Colostrum is gaining popularity in cosmetic products. The present study compared the composition and selected biological properties of colostrum from Polish sheep (colostrum 1) and Swiss sheep (colostrum 2), particularly those that can affect healthy or diseased skin. The antioxidant activity of the colostrums was measured using ABTS and DPPH assays. The effect on the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts, neonatal epidermal keratinocytes, and human diabetic fibroblast (dHF) cells isolated from diabetic foot ulcers was also assayed in vitro by MTT and Presto Blue tests, respectively. The colostrum simulated dHF cell proliferation by up to 115.4%. The highest used concentration of colostrum 1 stimulated normal fibroblast proliferation by 191.2% (24 h) and 222.2% (48 h). Both colostrums inhibited epidermal keratinocyte viability. The influence of the colostrums on the expression of genes related to proliferation (Ki67) and immune response (IL-6, PTGS-2, TSG-6) in dHF cells were compared. Colostrum 1 increased the rate of wound closure (scar test). Analysis of total fat, protein and fatty acid content found the Polish colostrum to be a richer source of fat than the Swiss colostrum, which contained a larger amount of protein. Both colostrums exhibit properties that suggest they could be effective components in cosmetic or medicinal formulations for skin care, especially supporting its regeneration, rejuvenation, and wound healing.

Ceramides are a family of lipids constituted by a sphingoid base and a fatty acid. In the skin, they are mainly present in the stratum corneum where, with cholesterol and free fatty acids, they constitute the inter-corneocyte lipids. With the other lipid groups, they play a key role in the formation of dense lamellar structures between adjacent corneocytes, collectively ensuring the vital efficient barrier to water evaporation and protection from foreign agents´ penetration. Changes in ceramide level and relative composition, with potential impairment of lipid arrangement, have been evidenced in different skin conditions and skin diseases. Therefore, use of suitably formulated ceramides has been proposed for topical treatment to help re-structure damaged lipid arrangement and repair impaired skin barrier function. Nonetheless, the formulation of ceramides in products necessitates specific processes such as heating to high temperature before their introduction in the final formula. In this review on the structure, the role and the potential of ceramides for skincare, we point out the necessity of rigorous process when formulating ceramides into the final product. We demonstrate the counterproductive effects of undissolved ceramides on skin barrier repair capacity of the formulas, when assessed in different in vitro models of disrupted skin barrier.
Les céramides sont une famille de lipides constituée d\'une base sphingoïde et d\'un acide gras. Dans la peau, ils sont principalement présents dans la couche cornée où, avec le cholestérol et les acides gras libres, ils constituent les lipides inter‐cornéocytes. Avec les autres groupes de lipides, ils jouent un rôle clé dans la formation de structures lamellaires denses entre les cornéocytes adjacents, assurant collectivement la barrière efficace vitale contre l\'évaporation de l\'eau et la protection contre la pénétration des agents étrangers. Des modifications du taux de céramides et de la composition relative, avec une altération potentielle de l\'arrangement lipidique, ont été observées dans différentes affections cutanées et maladies cutanées. Par conséquent, l\'utilisation de céramides formulés de manière appropriée a été proposée pour un traitement topique afin d\'aider à restructurer la disposition des lipides endommagés et à réparer la fonction de barrière cutanée altérée. Néanmoins, la formulation des céramides dans les produits nécessite des processus spécifiques tels que le chauffage à température élevée avant leur introduction dans la formule finale. Dans cette revue sur la structure, le rôle et le potentiel des céramides pour les soins de la peau, nous soulignons la nécessité d\'un processus rigoureux lors de la formulation des céramides dans le produit final. Nous démontrons les effets contre‐productifs des céramides non dissous sur la capacité de réparation de la barrière cutanée des formules, lorsqu\'ils sont évalués dans différents modèles in vitro de barrière cutanée perturbée.

OBJECTIVE: Patients undergoing cancer treatment experience a multitude of skin, hair, and nail adverse events, prompting them to use non-evidence-based and often restrictive over-the-counter (OTC) recommendations to alleviate their symptoms. Comprehensively assessing evidence-based OTC modalities is crucial to enable cancer patients to comfortably resume their lives post-treatment and integrate clinically sound practices into their self-care routines.
OBJECTIVE: Perform a systematic review and assessment of evidence-based OTC skin, hair, and nail care recommendations for adult patients undergoing cancer treatment.
METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Medline databases were searched in March 2023 to identify English articles addressing OTC skin, hair, and nail care recommendations for adult patients before, during, and after cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy (RT). Quality was assessed with Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine criteria.
RESULTS: 2192 unique articles were screened, of which 77 met inclusion criteria consisting of 54 randomized controlled trials (RCT), 8 non-randomized controlled cohorts, 1 non-randomized controlled clinical trial, 3 controlled prospective cohorts, 4 prospective cohorts, 2 controlled clinical trials, 1 prospective comparative study, 2 case reports, and 2 case series discussing 9322 patients. An additional article outside of our database search was included for a total of 78 articles. OTC skin care treatments with the best quality of evidence included moisturizing creams. Our review revealed a paucity of evidence-based hair and nail care practices.
CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review serves to highlight the efficacy of diverse OTC skin, hair, and nail care recommendations for adult cancer patients while encouraging further clinical trials to establish evidence-based management guidelines.

