Margareth de Oliveira Pereira

Clinical, biometric and ultrasound assessment of the effects of daily use of a nutraceutical composed of lycopene, acerola extract, grape seed extract and Biomarine Complex in photoaged human skin

BACKGROUND The use of nutraceuticals has become frequent in the cutaneous approach to photoaging. OBJECTIVES To assess the clinical efficacy of a nutraceutical product composed of lycopene, acerola extract, grape seed extract and Biomarine ComplexT in photoaged human skin. METHODS 50 women, from 35 to 60 years of age, phototypes I to III, were assessed. For 120 days, they associated the nutraceutical product with the use of a sunscreen FPS15. On days 0 (D0), 30 (D30), 60 (D60), 90 (D90) and 120 (D120) they were evaluated and underwent Medical Assessments and Self-Assessment and cutaneous biometric analyses (corneometry, sebumetry and pH-metry) in the skin of the left zygomatic region and the upper medial side region of the left arm; on days 0 (D0), 30 (D30) and 120 (D120) the skin of the same regions was analyzed by ultrasound. On days 0 (D0) and 120 (D120) skin biopsies were performed in the areas where instrumental evaluation was performed (to evaluate collagen and elastic fibers). RESULTS There was an improvement of the general status of the skin of all volunteers by the Medical and Volunteer Self- Assessments; increased parameters of cutaneous hydration, reduction of pH, increasing of ultrasound density and a histological increment of collagen and elastic fibers (both on the face and arm); there was a reduction of seborrhea (only on the face) CONCLUSIONS The daily use of a nutraceutical product containing lycopene, acerola extract, grape seed extract and Biomarine ComplexT showed an important adjuvant effect to counteract skin photoaging.

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.

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, 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.

Skin and Menopause

Skin aging is attributed to extrinsic and intrinsic factors which intersect, leading to macro- and microscopic alterations. Histologically, there is a loss of dermal collagen and decreased lipid production, leading to a thinning of the skin. This process is exacerbated by the effect of cumulative sun exposure and oxidative damage caused by pollution, stress, and smoking. These changes manifest as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dryness, and texture changes in mature skin.

Evaluation of Clinical Safety and Effectiveness of Hyaluronic Acid-based Temporary Dermal Filler Used in Nasolabial Folds

Basis: Hyaluronic acid-based temporary dermal filler are used in the treatment of facial folds and wrinkles. Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Rennova®, a hyaluronic acid-based filler used in nasolabial folds. Methods: An open label, single-center, phase IV, prospective, observational clinical study, with duration of 360 days, totaling 11 visits. The study included 30 female volunteers, between 30 and 60 years of age, presenting nasolabial folds classified as 3 and 4 according to the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale and skin phototypes I to V, according to the classification of Fitzpatrick. The effectiveness was subjectively evaluated using the wrinkle severity scale and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and objectively analyzed suing photographs and biopsies. The volunteers gave their opinions about the procedure and results in a questionnaire. The safety was evaluated by observing adverse events; pain, discomfort and local sensitivity; tolerability and biopsies. Results: In the beginning of the study, 76% of the volunteers presented moderate wrinkles and 24% severity. At the end, 8% presented severe, 56% moderate and 36% mild wrinkles. The adverse events with positive causal nexus were: local erythema/edema, ecchymosis, hematoma and local pain. They presented mild to moderate intensity, short to medium duration. Conclusions: In relation to the wrinkle severity rating scale and global aesthetic improvement scale, the results were satisfactory (p<0.05). The adverse events with positive causal nexus were temporary and the biopsy did not show any inflammatory process, which demonstrates the product safety.