Six-Month Comparative Analysis Monitoring the Progression of the Largest Diameter of the Sweating Inhibition Halo of Different Botulinum Toxins Type-A.

BACKGROUND: Excessive sweating is a clinical condition that can be improved with type-A botulinum toxin (BTX-A). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the largest diameter of sweating inhibition halo (SIH) of 5 different commercially available BTX-A, in five different doses, in a 6-month-long clinical evaluation. METHODS: Twenty-five adult female volunteers were injected in the dorsal trunk area with both 100 units (100UI) and 500 units (500UI) BTX-A products, reconstituted in a ratio of 1:2.5 IU, respectively. Products were applied in five different concentrations (1:2.5U, 2:5U, 3:7.5U, 4:10U, and 5:12.5U). After 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days, a starch-iodine test was performed to obtain the largest diameter of each SIH. RESULTS: The higher the number of units used, the larger the SIH p < 0.05 for all BTX-A. However, Botox®, Botulift®, Dysport®, and Prosigne® have pretty likewise SIH along the study, with some few differences for some doses and months between one and another. However, Xeomin® is the BTX-A with the smallest SIH, in comparison with all others, in any dose and period. CONCLUSIONS: Differences were observed among all brands of BTX-As, based on dose and time after injection. Xeomin® provides the smallest SIH in comparison with others BTX-A.

Assessment of clinical effects and safety of an oral supplement based on marine protein, vitamin C, grape seed extract, zinc, and tomato extract in the improvement of visible signs of skin aging in men.

BACKGROUND: Skin aging is a natural process that may be aggravated by environmental factors. Topical products are the conventional means to combat aging; however, the use of oral supplements is on the rise to assist in the management of aged skin. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects and safety of an oral supplement containing (per tablet) marine protein (105 mg), vitamin C (27 mg), grape seed extract (13.75 mg), zinc (2 mg), and tomato extract (14.38 mg) in the improvement of skin aging in men. METHODS: This single-center, open-label, quasi-experimental clinical study enrolled 47 male subjects, aged 30-45 years, with phototypes I-IV on the Fitzpatrick scale. Subjects received two tablets of the oral supplement for 180 consecutive days. Each subject served as their own control. Clinical assessments were made by medical personnel and by the subjects, respectively. Objective assessments were carried out through pH measurements, sebumetry, corneometry, ultrasound scanning, skin biopsies, and photographic images. RESULTS: Forty-one subjects (87%) completed the study. Clinical improvements on both investigator- and subject-rated outcomes were found for the following parameters: erythema, hydration, radiance, and overall appearance (P<0.05). The objective measurements in the facial skin showed significant improvements from baseline in skin hydration (P<0.05), dermal ultrasound density (P<0.001), and reduction of skin pH (P<0.05). No statistical improvement in relation to sebum was found. The photographic assessment showed an improvement in the overall appearance. The results of the objective measurements were found to be correlated with the subjects' satisfaction by an increase of collagen and elastic fibers. CONCLUSION: The use of an oral supplement based on a unique biomarine complex, vitamin C, grape seed extract, zinc, and tomato extract produced improvements in the signs of skin aging in men.

Comparative study of the diffusion of five botulinum toxins type-A in five dosages of use: are there differences amongst the commercially-available products?

BACKGROUND: Diffusion halo profiles of different commercially available type-A botulinum toxins (BTX-A) have been studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the largest diameter of diffusion halos of 5 different doses of 5 different commercially available BTX-A. METHODS: Twenty-five adult female volunteers were included. Products with 100 units (100 UI) and the product with 500 units (500 UI) were reconstituted in a ratio of 1:2.5. Products were applied in five different concentrations (1 U/2.5 U, 2 U/5 U, 3 U/7.5 U, 4 U/10 U, and 5 U/12.5 U). After 30 days, a starch-iodine test was conducted to obtain the largest diameter of each halo. RESULTS: For all BTX-As, the higher the number of units used, the larger the diameter of the diffusion halo p<0.05). Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the North American and Chinese BTX-As for the three lowest doses, between the Korean and German BTX-As for all doses, between the French and Chinese BTX-As for the four highest doses, between the French and German BTX-As for all doses, between the Chinese and German BTX-As for the four highest doses, and between the North American and German BTX-As for all doses (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Differences were observed between all brands of BTX-As and between the different doses of each brand.

