UNASSIGNED: The ability of the skin to maintain homeostasis declines with age. Adaptogens support the capacity of the skin to respond to stress. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of a novel serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens for improving photoaged skin following twice-daily application.
UNASSIGNED: A multi-center, 12-week trial was conducted in participants aged 45 to 65 years, Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) I to VI, with mild-to-severe photoaging based on a 10-point grading scale (3 [Minimum] to 7 [Maximum]). Visible improvements were assessed in erythema, pore size, skin dullness, skin texture, and uneven pigmentation utilizing a six-point grading scale (0=None to 5=Severe). Global skin quality was measured utilizing our Global Skin Quality Index (GSQI). Sebum measurements were obtained in a subset of participants. Patient satisfaction and tolerability were recorded throughout the study.
UNASSIGNED: Fifty-three participants were enrolled and completed the study. Mean age was 56 years and 66 percent were White, 17 percent were Black, 8 percent were Hispanic, 6 percent were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 81 percent had moderate photodamage. At Week 12, significant mean percent improvements from baseline were demonstrated in erythema (50%), dullness (44%), texture (52%), pore size (23%), and uneven pigmentation (21%; all p<.0001). Significant GSQI improvements from baseline were observed at Week 12 (39%; p<0.0001). Significant mean reductions from baseline in skin surface sebum were demonstrated at Week 12 (-38%; p<0.0001). All adverse events (AEs) were mild and transient.
UNASSIGNED: A novel serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens, demonstrated improvements from baseline in the appearance of erythema, dullness, texture, pore size, uneven pigmentation, and global skin quality over 12 weeks. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction, with mild, transient AEs reported.

BACKGROUND: Retinoids and alpha- and beta hydroxy acids are common components utilized in regimens for blemish-prone skin. However, balancing efficacy and tolerability is often challenging.
METHODS: This pilot study evaluated a double-conjugated retinoid serum specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin (AHARet-SA) in combination with exfoliating peel pads (double-conjugated retinoid, glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids), a cleanser, mineral-based sunscreen, and a lightweight moisturizer in female participants with mild-to-moderate blemish-prone skin. Fifty-five percent of participants were Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) IV and 27% were FST V. Participants used the exfoliating peel pads (3x/week for 8 weeks; 2x/week for 4 weeks) followed by nightly AHARet-SA and a moisturizer (as needed). Improvements in skin were assessed using the 5-point Investigator Global Assessment Scale, and participant satisfaction and tolerability were assessed over 12 weeks.
RESULTS: Significant mean improvement from baseline in skin clarity occurred after 4 weeks (14%; p = 0.04) with progressive improvements through week 12 (52%; p = 0.004). Eighty-eight percent of participants reported improvements in the appearance and texture of their skin and fewer blemishes/breakouts. Mild, transient adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: A regimen comprised of a double-conjugated serum and exfoliating peel pads formulated for blemish-prone skin led to significant improvements from baseline in skin clarity after 12 weeks in participants with predominately darker skin tones and mild-to-moderate blemish-prone skin.

BACKGROUND: Aging of neck and jawline skin is caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors and is evidenced by wrinkling, laxity, skin dyspigmentation, loss of the mandibular contour, accumulation of submental fat, density loss, and prominent platysma bands. Early intervention with topical cosmeceuticals, especially in younger subjects with \"tech neck,\" can offer a solution and potentially mitigate aging of the neck and jawline.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this prospective, open-label, single-center clinical study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a topical anti-aging neck treatment (TNT) in a cohort of Chinese women with mild to moderate signs of aging on the neck and jawline.
METHODS: This study was approved by an ethics committee and involved healthy Chinese subjects. Thirty-five female subjects, 25-50 years old, with mild to moderate signs of aging of the neck and jawline were recruited. Subjects applied the TNT to the neck and jawline twice daily for 84 days. Long-term efficacy and tolerability, clinical photography, bioinstrumentation, and a self-assessment questionnaire were performed at baseline and post-baseline.
RESULTS: The TNT significantly improved horizontal neck fold lines and neck skin elasticity, hydration, gloss/radiance, and skin tone evenness post-baseline. Clinical photography and ultrasound corroborated these findings. The product was well perceived and well tolerated by subjects.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the TNT was effective against both extrinsic and intrinsic aging of the neck and jawline. The TNT provides a topical solution for Chinese women concerned with an aging appearance of the neck including \"tech neck.\"

