Durability of the improvement of collagen I and collagen III with the use of oral isotretinoin in the treatment of photoaging.

BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin (ISO) is the drug of choice for the treatment of severe acne. For photoaging treatment, ISO has been proved to be effective in some controlled and noncontrolled trials and is an alternative to topical retinoic acid (RA) therapy, which causes an expected skin irritation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the skin remodeling in patients taking ISO 20 mg 3 times a week for 12 weeks and 12 weeks after the end of the treatment to quantify collagen I and collagen III augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical studies were performed to evaluate the expression of collagen I and collagen III, metalloproteinases (MMPs) -1, -3, -7, -9, -12, and the tissue inhibitor of MMP type-1 (TIMP-1) of the skin of 20 45 to 50-year-old women through morphometry in a semiquantitative method. The inclusion criteria were facial aging 2 and 3 of Glogau's classification, with phototypes between II and V who had not entered menopause. Biopsies of the skin of the left preauricular region were performed at three different times: pre-treatment (T0), end of 12-week treatment (T1), and 12 weeks posttreatment (T2). RESULTS: Collagen fibers I and III increased with statistical significance in T1 (50.7%; P = 0.012) but not in T2 (49.7%), which in turn was higher than in T0 (47.2%) for collagen I and T1 (33.3%; P = 0.002) but not in T2 (32.7%), and also was higher than T0 (32.0%) for collagen III. MMP-9 presented a decreased activity with statistical significance in T1 (P = 0.047) and T2 (P = 0.058). MMP-1 showed a reduction in T2 only (P = 0.015). MMPs -3, -7, -12, and TIMP-1 did not present significant modification in their expressions during or after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose ISO is effective in remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM). This study found that the increase of collagen occurs through the augmentation of both collagen I and collagen III fibers. With originality, it was possible to verify the durability of these fibers for at least 12 weeks. This may be related to the decrease in MMP-9 expression verified at the end of the treatment and 12 weeks posttreatment.

The dark side of skin lightening: An international collaboration and review of a public health issue affecting dermatology.

Skin lightening (SL) for cosmetic reasons is associated with profound negative impacts on well-being and adverse effects on the skin, resulting in immense challenges for dermatologists. Despite current regulations, lightening agents continue to dominate the cosmetic industry. In this review, our international team of dermatologists tackles the topic of SL as a global public health issue, one of great concern for both women's health and racial implications. We have examined SL in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. We aim to inspire a global discourse on how modern dermatologists can utilize scientific evidence and cultural competency to serve and protect patients of diverse skin types and backgrounds. In doing so, we hope to promote healthy skin and inclusive concepts of beauty in our patients and society.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing Treats Photoaging by Promoting Neocollegenesis and Cutaneous Edema.

BACKGROUND: Laser resurfacing is a common treatment for photoaging. This treatment creates skin incisions that initiate the wound healing cascade, including reorganization of the collagen matrix, in a dermal remodeling process that can last up to 12 months. OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of nonablative and ablative Erbium fractional laser resurfacing on dermal content and arrangement of Collagen Types I and III, and on fibroblast activation. METHODS: Ten female patients (50-63 years) with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV and clinical signs of photoaging underwent two types of Erbium fractional laser resurfacing (nonablative, 1540nm; ablative, 2940nm) on opposite sides of the face. Skin biopsies were obtained pretreatment and three months post-treatment. Morphometric analysis was performed using Picrosirius staining for overall collagen, and immunohistochemistry for Collagen Types I and III. Finally, hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to identify fibroblast activation. RESULTS: Both laser treatments induced reorganization of Collagen Types I and III and demonstrated signs of fibroblast activation. However, morphometric analysis of Picrosirius staining revealed that, after both treatments, there was a lower density of collagen fibers, which is characteristic of edema. CONCLUSION: At three months after laser resurfacing, skin lifting in photoaged skin likely resulted from new collagen deposition but also from edema.

Effects of 1,540-nm Fractional Nonablative Erbium and 2,940-nm Fractional Ablative Erbium on p53 Epidermal Expression After 3 months: A Split-Face Interventional Study.

