Red rice, a variety of pigmented grain, serves dual purposes as both a food and medicinal resource. In recent years, we have witnessed an increasing interest in the dermatological benefits of fermented rice extracts, particularly their whitening and hydrating effects. However, data on the skincare advantages derived from fermenting red rice with Aspergillus oryzae remain sparse. This study utilized red rice as a substrate for fermentation by Aspergillus oryzae, producing a substance known as red rice Aspergillus oryzae fermentation (RRFA). We conducted a preliminary analysis of RRFA\'s composition followed by an evaluation of its skincare potential through various in vitro tests. Our objective was to develop a safe and highly effective skincare component for potential cosmetic applications. RRFA\'s constituents were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Kjeldahl nitrogen determination, the phenol-sulfuric acid method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We employed human dermal fibroblasts (FB) to assess RRFA\'s anti-aging and antioxidative properties, immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and 3D epidermal models to examine its moisturizing and reparative capabilities, and human primary melanocytes (MCs) to study its effects on skin lightening. Our findings revealed that RRFA encompasses several bioactive compounds beneficial for skin health. RRFA can significantly promote the proliferation of FB cells. And it markedly enhances the mRNA expression of ECM-related anti-aging genes and reduces reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, RRFA significantly boosts the expression of Aquaporin 3 (AQP3), Filaggrin (FLG), and Hyaluronan Synthase 1 (HAS1) mRNA, alongside elevating moisture levels in a 3D epidermal model. Increases were also observed in the mRNA expression of Claudin 1 (CLDN1), Involucrin (IVL), and Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) in keratinocytes. Additionally, RRFA demonstrated an inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis. Collectively, RRFA contains diverse ingredients which are beneficial for skin health and showcases multifaceted skincare effects in terms of anti-aging, antioxidant, moisturizing, repairing, and whitening capabilities in vitro, highlighting its potential for future cosmetic applications.

The synergy of cosmetic acids, with their keratolytic and antibacterial properties, with the mechanical exfoliation of the epidermis brings faster and better treatment results. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of using only pyruvic acid and the synergy of microdermabrasion and chemical exfoliation. In total, 14 women diagnosed with acne took part in the study. Two areas were marked on the participants\' faces: the right side (microdermabrasion treatment and a preparation containing pyruvic acid 40%) and the left side (preparation containing pyruvic acid 40%) without mechanical exfoliation. A series of four treatments was performed at 2-week intervals. Skin parameters such as stratum corneum hydration and sebum secretion were measured. Before the treatments, all patients had moderate acne according to GAGS (Min: 19, Max: 22, Md: 20), and after the treatments, it decreased to mild acne according to GAGS (Min: 13, Max: 17, Md: 140). On the right side of the face, there was a statistically significant reduction in sebum secretion in all the examined areas of the face and increase in the hydration of the stratum corneum. On the left side of the face, the differences were also observed in the decrease of sebum value and increase of hydration level; however, they were smaller than on the right side. The use of microdermabrasion in combination with pyruvic acid led to better results in the case of increased hydration and reduction of sebum secretion than using only pyruvic acid treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the moisturizing function and other effects of royal jelly extract on the skin. The effects of applying an essence containing royal jelly extract on the skin of healthy Japanese males and females were examined.
METHODS: Thirty-five healthy Japanese men and women who were aware of their skin dryness applied an essence containing royal jelly extract or placebo for 4 weeks using the split-face method in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel comparative study. The stratum corneum water content, transepidermal water evaporation, pigmentation, pores, and redness were evaluated.
RESULTS: The stratum corneum water content significantly increased by the application of essence containing royal jelly extract to the cheeks for 4 weeks compared with placebo.
CONCLUSIONS: The application of an essence containing royal jelly extract significantly improved the moisture content of the stratum corneum of the cheeks, confirming the improvement in the moisturizing function of the royal jelly extract. Furthermore, no adverse events were observed at the application site during the application period, and the test products and royal jelly extract contained in the test product were considered highly safe.

