Preliminary study on the development of an antistretch marks water-in-oil cream: ultrasound assessment, texture analysis, and sensory analysis

Treatment of Stretch Marks Using a New Formulation Combining Nanofractional Radiofrequency Plus Magnetic Nanofractional Radiofrequency

INTRODUCTION

Stretch marks are common atrophic dermal scars with significant physical and psychological effects. Therefore, there is a need for effective cosmetics and procedures for stretch mark treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel treatment for stretch marks that is made up of topical formulations containing beta-glucan combined with nanofractional radiofrequency.

METHODS

This randomized, blinded control trial enrolled 64 Chinese women aged 20-45 years at > 6 months after delivery with obvious white or silver abdominal stretch marks. Participants were randomly allocated to group A (blank group), group B (topical product group), group C (product combined with nanofractional radiofrequency), and group D (vehicle combined with nanofractional radiofrequency). The stretch mark width, skin elasticity, skin color, skin thickness, and collagen density were noninvasively measured. Two trained assessors evaluated the severity, color, outline, and relaxation of the striae.

RESULTS

Group C showed the best treatment efficacy, with no adverse effects observed during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that stretch mark treatment using topical formulations containing beta-glucan, combined with nanofractional radiofrequency plus magnetic nanofractional radiofrequency, is tolerable and effective.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2200056725.

Optimization of folic acid Span 60-organogel to enhance its in vitro and in vivo photoprotection: a comparative study

Aim: The acute effects of UV sunlight exposure were inflammation, erythema, and swelling. The present work aims to formulate a novel organogel preparation that can achieve efficient topical folic acid (FA) delivery to cure inflammation from acute exposure to UV sunlight. Methods: The organogels were prepared by direct melting and stirring on a magnetic stirrer. Photostability and in vivo photoprotection were investigated. Results: Optimized organogel showed more sustained release, more photostability, more effective antioxidant activity, higher in vitro sun protection factor, and greater extent of skin photoprotection from natural sunlight. Conclusion: The present results suggest optimized FA organogel as a promising formulation for effective delivery of FA to the skin maximizing it's in vitro and in vivo performance.

Systematic review of single and combined treatments for different types of striae: a comparison of striae treatments

Striae distensae (SD) or stretch marks are among the most common forms of atrophic scarring and cosmetic problems, especially in women, that negatively affect quality of life. The main causes of SD vary widely, but the most significant ones include obesity, pregnancy, high corticosteroid levels, weight changes, endocrine disorders and genetic predispositions. Various modalities are available for the treatment of SD; however, there is still no gold standard therapy for this condition. Given the many questions concerning the preferred therapeutic modalities for SD or their overall cost-effectiveness, this comprehensive systematic review discusses the most prevalent, recent and promising therapies for SD in three main categories, including single therapy, therapeutic comparisons and combination therapy. A systematic search was carried out in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar for original articles published on the treatment of SD by 20 May 2019. One hundred articles were reviewed and divided into three categories. In the single therapy category, we found that laser and other light-based devices and topical treatments are the most commonly applied interventions. In the therapeutic comparison category, we found that most of the common therapeutic modalities are equally effective and there is no significant difference between them in side-effects and treatment duration. In the combination therapy category, we found that the combination of two or more modalities is usually better than using each one alone.

Alkyl polyglucoside-based emulsions as vehicles for topical spironolactone: A textural analysis

Acne vulgaris is a chronic dermatological disease that affects the pilosebaceous unit; androgens play an important role in its pathogenesis. Acne therapy can be either systemic or topical, usual in the treatment of mild and moderate forms of acne. Spironolactone (SP) is an anti-androgen drug with potential to reduce the sebum secretion; in order to avoid systemic side effects, it could be used topically in acne treatment. Nowadays, more and more attention is being paid to the textural profile of dermopharmaceutical emulsions, which is normally influenced by their colloidal structure; texture analysis is performed in order to predict behavior of the emulsion systems in real-time conditions during manufacturing and application; the latter is closely related to ensuring patients' compliance and the positive outcome of the therapy. We formulated emulsions stabilized with different natural alkyl polyglucoside (APG) emulsifiers (Cetearyl glucoside and cetearyl alcohol and Arachidyl glucoside and arachidyl behenyl alcohol) as vehicles for 5% topical SP. Parameters obtained by texture analysis were firmness and cohesiveness. The study showed that SP affected the texture of APG-based emulsion; different APG-based emulsions showed satisfying textural characteristics per se after incorporation of 5% SP, which could imply their satisfying applicative characteristics on the skin with acne. APGs could be used as stabilizers of emulsion vehicles for topical SP. Dermoemulsion with Arachidyl glucoside and arachidyl behenyl alcohol, more lypophillic emulsifier, is a more acceptable carrier for 5% SP due to a better textural profile.

Postpartum stretchmarks: repairing activity of an oral Centella asiatica supplementation (Centellicum®)

BACKGROUND

This registry study evaluates the effects of oral Centellicum®, a new preparation of Centella asiatica (CA) on cutaneous stretchmarks (SMs) on the lower abdominal wall in comparison with the topical treatment with a specific antistretch cream. This cream is used for pregnancy SMs. The aim of the management was to give back to the structurally damaged skin areas (apparent as SMs) a normal elasticity and resistance and improving the local microcirculation.

METHODS

We selected 78 healthy women with SMs at least 6 months postpartum available to follow the registry plan. The subjects were evaluated in three treatment groups: Clarins, stretch mark minimizer, the hydrating control cream and Centellicum® 3X225 mg/day for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

The three registry groups of otherwise healthy subjects were comparable at inclusion and 6 weeks: 25 women used the SMs cream 1 (mean age 34.4;3.2); 28 control women (age 35.2;2) used the hydrating control cream. The third group (25 women; mean age 35.3;1.5) used the hydrating control cream and oral Centellicum® as a supplementary management. Standard management was used in all groups. As for the safety issue, no allergy, no side effects and no tolerability problems were observed. The compliance was very good and there were no drop outs. No other drug or treatment was used during the registry period. Skin thickness (ultrasound, measuring at the edge of at the largest visible stretchmark) increased significantly more at 6 weeks with Centellicum® in comparison with both controls (P<0.05). Skin thickness at the center of the SM (skin was less dense at this level) was also increased more with the supplement in comparison with the other managements (P<0.05). The grey scale median improved more (increased) with Centellicum at 6 weeks (P<0.05). The skin included more collagen components and become whiter or denser at ultrasound. Skin perfusion measured by laser Doppler showed a higher improvement with Centellicum® (P<0.05). Skin temperature, considered a function of nutritional and thermoregulatory dermal perfusion, improved more with the supplement (P<0.05). Elasticity (measured by elastosonography) was improved more with the supplement (P<0.05). The subjective evaluation with an analogue score resulted better (the SMs were less visible and the score decreased) with Centellicum® (P<0.05). The number of visible SMs was decreased more with Centellicum® (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral supplementation with Centellicum® appears to improve SMs in a relatively short period of time. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the protective and repairing potentials of CA.