Eficácia in vitro e clínica do uso cosmético tópico de fitoestrógenos em pele fotoenvelhecida / In vitro and clinical efficacy of the use of phytoestrogens-based topical cosmetic use in photoaged skin

Introdução: O tratamento do envelhecimento cutâneo representa um desafio clínico. Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia in vitro e in vivo, e a segurança clínica de cosmético com fitoestrógenos na abordagem do fotoenvelhecimento. Métodos: A etapa in vitro foi realizada pela análise da expressão gênica de fibronectina e pró-colágeno, avaliação da atividade imunomoduladora e análise histoquímica e por imunofluorescência da pele e da junção dermoepidérmica com o produto analisado. No estudo clínico in vivo foi 76 mulheres, foram randomizadas em dois grupos: o Grupo A usou creme contendo complexo de fitoestrógenos e FPS 20 duas vezes ao dia, enquanto o Grupo B usou este mesmo creme associado a outro com função de antienvelhecimento aplicado à noite. O estudo durou 120 dias tendo sido realizadas mensalmente avaliações médicas, da voluntária, ultrassonografia (20MHz), fotografias e biópsias pré e pós-tratamento. Resultados: No estudo in vitro houve aumento na expressão de fibronectina e procolágeno, potencial imunomodulador, representado pelo aumento de IL-1α diminuição de IL-10; melhora da integridade da JDE, aumento da viabilidade e espessura da epiderme, e da síntese de colágeno. in vivo: melhora global subjetiva da aparênciada pele da face; redução de manchas, eritema, poros e porfirina cutânea. O ultrassom e a biópsia revelaram aumento da densidade dérmica (52,7%) e de fibras dérmicas (22,25%), respectivamente. Conclusões: Fitoestrógenos tópicos melhoram a condição geral da pele, avaliada clínicamente, histológicamente e por ultrassonografia; acrescentam-se resultados in vitro de aumento da síntese de fibronectina, prócolágeno e colágeno, melhoria da integridade da junção dermoepidérmica e restauração da resposta imunológica da pele.

Introdução: Introduction: Skin aging is a challenge to treat. Objectives: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy and clinical safety of a phytoestrogens-based cosmetic in the management of photoaging. Methods: The in vitro investigation was performed using the analysis of the genic expression of fibronectin and procollagen, evaluation of the immunomodulatory activity (proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines synthesis) and histochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses of the skin and the dermoepidermal junction. The in vivo investigation ­ performed in 76 women randomized into Group A (phytoestrogens complex cream and SPF 20 twice daily) or Group B (the same product plus a commercially available anti-aging cream applied overnight). The study lasted for 120 days, with physician- and patient-led evaluations, in addition to monthly ultrasound (20 MHz) and photographic analysis. Skin biopsies of the face were performed before and after treatment. Results: The study showed In vitro: increase in the expression of fibronectin, in procollagen, immunomodulator potential, represented by an increase in IL-1α and a decrease in IL-10; improvement in the integrity of the dermoepidermal junction; increase in the viability and thickness of the epidermis; increase in collagen synthesis .In vivo: subjective global improvement of the skin's appearance; reduction in the count and intensity of spots, erythema, skin pores, and cutaneous porphyrin. The ultrasound and biopsy revealed increased dermal density (52.7%) and dermal fibers (22.3%), respectively. Conclusions: The topical use of phytoestrogens-based cosmetics improves the overall condition of the skin.

Estudo clínico para a avaliação das propriedades clareadoras da associação de ácido kójico, arbutin, sepiwhite® e achromaxyl® na abordagem do melasma, comparada à hidroquinona 2% e 4% / Evaluation of the whitening properties of combined kojic acid, arbutin, sepiwhite® and achromaxyl® vs. 2% and 4% hydro- quinone in the treatment of melasma

Introdução: Melasma é alteração cutânea comum e adquirida, de curso prolongado e tratamento muitas vezes refratário, gerando impacto psicológico negativo na vida dos acometidos. Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia, segurança e tolerabilidade da combinação tópica de ácido kójico, arbutin, sepiwhite® e achromaxyl ® em comparação à hidroquinona a 2% e a 4% na abordagem do melasma facial. Métodos: Estudo clínico mono-cego, comparativo, monocêntrico, com 120 voluntárias, fototipos I a IV de Fitzpatrick, entre 18 e 50 anos de idade, divididas em grupo A (n = 40; Blancy® 2 vezes ao dia), grupo B (n = 40; hidroquinona 2% à noite) e grupo C (n = 40; hidroquinona 4% à noite), que usaram os produtos durante 90 dias consecutivos. Foram realizadas avaliações clínicas (classificação e quantificação do melasma) e fotográficas, além do questionário de impacto à qualidade de vida e avaliação global deeficácia. Resultados: Cento e duas voluntárias (85%) finalizaram o estudo, (grupo A = 34, grupo B = 33, grupo C = 35). A métrica do Masi teve redução estatisticamente significante ao longo do estudo para os três Grupos (p-valor < 0,001). Conclusão: O uso tópico da associação de ácido kójico, arbutin, sepiwhite® e achromaxyl ® demonstrou ser eficaz e seguro na abordagem do melasma, apresentando-se como alternativa no arsenal terapêutico dessa dermatose recalcitrante e inestética.