UNASSIGNED: The rotigotine transdermal patch (RTP) is a dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinson\'s disease (PD) but is sometimes discontinued because of application site reactions (ASRs). We aimed to investigate the effect of a heparinoid-containing product (HCP) for preventing ASRs due to the RTP by conducting a randomized controlled pilot trial.
UNASSIGNED: Twenty patients with idiopathic non-demented PD were randomized to the skin care group using a HCP (group H) and the non-skin care group (group N). The primary outcome was the change in the baseline Skindex-16 score (ΔSkindex-16) at week 4. In addition, skin symptoms were also evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) system for clinical scoring allergic patch test reactions up to week 8.
UNASSIGNED: The ΔSkindex-16 score at week 4 tended to be lower in group H than in group N, although the difference was not statistically significant (-1.5 ± 2.0 vs 1.3 ± 10.9, p = 0.53). When the patients with baseline Skindex-16 scores ≥ 7 were excluded, the ΔSkindex-16 at week 4 was significantly lower in group H (-1.5 ± 2.0 vs 6.1 ± 8.6, p = 0.042). The DLQI also tended to be lower in group H at weeks 4 and 8, but not significantly (p = 0.066 and p = 0.077, respectively). The ICDRG score at week 4 was significantly lower in group H (p = 0.044).
UNASSIGNED: We suggest that the HCP has a preventive effect against ASRs cause by the RTP.

BACKGROUND: Some moisturizing formulations can help restore and maintain the barrier function of the skin.
OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess the hydration potential of three lamellar moisturizers relative to a control (nonlamellar) moisturizer.
METHODS: Healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years with self-reported sensitive skin, dry or very dry skin and Corneometry values of ≤40 a.u. on the lower legs, entered this randomized, evaluator-blind study. Products A and B together with a control product (Control X) were applied to one leg, while Product C and Control Y were applied to the other leg; with an untreated control site in both cases. The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline in Corneometer assessments at 24 hours (Products A and B) or 12 hours (Product C) postapplication.
RESULTS: At all timepoints (n = 30), Products A and B showed higher mean Corneometer readings compared to baseline and changes from baseline were statistically significant when compared to untreated sites. Higher mean readings relative to baseline were seen at sites treated with Control X (smaller magnitude than Product A and B) and with Product C. These changes were significant compared to the untreated site at 30 minutes and 2 hours (Control X), and at 30 minutes and 12 hours (Product C). Additionally, Control Y increased significantly at 12 hours.
CONCLUSIONS: A single application of a lamellar moisturizer significantly increased hydration of the stratum corneum for up to 24 hours (Products A and B) or 12 hours (Product C).

BACKGROUND: One of the ways to treat acne is by using chemical peels. Salicylic, glycolic and pyruvic acids due to their keratolytic and antibacterial properties are often recommended for acne patients.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of a preparation containing glycolic and salicylic acids with pyruvic acid.
METHODS: 14 women diagnosed with acne took part in the study. The facial treatment area was divided into two parts: right (a preparation containing 50% pyruvic acid) and left side ( a preparation containing glycolic and salicylic acids). A series of four treatments was performed at 2-week intervals. Skin parameters, namely hydration, sebum secretion and skin colour were measured.
RESULTS: As a result of using 50% pyruvic acid, the hydration of the right side of the face increased statistically and there was a decrease in the amount of melanin in the epidermis. On the left side of the face, there was an increase in skin hydration after using a mixture of glycolic and salicylic acids. The increase in skin hydration on the left side of the chin and nose was not statistically significant. The use of the mixture of glycolic and salicylic acids affected the skin colour on the left side of the face, on the forehead, cheek and nose.
CONCLUSIONS: Chemical peels affect a wide range of pathological factors of acne. A mixture of acids yields fewer side effects than a single acid used in high concentration, but the therapeutic effects are comparable.

