[Skin quality and ways to improve skin quality]. / Hautqualität und Möglichkeiten zur Hautqualitätsverbesserung.

BACKGROUND: Skin quality has a significant impact on the perception of attractiveness. Procedures to improve skin quality, whose quality is assured, should have sufficiently documented scientific evidence of in vivo and in vitro efficacy and significant effects proven in studies. OBJECTIVES: This paper will present findings from recent studies and experience of experts on skin quality and treatments to improve skin quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PubMed database search was conducted in February 2021 on the terms skin quality and minimally invasive skin quality improvement procedures. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, resulting in the selection of 30 papers. RESULTS: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the most commonly studied agent for skin rejuvenation treatments. The efficacy and safety of the superficially injected HA products are excellently proven on the basis of current data. According to these findings, they ensure an improvement of skin quality without significant volume changes. The skin is hydrated, its elasticity increased, the skin surface smoothened, the complexion (skin redness, glow) improved and fine lines and wrinkles are reduced. They are injected intradermally and have a clinically proven effect duration of up to 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronic acid is outstandingly suitable for deep hydration of the skin, and its effect is long-term and safe. Natural treatment results fulfil the needs of the patients and increase the patient-practitioner relation. Superficially injected HA products are currently the criterion standard to increase skin quality.

[Topical treatment of pigmentation disorders with cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents]. / Topische Behandlung von Pigmentstörungen mit kosmetischen und pharmazeutischen Wirkstoffen.

BACKGROUND: Esthetically unattractive hyperpigmentation can occur post-inflammatory or as a result of genetic or hormonal influences, UV exposure or medication. Important parameters for the quality of topical treatments are evidence-based in vivo and in vitro efficacy as well as scientifically verified wanted and unwanted effects. OBJECTIVES: This paper will present cosmetic and pharmaceutical topical ingredients against hyperpigmentation that have been proven in scientific studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of PubMed database was performed in October 2020 using the various ingredient names, "melasma" and "hyperpigmentation." Two reviewers independently screened titles, leading to the selection of 30 papers. RESULTS: Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, has been used for over 40 years to treat hyperpigmentation. It is the most commonly studied agent for lightening pigment. Despite the limited evidence-based research on novel treatment approaches, several ingredients did show efficacy as depigmenting agents, including tyrosinase inhibitors, substances that increase cell turnover, and plant derivatives. CONCLUSIONS: Hydroquinone is still the gold standard for the treatment of hyperpigmentation, along with the triple therapy of hydrochinon, tretinoin, and steroids in different modifications. In summary, hyperpigmentation is best treated using a combination therapy of different approaches that includes consequent UV protection.

Effects of an oral contraceptive containing chlormadinone acetate and ethinylestradiol on hair and skin quality in women wishing to use hormonal contraception.

BACKGROUND: Skin and hair appearance is important to body image. Oily skin and oily, impaired hair quality, which can develop in women taking certain types of hormonal contraceptives, may cause psychosocial stress. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of an oral monophasic contraceptive (0.03 mg ethinylestradiol/2 mg chlormadinone acetate) for 12 treatment cycles on the pathophysiology of oily skin and oily, impaired hair quality in healthy women. METHODS: We assessed changes in hair and skin parameters at baseline, 12, 24 and 48 weeks, in 60 women aged 18-45 years. Psychological well-being was verified by two subject self-assessments (Hair quality, Hairdex). RESULTS: Data from 31 subjects showed that treatment significantly improved sebum excretion at capillitium and forehead, and the number of terminal hairs. Visual haptic scores revealed significant decreases in capillitium seborrhoea, hair condition/density, capillitium dandruff and irritation/redness. Subject self-assessment confirmed improvements in hair quality. Treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Chlormadinone acetate in hormonal contraception provides excellent cosmetic and dermatological benefits, which can improve psychosocial well-being.

[Anti-aging creams. What really helps?]. / Antifaltencremes. Was hilft wirklich?

As youth and perception of beauty are considered to be of great importance, an increasing number of new cosmeceuticals have been developed in recent years. This article will describe new, evidence-based ingredients against skin-aging; in particular antioxidants (e.g. vitamin C, niacinamide, different polyphenols and flavonoids) and cell regulators (e.g. retinol, different peptides and growth factors. Important parameters for the quality of cosmetics and cosmeceuticals are evidence-based in-vivo and in-vitro efficacy as well as scientifically approved wanted and unwanted effects.