BACKGROUND: Expression of p53 by keratinocytes may be important in the pathogenesis of skin cancer induced by ultraviolet light. OBJECTIVE: We used side-by-side nonablative and ablative erbium fractional laser resurfacing to assess the effects on expression of p53 by facial keratinocytes. METHODS: Ten female patients (age range, 50-63 years) with Fitzpatrick skin Types I-IV and clinical signs of photoaging underwent erbium fractional laser resurfacing (nonablative, 1,540-nm; ablative, 2,940-nm) on opposite sides of the face. Skin biopsies were obtained before treatment and 3 months after treatment for comparison with control biopsies of face and inner arm, quantifying p53 in immunostained tissue sections. RESULTS: Only ablative (2,940-nm) treatments produced a statistically significant reduction in p53 scoring after 3 months. The histologic appearance of skin after ablative resurfacing more closely resembled inner arm skin (rather than facial skin) of control subjects. CONCLUSION: Epidermal repopulation with p53-negative keratinocytes through ablative erbium fractional laser resurfacing may diminish the risk of eventual malignancy in photoaged skin.

Photoaging and the clinical utility of fractional laser.

The description of atomic structure by Niels Bohr set the basis for the emergence of quantum physics. Based on these fundamentals, Einstein published in 1917 a paper on the amplification of energy by Stimulated Emission of Radiation as part of his quantum theories. In 1955, Townes and Gordon turned Einstein's theories into practice, creating a coherent and amplified microwave device using ammonia gas in an optical medium. But it was at the beginning of the 1980s, that Anderson and Parrish published an article about the selective photothermolysis model which revolutionized clinical practice. The use of laser in photoaging began with CO2 (10,600 nm). In 1989, it was first used for resurfacing of a face with prominent photoaging. Ablative lasers have therefore had great popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, but prolonged postoperative time and significant risk of side effects have lowered the acceptance by patients. In 2004, the description of the fractionated radiation for the treatment of photoaging, by Mainstein, represented a great event. The stimulation of collagen occurred through fractional laser beams, which would reach the selected area while saving islands of sound skin. These islands accelerated the process of cicatrization of the treated tissue and shortened the postprocedure time. Furthermore, the fractionated radiation presented a smaller range of side effects, increasing the safety of the procedure. As mentioned earlier, as fractional lasers incise on the skin, they leave islands of healthy skin that accelerate recovery, while generating necrosis columns. Such necrosis columns remove damaged extracellular matrix material, allowing resettlement of fibroblasts. Such resettled fibroblasts, under the influence of a new tensile strength, restart to produce structures for extracellular matrix, such as collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans, in a more physiological way. Fractional lasers are considered by many dermatologists as the best choice in laser therapy for the treatment of photoaging.

High Patient Satisfaction of a Hyaluronic Acid Filler Producing Enduring Full-Facial Volume Restoration: An 18-Month Open Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Volume restoration is an essential part of facial rejuvenation. OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term full-facial volume restoration using HAEL Volume Lidocaine hyaluronic acid filler. METHODS: An 18-month open study in 60 subjects with at least Grade 2 on the 4-point volume loss scale (VLS) for full face and at least 2 indications affected among chin, temporal areas, jawline, cheeks, cheekbones, and nasolabial folds (NLF). Performance was assessed by VLS, Lemperle rating scale (LRS), investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and 3-dimensional (3D) imaging. RESULTS: Most subjects (71.6%) had 3 or 4 indications injected, most commonly cheekbones (96.7%) and NLF (93.3%). At 18 months, at least a 1-grade improvement in VLS was observed for full face (68.3% of subjects), chin (77.8%), temporal areas (73.7%), cheeks (66.6%), cheekbones (58.6%), jawline (43.1%), and NLF (71.4%; LRS). For all indications, more than 60% of the volume gained at 3 weeks was sustained at 18 months based on 3D digital imaging. At 18 months, 95.0% of subjects had improved full-face GAIS and all subjects were satisfied with their aesthetic outcome. One subject (1.6%) had treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSION: Full-facial volume restoration was well sustained over 18 months with high patient satisfaction and good tolerability.

Granulomatous reaction to red tattoo pigment treated with allopurinol.