UNASSIGNED: We define rogue hairs as unusually long hairs on the face outside of the typical hormone-driven hair-bearing areas. These represent a common and previously undocumented phenomenon. This mixed-method study describes the frequency and clinical features of rogue hairs using a case series, patient survey, and social media analysis.
UNASSIGNED: Clinical cases were identified by dermatologists, and social media platforms were searched for additional cases. Social media comments were reviewed using qualitative thematic analysis. Surveys were administered to patients at an academic dermatology clinic.
UNASSIGNED: The case series revealed these hairs are seen in children and adults, men and women, and across races. Of the surveyed patients, 18% reported rogue hairs. Social media analysis highlighted common experiences of sudden appearance, frequent removal attempts, and minimal interaction with dermatologists.
UNASSIGNED: This mixed-method study defines rogue hairs on the face, underscoring their prevalence despite their benign nature. While the biological explanation for these hairs remains unknown, the study highlights the potential of social media as a tool for clinical inquiry and enhanced understanding of the patient experience. The study provides evidence-based information for individuals experiencing rogue hairs and prompts future research into the biologic mechanisms underlying this common phenomenon.
This research defines a new term called “rogue hairs” which are unusually long hairs on the face outside of the places where long hairs typically grow. These hairs are common but were not previously reported in medical literature. This study describes how often these hairs occur, where they occur, and other details about the people who have them. People with rogue hairs were identified by dermatologists, and social media platforms were searched to find additional people with these hairs. This study also used surveys and social media websites to learn about people with these hairs. The results showed that these hairs are seen in children and adults, men and women, and across races. Eighteen percent of the surveyed patients reported rogue hairs. Social media analysis showed common experiences of sudden appearance, frequent attempts to remove the hairs, and minimal interaction with dermatologists. The cause for these hairs is not known. This study highlights the potential of social media as a tool for answering clinical questions and better understanding the patient experience. The study provides evidence-based information for individuals experiencing rogue hairs and prompts future research into the causes of this common phenomenon.

BACKGROUND: In the Nordic European Countries, cancer is the leading cause of death. The last decade has brought revolutionizing cancer treatments including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Patients on ICIs have a high risk of developing cutaneous immune-related adverse events. Treating these side effects is of high importance to improve patient\'s quality of life (QoL) and continue the anti-cancer treatment.
METHODS: The Nordic European Cutaneous Oncodermatology Management (NECOM) project develops tools to prevent and treat cancer therapy-related cutaneous adverse events (cAEs). The first 2 NECOM papers presented various cAEs and skincare regimens involving hygiene, moisturization, sun protection, and camouflage products for preventing and managing cAEs. The NECOM 3 practical algorithm was on the prevention and treatment of acute radiation dermatitis. This NECOM 4 practical algorithm is intended to prevent and manage cutaneous immunotherapy-related adverse events (cirAEs), improving cancer patients\' QoL and outcomes.
RESULTS: The NECOM advisors discussed the results of a systematic literature review and obtained consensus on the evidence and expert opinion-based practical algorithm for cirAEs to support all healthcare providers treating cancer patients in the Nordic European Countries. The algorithm starts with a simple skincare regimen of cleansing, moisturizing, and protection, followed by the exclusion of severe cutaneous adverse reactions, and then specific interventions to treat the most common cirAEs (pruritus, maculopapular eruption, eczematous eruption, psoriasis, lichenoid eruption, and bullous eruption).
CONCLUSIONS: CirAEs are the most common side effects induced by ICIs and may lead to cancer treatment interruption or even discontinuation. Patient education on the prevention of cirAEs using a skincare regimen and treatment recommendations given in the NECOM 4 algorithm may help prevent and manage cirAEs and improve the QoL and outcome of patients receiving ICIs. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23:8(Suppl 2):s4-10.

Hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, textural changes, and dull skin are common cosmetic concerns in skin of color. Other signs of aging, including fine lines, deeper wrinkles, and skin laxity, also occur but may present in later decades. In-office procedures such as laser treatments, energy devices, toxins, fillers, and chemical peels are useful options for addressing the most common cosmetic concerns in skin of color patients. Skincare can play an important role in improving cosmetic outcomes when used in conjunction with in-office procedures. With the availability of these approaches, clinicians can now integrate in-office procedures with skincare strategies to offer patients with skin of color a comprehensive treatment plan that meets their needs. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23:8(Suppl 1):s5-10.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a complex, multifactorial, inflammatory skin condition. Although frequently presented at dermatology clinics, the literature on adult acne is scarce, particularly concerning skin barrier function and management. We aimed to provide insights into the role of skin barrier integrity in adult acne patients and the role of cleansers and moisturizers as adjunctive to treating and maintaining adult acne.   Methods: A panel of eight dermatologists who treat adult patients with acne developed a consensus paper on the role of skin barrier function and skin care in adult acne management. The modified Delphi method comprised a face-to-face meeting and online follow-up to discuss the results of a scoping literature review. Drawing from their experience and opinions, they agreed on seven consensus statements.   Results: Epidermal barrier dysfunction plays a vital role in acne pathogenesis and asymmetrically impacts adult female acne. Erythema, pruritus, peeling, and xerosis are common adverse effects of first-line acne treatment options and, if not appropriately counseled and managed, can exacerbate, leading to regimen nonadherence and poor patient experience and outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Improving patient knowledge of comprehensive acne treatments, including quality adjunctive cleansers and moisturizers, may maximize regimen efficacy and provide patients with personalized and successful acne treatment and maintenance tools. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):674-679.     doi:10.36849/JDD.8471.