Introduction: Melasma is a common, acquired, long-lasting skin disorder that is often resistant to treatment and causes negative psychological effects on patients. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the topical combination of kojic acid, arbutin, sepiwhite® and achromaxyl ® compared to 2% and 4% hydroquinone in the treatment of facial melasma. Methods: A single-blind, comparative, monocentric clinical study with 120 volunteers (aged 18-50, I to IV Fitzpatrick skin types) was conducted. The study population was divided into 3 groups: Group A (n = 40; Blancy®, 2 times a day), Group B (n = 40, 2% hydroquinone at night), and Group C (n = 40, 4% hydroquinone at night), and instructed to use the study product for 90 consecutive days. Clinical (classification and quantification of melasma) and photographic evaluations were carried out, and a questionnaire assessed the impact on the patients' quality of life and the products' general efficacy. Results: Most volunteers (n = 102, 85%) completed the study (Group A = 34, Group B = 33, Group C = 35). The Melasma Area Severity Index metrics presented a statistically significant decrease (i.e., improvement) throughout the study in all three groups (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: The topical use of the kojic acid, arbutin, sepiwhite® and achromaxyl® combination proved to be an effective and safe alternative for treating melasma.

Resultado de 360 das de uso de suplemento oral à base de proteína marinha, acerola concentrada, extrato de semente de uva e extrato de tomate em mulheres posrtadoras de envelhecimento cutâneo / Treating cutaneous aging in women, with an oral supplement based on marine protein, concentrated acerola, grape seed extract and tomato extract, within 360 days

Introdução: O envelhecimento cutâneo atinge ou atingirá todas as pessoas, e seu tratamento representa um desafio clínico. Objetivo: Avaliar efeitos cutâneos do uso de um suplemento oral a base de proteína marinha, acerola concentrada e extratos de semente de uva e tomate por 360 dias em portadoras de fotoenvelhecimento cutâneo. Métodos: Quarenta e cinco voluntárias usaram dois comprimidos diários do referido suplemento por 360 dias consecutivos. Avaliações clínicas (por parte dos investigadores e das voluntárias), ultrassonográficas e fotográficas foram realizadas a cada 30 dias. Resultados: Trinta e três voluntárias (73,3%) concluíram o estudo. A melhora clínica foi evidenciada pelos investigadores e voluntárias após 30 dias de uso do suplemento oral, o que resultou em ganho estatístico ao longo do tempo (p<0,05). Após 330 dias, constatou-se a tendência à estabilização dos resultados (p=0,05). Pela análise ultrassonográfica, percebeu-se aumento na densidade dérmica das áreas fotoexpostas (132,3%; p<0,001) e das fotoprotegidas (51,9%; p=0,001). Encontraram-se melhorias estatisticamente significativas nos quesitos rugas, linhas finas, melanoses solares, outras hipercromias, eritema, hidratação, viço, oleosidade, suavidade ao toque e aparência geral da pele através da análise médica; segundo a autoavaliação das voluntárias, obteve-se melhoria no padrão das rugas, linhas finas, melanoses solares, outras hipercromias, eritema, hidratação, viço, oleosidade, suavidade ao toque e aparência geral da pele. Conclusão: O uso de suplementação oral à base de proteína marinha, acerola concentrada e extratos de semente de uva e tomate por longo prazo (360 dias) mostra-se boa abordagem sistêmica adjuvante para o fotoenvelhecimento cutâneo.

Introduction: Cutaneous aging affects (or will affect) all people at some point in their life, and its treatment represents a clinical challenge. Objective: To evaluate the cutaneous effects of an oral supplement based on marine protein, concentrated acerola and extracts of grape seed and tomato in women with cutaneous aging. Methods: Forty-five volunteers used 2 daily tablets of the supplement for 360 consecutive days. Clinical evaluations (carried out by both the investigator physicians and by the volunteers), ultrasonographic and photographic examinations were carried out every 30 days. Results: Thirty-three volunteers (73.3%) completed the study. Clinically significant improvement was verified by the investigator physicians and the volunteers after 30 days of using the oral supplement (p < 0.05). The results were maintained after 330 days (p ¿ 0.05). The ultrasonographic analysis demonstrated increases in the dermal density of the photoexposed (132.3%; p < 0.001) and photoprotected areas (51.9%; p ¿ 0.001). Through medical analysis, statistically significant improvements were found in the following criteria: wrinkles, fine lines, solar melanoses, other hyperchromias, erythema, hydration, radiance , sebum, smoothness and overall appearance of the skin. Through thevolunteers' self-evaluation, improvements in the wrinkles' pattern, fine lines, solar melanoses, other hyperchromias, erythema, hydration, radiance, sebum, smoothness and overall appearance of the skin were reported. Conclusion: The long-term use (360 days) of an oral supplement based on marine protein, concentrated acerola andextracts of grape seed and tomato was proven to be a good adjuvant systemic approach for treating cutaneous aging.