Granulomatous reactions to tattoo ink are most commonly associated with mercury sulfide, a component of red pigments. Treatment options show limited results. Allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, has been reported as a successful alternative treatment to granulomatous disorders, such as sarcoidosis and granulomatous reactions to fillers and tattoos. We report a case of granulomatous reaction to red tattoo pigment treated with allopurinol for 6 months. Good clinical improvement could be noticed during this time. Two months after we stopped the treatment, the lesion recurred. Allopurinol emerges as an important drug for the management of granulomatous reactions caused by tattoo pigments. Based on the significant clinical improvement noticed during its use, we recommend new studies to elucidate all the potential benefits of the use of allopurinol for the treatment of granulomatous reactions to tattoo ink.

Oleoma treated with oral colchicine: Report of two cases and review of the literature.

Oleoma is a non-allergic, foreign body type granulomatous reaction. It appears as response to oily exogenous substances injected to the dermis or subcutis for aesthetical purposes. Treatment for localized lesions is surgical. When they are multiple, steroids may show some result. Newer therapeutic possibilities are being introduced and colchicine constitutes an alternative that is financially accessible and safe in moderate doses for certain dermatological illnesses. We present two women with oleoma on the legs treated with oral colchicine. This option was due to the extension of the clinical picture, which would not have a good surgical outcome. There was significant improvement in one patient, while we had to interrupt the medication in the other because of side effects.

Fractional Erbium laser in the treatment of photoaging: randomized comparative, clinical and histopathological study of ablative (2940nm) vs. non-ablative (1540nm) methods after 3 months.

BACKGROUND: Fractional non-ablative lasers keep the epidermis intact, while fractional ablative lasers remove it, making them theoretically more effective. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and histological alterations induced by fractional photothermolysis for treating photoaging, comparing the possible equivalence of multiple sessions of 1540nm Erbium, to one session of 2940nm Erbium. METHODS: Eighteen patients (mean age 55.9) completed the treatment with three sessions of 1540nm fractional Erbium laser on one side of the face (50 mJ/mB, 15ms, 2 passes), and one session of 2940nm on the other side (5mJ/mB, 0.25ms, 2 passes). Biopsies were performed before and 3 months after treatment. Clinical, histological and morphometric evaluations were carried out. RESULTS: All patients presented clinical improvement with no statistically significant difference (p> 0.05) between the treated sides. Histopathology revealed a new organization of collagen and elastic fibers, accompanied by edema, which was more evident with the 2940nm laser. This finding was confirmed by morphometry, which showed a decrease in collagen density for both treatments, with a statistical significance for the 2940nm laser (p > 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Three 1540nm sessions were clinically equivalent to one 2940nm session. The edema probably contributed to the positive results after three months, togheter with the new collagen and elastic fibers organization. The greater edema after the 2940nm session indicates that dermal remodeling takes longer than with 1540nm. It is possible that this histological superiority relates to a more prolonged effect, but a cohort longer than three months is needed to confirm that supposition.

Fractional Erbium laser in the treatment of photoaging: randomized comparative, clinical and histopathological study of ablative (2940nm) vs. non-ablative (1540nm) methods after 3 months

BACKGROUND: Fractional non-ablative lasers keep the epidermis intact, while fractional ablative lasers remove it, making them theoretically more effective. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and histological alterations induced by fractional photothermolysis for treating photoaging, comparing the possible equivalence of multiple sessions of 1540nm Erbium, to one session of 2940nm Erbium. METHODS: Eighteen patients (mean age 55.9) completed the treatment with three sessions of 1540nm fractional Erbium laser on one side of the face (50 mJ/mB, 15ms, 2 passes), and one session of 2940nm on the other side (5mJ/mB, 0.25ms, 2 passes). Biopsies were performed before and 3 months after treatment. Clinical, histological and morphometric evaluations were carried out. RESULTS: All patients presented clinical improvement with no statistically significant difference (p> 0.05) between the treated sides. Histopathology revealed a new organization of collagen and elastic fibers, accompanied by edema, which was more evident with the 2940nm laser. This finding was confirmed by morphometry, which showed a decrease in collagen density for both treatments, with a statistical significance for the 2940nm laser (p > 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Three 1540nm sessions were clinically equivalent to one 2940nm session. The edema probably contributed to the positive results after three months, togheter with the new collagen and elastic fibers organization. The greater edema after the 2940nm session indicates that dermal remodeling takes longer than with 1540nm. It is possible that this histological superiority relates to a more prolonged effect, but a cohort longer than three months is needed to confirm that supposition. .

