stretch marks.

Keywords: STRIAE DISTENSAE; PULSED RADIOFREQUENCY TREATMENT; COLLAGEN

INTRODUCTION: Stretch marks are an everyday challenge to the dermatologist. In the search for alternative therapies, we find 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and microneedling for associating the following properties: inhibition of fibrosis, stimulation of collagen renovation and induction of skin pigmentation. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5-FU, in isolation or associated to microneedling, for the treatment of white stretch marks (striae alba).
METHODS: Comparative, double-blind study over 180 days, between 3 groups: Group A: microneedling and 5-FU; Group B intralesional 5-FU and Group C microneedling without medication. We measured improvement through a numerical scale of skin coloration, considering positive results those with reduction of the discrepancy between the adjacent skin and the stretch mark. We also evaluated patient satisfaction and irritation with each technique.
RESULTS: Group A achieved 10% of excellent clinical improvement, 10% very good and 60% mild. In group B, none of the patients had excellent of very good improvement. In group C, there was 20% of very good clinical improvement and 70% of mild.
CONCLUSIONS: All techniques showed some degree of improvement of the lesions. Therefore, we propose new studies comparing all three techniques, with a larger sample, to evaluate if more treatments would result in better results.

Keywords: Cosmetic Techniques; Fluorouracil; Striae Distensae; Therapeutics

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a common photoaging manifestation, with no standard treatment and presenting mixed results to interventions. In Brazil, the use of micro-needling associated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been proposed to treat IGH.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of MMP^® (micro-infusion of drugs on the skin) with 5-FU, with MMP^® only as micro-needling (with no drugs), and intralesional 5-FU injected with an insulin syringe in the treatment of IGH.
METHODS: In a single blind randomized clinical trial, we compared the three treatments: MMP^® versus MMP with 5-FU and intralesional 5-FU injection for 180 IGH lesions in the forearm of nine patients.
RESULTS: After two treatment sessions, 5-FU alone was the most effective treatment, with statistical significance, compared with micro-needling alone. MMP+5-FU efficacy was lower than intralesional 5-FU injection and higher than micro-needling alone, although without statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS: The intralesional application of 5-FU was more effective in the treatment of solar leukoderma. The use of a smaller quantity of medication is the great advantage of the MMP + 5-FU technique. Further studies are needed to standardize these techniques.

Keywords: Drug delivery systems; Fluorouracil; Hypopigmentation; Skin aging

O queratoacantoma (QA), apesar de frequente na prática diária, é um tumor que gera questionamentos. O aspecto mais intrigante associa-se à sua posição no limite entre malignidade e benignidade. A abordagem do tumor, bem como sua classificação, é controversa. Na definição da conduta, é importante levar em conta o potencial de transformação para carcinoma espinocelular. Desse modo, a excisão cirúrgica é a terapia de escolha, sempre que possível. Algumas situações merecem atenção adicional, como a imunossupressão associada. Neste artigo, relatamos um caso de QA gigante em um paciente com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida tratado com cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs.

Keywords: Ceratoacantoma; Retalhos Cirúrgicos; Neoplasias Nasais; Neoplasias Cutâneas; Cirurgia de Mohs; Síndrome de Imunodeficiência Adquirida; HIV; Imunossupressão

Sarcomas são neoplasias mesenquimais malignas, raras, que acometem, principalmente, crianças e adolescentes. O rabdomiossarcoma, subtipo oriundo da musculatura esquelética, é condição incomum em adultos, acometendo sítios de localização não habitual, crescimento rápido e de difícil tratamento. Apresenta-se caso de adulto jovem com nodulação em lóbulo auricular esquerdo, cuja análise histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica confirmou tratar-se de rabdomiossarcoma alveolar, o qual foi conduzido em conjunto com a Oncologia.

Keywords: Rabdomiossarcoma Alveolar; Miogenina; Desmina; Excisão de Linfonodo

The rapid expansion of the cosmetics industry has been accompanied by an increasing demand for innovative and customized products based on scientific base. One of the innovative products is a nanotechnology-based product. This article discusses any potential risks associated with nanotechnology-based cosmetics use, how the government should regulate the product to protect the public and promote public understanding. The government should create effective regulations, but these regulations must not be detrimental to manufacturers. The government has an essential role in establishing effective regulations for both consumers and producers. In addition, the government should encourage manufacturers to provide rational claims and effective advertising.

Keywords: Cosmetics; Nanotechnology; Safety; Pharmacovigilance.