BACKGROUND: A cosmeceutical topical formulation containing a non-hormonal estrogen receptor activator, Methyl Estradiolpropanoate (MEP), has been developed to address periorbital skin aging in post-menopausal women with estrogen-deficient skin (EDS).
OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Emepelle Eye Cream® (Biopelle, Ferndale Pharma Group, Ferndale, MI, USA) for the rejuvenation of the periorbital skin areas in women EDS. The secondary objectives were to assess the tolerability and satisfaction with Emepelle Eye Cream as assessed by the clinical investigator and the participants.
METHODS: Clinical improvement (ie, change from baseline visit) to the end of study topical application in the periorbital areas were assessed by the clinical investigator using the clinician-rated quality of periorbital skin area visual scoring scale and by the participant using the participant’s self-evaluation of the quality of periorbital skin area questionnaire. Secondary objectives and endpoints were assessed using a subject Quality of Life (QoL) evaluation, a clinician- and a participant-evaluation of tolerability and side effects, and the C-GAIS and P-GAIS questionnaires. Baseline scores were compared to scores at the follow-up visits.
RESULTS: Clinician evaluations included a Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) rating of periorbital skin areas using a 6-point rating scale as well as tolerability and side effects. The averaged clinical GAIS improvement for all subjects who completed the study improved by 21%. The mean clinician GAIS score at study completion was 2.7, and 26 of the 31 subjects who completed the study showed improvement. A clinician GAIS score of 1 (very much improved) was observed in 3 study subjects. The averaged subject improvement results included improvements in each category at the primary endpoint. The subjects reported that their satisfaction with their periorbital appearance improved by 47% as compared to before treatment. The product was well tolerated by all subjects and no significant side effects were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: In an open label study of 31 female subjects who had been amenorrheic for at least one year, topical application of Emepelle Eye Cream for periorbital skin rejuvenation was effective and well-tolerated. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(11):1185-1190. doi:10.36849/JDD.7279.

The \"blue shark\", Prionace glauca (class: Chondrichthyes), is a pelagic shark species commonly found in tropical and temperate oceans. This shark is mainly sold in Asian countries as food and as traditional Chinese medicine. According to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, P. glauca is classified as low-risk to near endangered. P. glauca cartilage contains collagen type II, which makes it suitable as a bioactive ingredient in cosmeceutical products. This study evaluated the effects of a gel containing various concentrations (0.125-5%) of lyophilized hydrolyzed P. glauca cartilage on the human inner wrist skin compared to a placebo (base). A skin properties evaluation test was conducted before and after applying various concentrations (0.125-5%) of the P. glauca cartilage gel for 10 and 20 min on the inner wrists of participants using a skin analyzer that determined the moisture level, oil level, texture level, complexion level, and the 3D level. Adding lyophilized hydrolyzed shark cartilage (LHSC) significantly improved the moisture, texture, and complexion of the skin while controlling oil and providing a wrinkle-smoothing effect. The result indicated that LHSC formulations were prepared at different concentrations, and they had significantly enhanced effects on skin hydration and elasticity (texture) and the smoothing of wrinkles (3D level). The LHSC also effectively controlled oil secretion and the complexion.

Currently, bioactive compounds derived from nature have been thought to be promising anti-acne substances owing to the variety of potential biological effects. This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Bouea macrophylla Griffth seed extract against bacteria-induced acne inflammation for the first time in terms of antibacterial effects against acne-inducing bacteria, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Initially, extracting procedures were optimized and five different extracts were obtained. Considering their antibacterial activities against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, ethanolic and ethyl acetate fractions exerted a notable effect which were highly superior above those of polyphenol standards. Additionally, these two extracts presented outstanding antioxidant capacities in terms of DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging effects, reducing power, and inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation which also play a role in the exacerbation of acne inflammation. Besides, inhibition on lipid peroxidation and reducing power of ethanolic fraction were significantly (p<0.05) better than those of ethyl acetate fraction which was corresponding to their phenolic and ellagic acid contents. However, flavonoids found in ethyl acetate fraction might play an important role in its potentials. After that, the anti-inflammatory effects of the extracts were elucidated by means of inhibition on nitric oxide production from LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell lines at which the effects of both extracts were dosedependency. Taken together, our findings have apparently proven that B. macrophylla seed extracts exerted a variety of potential properties including antioxidation, anti-acne-inducing bacteria, and anti-inflammatory effects which could serve as a promising anti-acne agent for cosmeceutical applications.