Estudo-piloto: tratamento de melasma com laser de erbium fracionado não ablativo (1;540nm) / Treating melasma with (1.540nm) fractional non-ablative erbium laser: a pilot study

Introdução: O melasma constitui desordem pigmentar frequente. Apesar disso, o tratamento é frustro, e a doença segue curso indolente. Despigmentantes ainda são a principal forma de tratamento. Recentemente, os lasers surgiram como nova opção. Objetivo: Determinar de modo preliminar o efeito da fototermólise fracionada não ablativa no melasma resistente. Métodos: Dez pacientes com melasma resistente foram selecionados. Realizaram-se três sessões, com intervalo mensal, de laser de Erbium fracionado não ablativo de 1.540nm, com ponteira de 15mm. Nenhum outro tratamento foi realizado nos três meses anteriores ou posteriores. A energia utilizada variou entre oito e 15mJ/MB. A duração de pulso foi de 15ms. As respostas foram avaliadas pelo médico pesquisador e pelos pacientes. Resultados: Sete pacientes concluíram o estudo, tendo os outros três sido afastados devido a efeitos colaterais. Na opinião do médico examinador os sete obtiveram melhora de 50% a 75% um mês depois da última sessão. Para cinco pacientes a melhora em um mês variou de 50% a 75%, e para dois pacientes de 75% a 100%. As impressões prévias se mantiveram após três meses, tanto para o médico examinador quanto para os pacientes. Conclusões: Apesar dos resultados preliminares satisfatórios, novos estudos tornam-se necessários, no intuito de estabelecer protocolos mais eficientes com seguimento de longo prazo, visando observar possíveis recidivas e eventuais rebotes.

Introduction: Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder. Notwithstanding, its treatment is frustrating, and slow to take effect. Although depigmenters still are the main treatment modality, lasers have recently emerged as an innovative option. Objective: To preliminarily determine the effects of non-ablative photothermolysis on persistent melasma. Methods: Ten patients with resistant melasma underwent three 1540 nm fractional nonablative erbium laser sessions (with one month intervals), with a 15 mm spot size handpiece. No additional treatment was carried out 3 months before or after. The energy level used ranged from 8 to 15 mJ/MB, and the pulse duration was 15 ms. Responses were evaluated by both the researcher physician and the patients. Results: Seven patients completed the study; three patients left due to side effects. The researching physician reported that the patients who completed the study obtained 50-75% improvement one month after the last session. The patient's analysis resulted 50-75% improvement for 5 patients, and 75-100% for the remaining two. The physician and the patients reported that the improvement was maintained at the 3-month follow-up visit. Conclusions: Although the preliminary results were satisfactory, further, longer-term studies are necessary to establish more efficient protocols and to observe possible recurrences.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: a dermatologic approach.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (POS) is one of the most common endocrine abnormalities affecting women of reproductive age. It is a cause of significant social embarrassment and emotional distress. The pathogenesis of the disease is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to be a complex multigenic disorder, including abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, steroidogenesis, and insulin resistance. The main diagnostic findings of the syndrome are: hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology seen on ultrasound. Hyperandrogenism is generally manifested as hirsutism, acne, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia and, in severe cases, signs of virilization. Treatment may improve the clinical manifestations of excess androgen production, normalize menses and ameliorate metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications. This article reviews the diagnosis, clinical manifestations, metabolic complications, and treatment of the syndrome. Early diagnosis and the consequent early treatment may prevent metabolic complications and emotional distress that negatively impact the patients' quality of life.

Síndrome do ovário policístico: abordagem dermatológica / Polycystic ovary syndrome: a dermatologic approach