BACKGROUND: Aging skin is a gradual physiological process associated with functional and structural changes of the skin. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence skin aging by the involvement of multiple pathways. Restoring natural skin conditions requires a multi-targeted approach. Recent developments in both bioactive peptides and microneedle delivery system have presented an opportunity for tackling premature skin aging.
OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at evaluating the dermal tolerability and efficacy of hyaluronic acid-based microneedle patches loaded with bioactives for restoration of the skin properties including hydration, wrinkle reduction, density, and thickness.
METHODS: The test product of HA-MNs comprises arginine/lysine polypeptide, acetyl octapeptide-3, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, adenosine, and seaweed extracts. In the monocentric 12-week clinical trial, the HA-MNs patches were applied to the outer corner of the right and left eye and a defined area on the volar forearm on healthy subjects with aged skin. Instrumental analysis of skin properties was determined.
RESULTS: The product was tolerated excellently; none of the subjects reported any primary or cumulative skin reactions. Assessment of measurable skin properties provides insight into the general effectiveness: The fine lines/wrinkles showed 25.8% noticeable decrease; the skin hydration measurements demonstrated 15.4% improvement; the skin density and thickness in the dermis increased 14.2% and 12.9%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: The composition of the microneedle patches works in a multi-targeted manner and all ingredients might possibly be acted synergistically for the improvement of skin structure, function, and appearance. The study has demonstrated the overall usefulness of the HA-MNs with careful formulation for skin care applications.

The moisturizing and frictional interactions between emulsion and skin have a significant influence on the moisturizing efficacy and sensory properties of cosmetics. To deeply understand the interactions, we developed a kind of wax emulsion with liquid crystal structure and studied their interactions with dry, semi-moist and fully-moist skin. The moisturizing interaction was studied by using skin hydration test and tape stripping analysis, and it was found that with the increasing of liquid crystal content in the emulsion, the skin hydration level increased, desquamation index decreased and number of cutaneous lines increased, suggesting the increased moisturizing effect and barrier function. The frictional interaction was studied by finger friction test, and it was found that firstly during and after the application of emulsion on skin, the frictional interaction followed the stribeck-curve rule of lubrication. Secondly, when changing the water content of the substrate skin, the frictional behavior of the whole system showed a bell-curve behavior. Both skin hydration and water amount in the interfacial film played role in the frictional interaction between emulsion and skin, and the frictional interaction mechanism between wax emulsion and finger skin with different type of skin was proposed. This was the first time to study and discuss the effect of skin moist status on the moisturizing and frictional interactions between cosmetic emulsion and skin. The findings were significant for the design of high quality personal care products.

BACKGROUND: Moisturizing products are commonly used to improve hydration in skin dryness conditions. However, some topical hydrating products could have negative effects on skin barrier function. In addition, hydrating effects of moisturizers are not commonly evaluated up to 24 hours after a single application. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and glycerin are very well-known substances able to improve skin hydration. Centella asiatica extract (CAE) could exert lenitive, anti-inflammatory and reepithelialization actions. Furthermore, CAE could inhibit hyaluronidase enzyme activity, therefore prolonging the effect of HA. A fluid containing HA 1%, glycerin 5% and stem cells CAE has been recently developed (Jaluronius CS [JCS] fluid).
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the 24-hour effects of JCS fluid on skin hydration and on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in healthy subjects in comparison with the control site.
METHODS: Twenty healthy women, mean age 40 years, were enrolled in an intra-subject (right vs left), randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled, 1-day trial. The primary end points were the skin hydration and TEWL, evaluated at the volar surface of the forearm and in standardized conditions (temperature- and humidity-controlled room: 23°C and 30% of humidity) using a corneometer and a vapometer device at baseline, 1, 8 and 24 hours after JCS fluid application. Measurements were performed by an operator blinded for the treatments.
RESULTS: Skin hydration after 24 hours was significantly higher (P=0.001; Mann-Whitney U test) in the JCS-treated area in comparison with the control site. JCS induced a significant (P=0.0001) increase in skin hydration at each evaluation time (+59% after 1 hour, +48% after 8 hours and +29% after 24 hours) in comparison with both baseline (P=0.0001) and non-treated control site (P=0.001). TEWL after 24 hours was significantly lower (P=0.049; Mann-Whitney U test) in the JCS-treated area in comparison with the control site (13±4 arbitrary units [AU] vs 16±6 AU). JCS fluid significantly reduced post-stripping TEWL in comparison with baseline after 1, 8 and 24 hours (-52%, -32% and -48%, respectively). In the control site, TEWL was not reduced in comparison with baseline values at each time point\'s evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS: A single application of JCS significantly improves skin hydration for up to 24 hours at the same time as improving skin barrier function.