BACKGROUND: Common skin conditions, such as irritated, dry, aging, and oily skin or dark eye circles with periorbital edema, usually do not require pharmaceutical therapy in form of dermatological drugs. They can, however, still affect the quality of life significantly. With the advent of newer cosmetics, a more targeted treatment of these dermatological conditions has become available to the public. There are few clinical studies investigating the efficacy and safety of cosmetics, leaving consumers exposed to potentially false claims of the cosmetic industry. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel skin care series addressing the aforementioned five common skin conditions.
METHODS: This open-label, single-center, 4-week, prospective clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of five novel skin care formulations, each targeting one of five common skin issues in 176 study subjects. The primary endpoint parameters for the change in irritated skin, dark and puffy eyes, dry skin, aging skin, and oily skin were assessed through validated questionnaires, scales, and biomedical devices.
RESULTS: After 4 weeks of topical application of each formulation of a new targeted skin care, a significant improvement in all primary endpoints was detected. No undesirable effects occurred during this study.
CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a significant improvement in five common dermatological conditions with a novel targeted skin care series. Moreover, this study leads the way for an overdue critical assessment and certification of cosmetic product claims.

OBJECTIVE: The dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), composed of rare proteins, plays a significant role in facial skin aging. A newly enhanced multi-ingredient anti-aging facial moisturizer (MFM) and eye cream (MEC) were formulated to target DEJ-related aging. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a dual-product regimen MFM and MEC as a treatment in improving intrinsically and extrinsically aged facial and periorbital skin.
METHODS: Forty-two female subjects, 42 to 65 years, Fitzpatrick skin type I–VI, with mild to moderate droopy eyelids, moderate crow’s feet wrinkles, and moderate global photodamage completed this institutional review board (IRB)-approved study. Subjects applied the MFM and MEC twice-daily for 12 weeks. Clinical grading of efficacy and tolerability parameters, VISIA®-CR imaging, image analysis of wrinkles, skin pH, Tewameter, and pinch recoil measurements were performed at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging was performed at baseline and week 12.
RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was shown in both clinically graded parameters and bio-instrumentational analyses at all time points. Both products were well tolerated by subjects.
CONCLUSIONS: This IRB-approved clinical study demonstrated effectiveness in improving intrinsic and extrinsic signs of the global face and periorbital eye area aging after twelve weeks of twice-daily application. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(12):1314-1321. doi:10.36849/JDD.6355.

BACKGROUND: Retinaldehyde is one of the major members of the retinoid family, which has potential skin rejuvenating effects on photoaged skin and has a good safety profile.
OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of multilamellar vesicle containing retinaldehyde (MLV-RAL) 0.05% and 0.1% used to treat photoaged skin.
METHODS: A randomized, prospective, investigator-blinded, split-face comparison study was conducted. We enrolled 23 Korean volunteers who applied MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% cream on one randomized side of their face and retinol 0.05%/0.1% cream on the opposite side. Wrinkle depth on both crow\'s feet was assessed by the Antera 3D system. Skin hydration, elasticity, facial curved length, and dermal density were also evaluated.
RESULTS: After an 8-week application, all objective parameters, including wrinkle depth, were significantly improved in both MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% and retinol 0.05%/0.1% treated sides. Compared with the retinol-treated side, MLV-RAL-treated side showed a significant improvement of objective assessments except for dermal density. Additionally, there was no adverse event associated with the use of either MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% or retinol 0.05%/0.1% cream.
CONCLUSIONS: The application of MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% cream improved wrinkle, facial contour, and biophysical parameters associated with skin aging.

The objective of the study was to explore the potential of a novel nicotinamide extrudate as an anti-aging platform compared to the conventional gel. Nicotinamide extrudates were prepared by hot melt extrusion and characterized pharmaceutically for their thermal behavior, mositure uptake, skin adhesion, and deposition in different skin layers. The pharmacological potential of the extrudates was explored in terms of induction of skin amino acids, cellular energy estimation, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine content, Nitrate + nitrite content and histological chacaterization of collagen area percent. Results revealed that the extrusion technique managed to amorphize nicotinamide and enhance its skin deposition (46%) compared to the gel form which only showed about 10% deposition, owing to the mucoadhesive nature of the former. Extrudates were also found superior to the gel form as demonstrated by the increased amino acids level (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline), increased cellular energy, decreased oxidative stress and increased collagen formation. Nictotinamide extrudates were proven to be a scalable promising anti-aging platform which are worthy of entering the cosmeceutical market as products.