A síndrome do ovário policístico (SOP) é uma das endocrinopatias mais freqüentes nas mulheres em idade reprodutiva. Caracteriza-se por morbidade elevada devido aos aspectos estéticos e por repercussões metabólicas importantes. Embora a sua patogênese permaneça incompletamente conhecida, acredita-se numa desordem multigênica complexa, incluindo anormalidades no eixo hipotálamohipofisário, esteroidogênese e resistência insulínica. Os achados principais para o diagnóstico são: hiperandrogenismo, anovulação crônica e ovários policísticos à ultrassonografia. As manifestações dermatológicas do hiperandrogenismo incluem: hirsutismo, acne, seborréia, alopecia e, em casos mais graves, sinais de virilização. Existe considerável heterogeneidade nos achados clínicos e também pode haver variação na mesma paciente com o passar do tempo. O tratamento visa reduzir as manifestações do hiperandrogenismo, restaurar os ciclos ovulatórios regulares e corrigir a síndrome metabólica. Este artigo apresenta revisão da fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome do ovário policístico. Enfatiza-se a importância do diagnóstico e tratamento precoces no intuito de prevenir as complicações metabólicas e a repercussão emocional que afeta a qualidade de vida das pacientes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (POS) is one of the most common endocrine abnormalities affecting women of reproductive age. It is a cause of significant social embarrassment and emotional distress. The pathogenesis of the disease is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to be a complex multigenic disorder, including abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, steroidogenesis, and insulin resistance. The main diagnostic findings of the syndrome are: hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology seen on ultrasound. Hyperandrogenism is generally manifested as hirsutism, acne, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia and, in severe cases, signs of virilization. Treatment may improve the clinical manifestations of excess androgen production, normalize menses and ameliorate metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications. This article reviews the diagnosis, clinical manifestations, metabolic complications, and treatment of the syndrome. Early diagnosis and the consequent early treatment may prevent metabolic complications and emotional distress that negatively impact the patients' quality of life.

Photodynamic therapy: a review of the literature and image documentation.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) consists of a chemical reaction activated by light energy that is used to selectively destroy tissue. The reaction requires a photosensitizer in the target tissue, a light source and oxygen. The most extensively studied photosensitizing agents for PDT are 5-aminolevulinic acid for the treatment of actinic keratosis and methyl-aminolevulinate, which has been approved for the treatment of actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma and Bowen's disease. The light sources used in photodynamic therapy should emit light at wavelengths within the absorption spectrum of the photosensitizer used in PDT treatment. Light emitting diode (LED) lamps are indicated for the photodynamic treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. PDT should be considered as a therapeutic option, particularly in the case of patients with superficial, multiple or disseminated lesions and for immunosuppressed patients. More recently, PDT has been indicated for a wide range of dermatological conditions such as photo-damaged skin, acne, hidradenitis, scleroderma, psoriasis, warts and leishmaniosis, among others. This article provides an extensive review of photodynamic therapy, its mechanisms, indications and results.

Terapia fotodinâmica: revisão da literatura e documentação iconográfica / Photodynamic therapy: a review of the literature and image documentation

A terapia fotodinâmica é uma reação química ativada por luz usada para destruição seletiva de um tecido e requer um agente fotossensibilizante no tecido-alvo, uma fonte de luz e oxigênio. Estão disponíveis, no momento, o ácido 5-aminolevulínico para tratamento de ceratoses actínicas e o metilaminolevulinato, aprovado para tratamento de ceratoses actínicas, carcinoma basocelular e doença de Bowen. As fontes de luz utilizadas para a terapia fotodinâmica devem emitir comprimentos de onda no espectro de absorção do fotossensibilizante escolhido. As lâmpadas LED (light emitting diode) são as indicadas para terapia fotodinâmica tópica no tratamento do câncer de pele não melanoma. A terapia fotodinâmica deve ser considerada, em particular, para pacientes que apresentam lesões superficiais, múltiplas, disseminadas e para pacientes imunossuprimidos. Mais recentemente, a terapia fotodinâmica tem sido indicada no tratamento do fotoenvelhecimento, acne, hidrosadenite, esclerodermia, psoríase, verrugas, leishmaniose, entre outras. Por este trabalho será possível ter acesso a uma extensa revisão da literatura sobre terapia fotodinâmica, seus mecanismos, indicações e resultados, seguida de comentários e críticas pertinentes ao assunto.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) consists of a chemical reaction activated by light energy that is used to selectively destroy tissue. The reaction requires a photosensitizer in the target tissue, a light source and oxygen. The most extensively studied photosensitizing agents for PDT are 5-aminolevulinic acid for the treatment of actinic keratosis and methyl-aminolevulinate, which has been approved for the treatment of actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma and Bowen's disease. The light sources used in photodynamic therapy should emit light at wavelengths within the absorption spectrum of the photosensitizer used in PDT treatment. Light emitting diode (LED) lamps are indicated for the photodynamic treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. PDT should be considered as a therapeutic option, particularly in the case of patients with superficial, multiple or disseminated lesions and for immunosuppressed patients. More recently, PDT has been indicated for a wide range of dermatological conditions such as photo-damaged skin, acne, hidradenitis, scleroderma, psoriasis, warts and leishmaniosis, among others. This article provides an extensive review of photodynamic therapy, its mechanisms, indications and results.