BACKGROUND: Skincare and makeup \"pilling\" is an unsightly and undesirable phenomenon whereby skincare such as moisturizers or foundation ball up to form flakes on the skin. To date, the causes of skincare product pilling have not been studied. This study aimed to examine the relationship between skin physiology and pilling potential of sunscreen and foundation (the two products most reported by consumers to cause pilling). This study also examined the effects of product application methods on pilling.
METHODS: 528 female volunteers from Guangzhou, China, aged between 20 and 49 years, underwent various clinical skin assessments, followed by three steps of product layering. Pilling was assessed after each product application step.
RESULTS: 217 volunteers (41%) experienced pilling. The majority of pilling (n = 655 events) occurred following sunscreen application, while only a few pilling events (n = 35) occurred with foundation. Foundation improved pilling caused by sunscreen in 98.9% of cases. Volunteers experiencing pilling with both sunscreen and foundation had significantly lower facial skin hydration and oiliness, higher pH, and smoother skin texture (P < 0.05). Two application methods, rubbing of products in circular and linear motions, yielded the highest numbers of pilling events.
CONCLUSIONS: This study has provided the first insights into the causes of pilling. Sunscreen is a promoter of pilling, while foundation may resolve sunscreen-induced pilling in many cases. Skin physiology, particularly drier, smoother skin with higher pH, and product application methods are likely contributing factors to this undesirable phenomenon.

BACKGROUND: Conventional advice to reduce the risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCLE) suggests avoidance of daily-living risks, and limited research has investigated these risks.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the occurrence, patterns, and effects of daily-living risks on BCLE.
METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 567 patients at a metropolitan cancer center in the United States. The Lymphedema Risk-Reduction Behavior Checklist was used to assess the occurrence of 11 daily-living risks. Descriptive, regression, and factor analyses were performed.
RESULTS: Significant odds of BCLE were associated with infection (odds ratio [OR] 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95-3.42), cuts/scratches (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.97-3.56), sunburn (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.39-3.56), oil splash or steam burns (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.53-3.83), and insect bites (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.18-2.13). The daily-living risks were clustered into factors related to skin trauma and carrying objects. Skin trauma risk was significantly associated with BCLE (B = 0.539, z = 3.926, OR 1.714, 95% CI 1.312-2.250; p < 0.001). Having three, four, or five skin trauma risks significantly increased the odds of BCLE to 4.31, 5.14, and 6.94 times, respectively. The risk of carrying objects had no significant or incremental effects on BCLE.
CONCLUSIONS: Complete avoidance of daily-living risks is challenging given 52.73% of patients incurred more than five daily-living risks. Our study findings underscore the importance of \'what to do\' strategies to minimize infection and skin trauma.

BACKGROUND: Anti-aging products are widely used, but the desire for safe and more efficient anti-aging products continues to increase. Dissolving microneedle patches (MNPs) have provided a more efficient transdermal drug delivery solution. MNP is a promising candidate for developing better anti-aging products.
OBJECTIVE: To develop a more efficient anti-aging MNP product, we fabricated a dual anti-wrinkle microneedle patch (named DA-MNP) using droplet extension (DEN®) technology and evaluated its skin puncture ability, safety, and efficacy through clinical studies.
METHODS: A DA-MNP comprising hyaluronic acid (HA) polymer backbone, acetyl octapeptide-3, and L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside and sodium cyclic lysophosphatidic acid was fabricated using DEN® technology. Placebo MNPs comprising only HA were also fabricated. Twenty-four healthy subjects were enrolled in this comparative clinical study. The DA-MNP or placebo MNP was separately applied to the left and right eyes of subjects for overnight. Assessments, including wrinkle improvement, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), eye lifting and adverse effects were evaluated at each scheduled visit day for 28 days.
RESULTS: The DA-MNP showed mechanical strength enough for puncturing the stratum corneum. Compared to placebo MNP group, the DA-MNP treated group showed an effective eye wrinkles improvement and better anti-aging of skin, with reduced TEWL, enhanced skin elasticity and lifting, and no adverse effects.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the fabricated DA-MNP exhibited fast acting on deep wrinkles and enhanced anti-aging efficacy, with no skin safety concern. Thus, this DA-MNP may serve as a new transdermal delivery solution for skin wrinkling and aging.