Treatment of wrinkles with the nonablative 1,320-nm Nd:YAG laser.

Ablative laser resurfacing with the CO2 and Er:YAG lasers has become a well-accepted and well-reported modality for skin rejuvenation of photoaged and photodamaged skin. However, the side effects associated with these lasers, such as exudation and crusting followed by prolonged erythema, are often socially disturbing for the patient. A nonablative 1,320-nm pulsed Nd:YAG system has been developed that controls dermal collagen damage while preserving the epidermis. Thirteen patients are presented on whom periocular wrinkle treatment was carried out during two sessions 1 month apart. Side effects were minimal. Histology showed improvement in the previously typical sun-damaged dermis. However, although physician assessment noted a trend toward macroscopic improvement, almost all patients failed to see any improvement. The authors conclude that further studies of the ideal parameters are required before the 1,320-nm Nd:YAG laser can be indicated successfully in stand-alone, nonablative wrinkle removal. In addition, patients should be selected carefully, and a complementary minimally aggressive technique should be used to restore a youthful appearance to the epidermis.

Retinaldehyde alleviates rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal observations suggest that retinoic acid may be effective in mild rosacea. AIM: Our aim was to investigate, by an exploratory clinical and instrumental study, the effects of a topical formulation with the retinoic acid precursor retinaldehyde, in patients with vascular signs of facial rosacea. METHODS: Female patients were treated with a 0.05% retinaldehyde cream that was applied once daily for 6 months. Clinical assessments of persistent erythema and telangiectasia were performed every month, using a 4-point severity score (absent to severe). The clinical response for each parameter was defined as a decrease of at least 1 grade in the severity score. In addition, erythema was further evaluated by measurement of the a* parameter, using a spectrophotometer on lesional and nonlesional areas. RESULTS: A total of 23 women comprised the study population. At baseline, 10 patients had diffuse erythema, 3 patients had isolated telangiectasia and 10 patients had both. During retinaldehyde treatment, a clinical response was revealed in about 75% of the patients with erythema, after 5 months (p < 0.05). Similarly, isolated telangiectasia responded to retinaldehyde, although to a lesser extent and after a longer period of treatment (46% responders after 6 months, nonsignificant). Using the spectrophotometer, the a* parameter diminished in patients with erythema by about 15%, after 2 months of treatment (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that retinaldehyde has beneficial effects on the vascular component of rosacea.

Correlation between percutaneous penetration of methyl nicotinate and sensitive skin, using laser Doppler imaging.

Cutaneous penetration of methyl nicotinate has been investigated in 20 women divided into reactors and non-reactors on the basis of response to 10% aqueous solution of lactic acid. The vasodilation induced was measured using a laser Doppler perfusion imager (LDPI) every 5 min for 1 h after application of methyl nicotinate. The intensity and duration of inflammation generated by methyl nicotinate were used to assess penetration of this chemical in persons with sensitive skin compared to those with normal skin. Significant differences were found between reactors and non-reactors. Reactors showed a significantly increased intensity of response to methyl nicotinate as early as 5 min after application, and for 30 min afterwards, though the duration of inflammation in these 2 groups was the same. Correlation between increased penetration of methyl nicotinate and skin response to lactic acid may suggest increased penetration of water-soluble chemicals in individuals with sensitive skin.