Optimal application method of a moisturizer on the basis of skin physiological functions.

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have clarified the usefulness of moisturizers for dry skin diseases. However, few reports exist on the appropriate application of moisturizers with respect to the skin physiological functions. AIMS: To clarify the optimal moisturizer application method on the basis of skin physiological functions. METHODS: This study investigated the appropriate time, dose, and frequency of moisturizer application from the perspective of skin physiology. In healthy subjects, the stratum corneum water content (SCW) was compared between different moisturizer application times (immediately [≤5 min] and 90 min after bathing), doses (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/cm2 ), and frequencies (once and twice daily). Thereafter, patients with dry skin were treated with the moisturizer once or twice daily for 8 weeks at the time, and application dose was determined to be optimal for the healthy subjects; the moisturizing effect was evaluated based on the SCW, trypsin activity, and desmoglein 1 localization score in the stratum corneum. RESULTS: In healthy subjects, compared to at control sites, the SCW was significantly higher at sites treated with the moisturizer immediately after bathing, with 1.0 and 2.0 mg/cm2 of the moisturizer, and with once- and twice-daily applications. In patients with dry skin, the SCW was significantly higher compared to control sites and the desmoglein 1 localization score was significantly lower after 8 weeks only when the moisturizer was applied twice daily. CONCLUSIONS: Moisturizer application of ≥1.0 mg/cm2 twice daily (immediately after bathing at night and in the morning) had a moisturizing effect, as verified from the skin physiological functions.

Effect of Vitamin-Containing Amino Acid Supplements on Menopausal Symptoms and Age-Related Skin Changes: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Women aged ≥ 45 years are known to experience various menopausal symptoms due to reduced oestrogen levels. Changes associated with cutaneous ageing, such as wrinkles and sagging, are also prominent in women in this age group. Numerous studies have evaluated the usefulness of individual basic nutrients and essential components, such as amino acids and vitamins, in menopausal women. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the effects of supplements containing amino acid and vitamin combinations on menopausal symptoms and age-related changes in the skin. METHODS: This is a randomised, placebo-controlled study on the effects of a supplement containing three types of amino acids [leucine, glutamine and arginine (LGA)] and 11 types of vitamins in 37 middle-aged women. The participants ingested either the test substance or a placebo twice daily for 8 consecutive weeks, at the end of which time the efficacy and safety of the test substance were assessed based on subjective symptoms of fatigue, Simplified Menopausal Index (SMI) score, the grade and number of wrinkles at the corners of the eyes, results of an analysis of the stratum corneum of the cheek and blood test results. RESULTS: None of the participants experienced adverse events, and all items assessed in our survey of subjective symptoms of fatigue showed a significant decrease in the test substance group (LGA group). Additionally, the SMI score of the LGA group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group. The LGA group showed significant improvement in the grade of the wrinkles in the corners of the eyes and the number of wrinkles, and the stratum corneum cell area declined significantly in the LGA group compared to the placebo group at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the vitamin-containing amino acid supplement improved menopausal symptoms and age-related changes in the skin (wrinkles). TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000029830.

Novel petrolatum-based ointment that is highly moisturizing and has superior usability with increased adherence in patients with facial dry skin.

BACKGROUND: Petrolatum is often used to suppress water evaporation from the skin surface. However, its stickiness, shininess, and other factors make it inconvenient for continuous use. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and usability between a newly developed petrolatum-based ointment (NOV® II Moisture Balm) and white petrolatum. METHODS: Twenty-nine subjects with atopic dermatitis or xeroderma with symptoms of dry skin applied NOV® II Moisture Balm on the right sides of the face and white petrolatum on the left side, respectively, for 8-12 weeks. The skin conditions (erythema, exudate/crusting, dryness, and itch) were scored, stratum corneum water content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured, and the free amino acid and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels in the stratum corneum were analyzed before and end of the trial. RESULTS: Dryness, exudate/crusting, and TEWL decreased significantly on both the white petrolatum and the NOV® II Moisture Balm sides, while stratum corneum water content and the free amino acid levels in the stratum corneum increased significantly. On the NOV® II Moisture Balm side, erythema and the TSLP levels decreased significantly. In a questionnaire on usability, the subjects felt NOV® II Moisture Balm spread better and were less sticky and shiny than white petrolatum, and more subjects wanted to continue using NOV® II Moisture Balm. CONCLUSIONS: NOV® II Moisture Balm was equivalent to white petrolatum in moisturizing and improving the physiologic functions of the skin, but had superior usability.