[Objective methods for analyzing outcomes in research studies on cosmetic dermatology]. / Métodos objetivos para análise de estudos em dermatologia cosmética.

Cosmetic dermatology is a field of medicine that is in constant development; therefore, the use of objective methods for validating the findings of scientific studies is crucial. The most commonly used techniques in the majority of these studies include histopathology, immunohistochemistry, morphometry, stereology, digital photography, biometry, optical profilometry and confocal microscopy. The objective of this review was to provide an update on the principal methods used as tools for analyzing outcomes and also to provide the dermatologist with means of sharpening his/her critical judgement with respect to the publications and presentations that use subjective evaluation methods.

Métodos objetivos para análise de estudos em dermatologia cosmética / Objective methods for analyzing outcomes in research studies on cosmetic dermatology

A Dermatologia Cosmética é uma área em constante crescimento, motivo pelo qual se faz necessária a utilização de métodos objetivos para validar os resultados dos estudos científicos. As técnicas mais empregadas na maioria desses trabalhos são: histopatologia, imunoistoquímica, morfometria, estereologia, fotografia digital, biometria, profilometria óptica e microscopia confocal. Esta revisão tem como objetivo trazer informações sobre os principais métodos utilizados como ferramenta de análise dos resultados obtidos, além de auxiliar o dermatologista a aguçar seu senso crítico em relação às publicações e apresentações que se utilizam de métodos subjetivos de avaliação.

Cosmetic dermatology is a field of medicine that is in constant development; therefore, the use of objective methods for validating the findings of scientific studies is crucial. The most commonly used techniques in the majority of these studies include histopathology, immunohistochemistry, morphometry, stereology, digital photography, biometry, optical profilometry and confocal microscopy. The objective of this review was to provide an update on the principal methods used as tools for analyzing outcomes and also to provide the dermatologist with means of sharpening his/her critical judgement with respect to the publications and presentations that use subjective evaluation methods.

Photorejuvenation with topical methyl aminolevulinate and red light: a randomized, prospective, clinical, histopathologic, and morphometric study.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an option for skin rejuvenation. Although many studies report clinical improvement with PDT in photodamaged skin, histologic and morphometric evidence is not documented in most cases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and histopathologic changes induced by methyl aminolevulinate (MAL)-PDT and to morphometrically quantify collagen and elastic fibers in skin remodeling induced by MAL-PDT in photodamaged skin. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fourteen patients were treated with two sessions of MAL-PDT. The light source was a light-emitting diode: 635 nm, 37 J/cm(2). Skin biopsies were performed before and 3 and 4 months after treatment. All fragments were stained using the hematoxylin-eosin, orcein, and picrosirius techniques. Morphometric studies were done of three samples from each patient. RESULTS: Global clinical improvement was observed in 10 of 14 patients. The histopathologic study showed increased collagen fibers 3 and 6 months after treatment. The decrease in the amount of elastic fiber was statistically significant 3 (p=.016) and 6 (p=.008) months after treatment. The increase in the amount of collagen fiber was statistically significant 6 months after treatment (p=.048). CONCLUSION: Clinical improvement with regard to texture, firmness, wrinkle depth, skin coloration, and clearance of actinic keratoses was observed. Histopathologic and morphometric studies were consistent with the clinical findings.

Cosmeceuticals vitamins.

The term cosmeceutical was created over 25 years ago to define products with active substances that cannot be considered cosmetics or drugs. Cosmeceuticals are increasingly popular, with sales representing one of the largest growing segments of the skin care market. These products are found in many forms, including vitamins, peptides, growth factors, and botanical extracts. Cosmeceuticals that contain topically applied vitamins have an increasing role in skin care.