Noninvasive methods for the assessment of photoageing

Application of a Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Imaging Analysis Score for the Evaluation of Non-Melanogenic Changes in Male Photoaged Skin

The photoaging process is characterized by skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation exposure and is the principal environmental factor affecting skin aging. Reflectance confocal microscopy permits noninvasive skin imaging to understand how the photoaging process may change skin. Since men do not habitually use a sunscreen, the application of skin imaging techniques is important to understand the influence of sunlight on their skin health. The aim of this study was to develop a score based on RCM imaging analyses to evaluate the morphological and structural changes of the photoaged skin according to literature data. The score was applied in order to determine possible correlations between chronological aging and sunscreen use behavior among men. Thus, 40 men aged 18 to 50 years were recruited, images from the frontal region of their skin were obtained and the score was applied. It was observed that habits are more important than age for the skin photoaging process. Men with photoprotection habits showed overall better skin morphological and structural characteristics regardless of age, demonstrating that sun protection behavior is a major key factor in the understanding of photoaging, so that men should be encouraged to start the use of cosmetic products and to perform selfcare.

Emerging High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging in Medical Cosmetology

Cosmetic skin diseases are a part of many dermatological concerns brought up by patients, which negatively affect mental health and quality of life. Imaging technology has an established role in the diagnosis of cosmetic skin diseases by recognizing information on deep skin lesions. Due to the complex physiological and pathological nature of cosmetic skin diseases, the diagnostic imaging performance varies greatly. Developing noninvasive technology models with wide applicability, particularly high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), which is able to achieve high-resolution imaging of the skin from the stratum corneum down to the deep fascia, is of great significance to medical cosmetology. To explore the great potential of HFUS in cosmetic skin diseases, a narrative review of literature from PubMed and Web of Science published between 1985 and 2022 was conducted. This narrative review focuses on the progression of HFUS imaging in medical cosmetology, especially on its promising application in the quantitative evaluation and differential diagnosis of cutaneous pathological scar, port wine stain (PWS), acne, skin aging, and other cosmetic applications.

Facial skin rejuvenation by autologous dermal microfat transfer in photoaged patients: Clinical evaluation and skin surface digital profilometry analysis

Cumulative long-term exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation promotes premature skin aging characterized by wrinkle formation and reduced skin elasticity. In this study, we assessed whether microfat transfer could improve dermal and subcutaneous tissue thickness loss associated with photoaging. Twenty-one patients affected by facial photoaging (photodamage grade II-IV; age range 35-62 years; 19 females, 2 males; all of Caucasian origin) were treated using minimally invasive autologous dermal white fat transfer harvested with a recently designed microcannula. The results were determined by clinical assessment and patient self-evaluation and quantified by the Antera 3D^® dermal digital device for noninvasive, objective, reliable, and accurate assessment of facial skin texture, color, and wrinkle characteristics. Compared with the pretreatment condition, the increment in soft tissue volume and improvement in skin quality and texture were assessed by a dermatologist after treatment. In addition, instrumental evaluation by digital skin profilometry of the treated areas revealed a 41% reduction in average wrinkle depth (7.29 ± 1.04 × 10^-2 mm pretreatment vs. 4.31 ± 1.16 × 10^-2 mm at 90 days posttreatment; p < 0.001), improved skin texture, more homogeneous and uniform skin color, and declined facial hemoglobin and melanin concentrations. The majority of patients (above 90%) reported improvements in self-perception. No significant complications were reported throughout the study. In conclusion, by using digital profilometry analysis as an objective and innovative tool to determine the outcome of treatment, we demonstrated that autologous microfat transfer is a safe and well-tolerated procedure with measurable beneficial effects on facial skin aging.

[Methods for measuring skin aging]

Aging affects human skin and is becoming increasingly important with regard to medical, social and aesthetic issues. Detection of intrinsic and extrinsic components of skin aging requires reliable measurement methods. Modern techniques, e.g., based on direct imaging, spectroscopy or skin physiological measurements, provide a broad spectrum of parameters for different applications.

Formulation design for topical drug and nanoparticle treatment of skin disease

The skin has evolved to resist the penetration of foreign substances and particles. Topical therapeutic and cosmeceutical delivery is a growing field founded on selectively overcoming this barrier. Both the biology of the skin and the nature of the formulation/active ingredient must be aligned for efficient transcutaneous delivery. This review discusses the biological changes in the skin barrier that occur with common dermatological conditions. This context is the foundation for the discussion of formulation strategies to improve penetration profiles of common active ingredients in dermatology. Finally, we compare and contrast those approaches to recent advances described in the research literature with an eye toward the future of topical formulation design.