Melasma is a pigmentary disorder characterized by hyperpigmented patchy skin in sun-exposed areas, especially the face. Treatment of melasma can be challenging because long-term therapy is required, reoccurrence is common, and existing therapies are insufficient and unsatisfactory. To investigate new treatment options, we performed an exploratory double-blinded, randomized split-face study to assess the efficacy of the tyrosinase inhibitor Thiamidol compared to hydroquinone in women with mild to moderate melasma. After 12 weeks, modified Melasma Area and Severity Index scores significantly improved on both the Thiamidol-treated and the hydroquinone-treated sides of the face. Additionally, Thiamidol treatment improved modified Melasma Area and Severity Index scores significantly better than hydroquinone, and more subjects improved following treatment with Thiamidol (79%) compared with hydroquinone (61%). During treatment, no subjects displayed worsening of modified Melasma Area and Severity Index scores on the Thiamidol-treated side, while approximately 10% of the subjects showed a worsening of modified Melasma Area and Severity Index scores on the hydroquinone-treated side. All subjects routinely used sunscreens and consistent results were obtained in low and in high UV ambient conditions. Subjects rated the efficacy of the Thiamidol formulation significantly better with regard to overall decreased intensity of dark spots and their overall appearance throughout the study. Thiamidol was well-tolerated and well-perceived and represents an effective agent to reduce hyperpigmentation.

The skin care regimen containing Lic A was found to be compatible with the sensitive facial skin of patients with rosacea and improved the appearance of persistent facial redness. The products were also observed to be compatible with daily metronidazole treatment.

In vitro and in vivo data indicate that the combination of the TRPV1 antagonist 4-t-butylcyclohexanol and the potent anti-inflammatory licochalcone A provide an effective active ingredient concept for the treatment of sensitive skin, as the topical application resulted in an immediate relief from symptoms such as erythema and stinging.

Background Patients with rosacea often show facial sensitivity to cosmetics or skin care products that can influence

Objective To assess and compare the skin calming effect of cosmetic products containing 4-t-butylcyclohexanol (Eucerin â UltraSensitive Soothing Care Dry Skin) or acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester (La Roche-Posay Toleriane â UltraIntense Soothing Care) on subjective symptoms of skin sensitivity, a controlled, single-blind, randomized split-face capsaicin-induced stinging test was conducted.Methods Thirty-one female test subjects, ranging from 19 to 65 years of age, with self-perceived sensitive to very sensitive skin were enrolled. After a 3-day preconditioning period with no application of facial products and positive reaction to stimulation with a 40 ppm capsaicin cream, the test products were randomly applied to either the right or left nasolabial fold. Burning severity was assessed immediately after capsaicin application, and 1, 2, 5, 10 and 15 min after application of the test products.Results All 31 subjects reported a stinging/burning sensation on both nasolabial folds after application of capsaicin.Treatment with the 4-t-butylcyclohexanol containing product resulted in significant lower values for burning/stinging after one, and two minutes post-application in comparison to the values for the acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester containing product. No significant difference was determined between the two test products for the point in time with most intense burning sensation, the severity of burning and the duration of burning after capsaicin application and subsequent application of the test products.Conclusion Both products alleviated capsaicin-induced burning during the first 15 min after application. A faster and more pronounced soothing effect in vivo was demonstrated for the 4-t-butylcyclohexanol containing cosmetic product in comparison to the acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester containing cosmetic formulation.

BackgroundTwo steroid-free, over-the-counter skin protectant products have been developed for the care and treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD)—Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Crème (Body Cream) for daily skin moisturization and Eucerin Eczema Relief Instant Therapy cream (Instant Therapy) for treatment of AD flare-ups. We tested the efficacy and tolerability of these formulations in infants and children with AD.MethodsStudy 1: Body Cream was applied twice daily to the lower legs of 64 children with a history of AD (aged 3 months to 12 years) for 14 days. Study 2: Instant Therapy was applied to active lesions and surrounding skin of 29 children (aged 3 months to 12 years) with active atopic lesions. Assessments were performed at baseline and Days 7 and 14. Symptoms were assessed using the Atopic Dermatitis Severity Index in Study 2.ResultsBody Cream significantly improved skin hydration and reduced itching, burning/stinging, erythema, and tactile roughness. Instant Therapy significantly improved skin hydration and AD symptoms, notably pruritus, erythema, and lichenification. Both products were safe and well tolerated.DiscussionBody Cream and Instant Therapy were effective and well tolerated in the treatment of AD in children. These products provide steroid-free, nonprescription therapy for the maintenance and treatment of acute eczema and were proven effective and safe in infants as young as 3 months.

BackgroundSensitive or hyperreactive skin is a common condition defined by prickling, burning, pain, and pruritus. Although this skin problem was initially described on the face, the scalp is often affected. A sensitive scalp can react with irritation to harsh surfactants or other additives which are often present in shampoos. For this reason, we developed a new rinse-off hypertolerant shampoo specifically designed for the hypersensitive and problematic scalp.MethodsThe shampoo formulation is based on an extremely mild surfactant system and contains bisabolol, an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory ingredient of chamomile. The shampoo is free of additives such as perfumes, silicones, colorants, parabens, paraffins, and betaine. Since skin can remain in a hyperreactive state after wounding, the status after hair transplantation was chosen as a model system to test the shampoo. Scalp condition and compatibility of each volunteer were analyzed by a plastic surgeon directly after hair transplant and after stitch removal. The plastic surgeons also rated whether they would recommend the further use of the test shampoo. Additionally, volunteers completed a self-assessment questionnaire.ResultsFollowing hair transplantation, regular use of the shampoo resulted in a significant reduction in the extent of scabbing and erythema. This was confirmed by dermatological scalp examinations performed by the plastic surgeon as well as in volunteers’ self-assessments. The plastic surgeon highly recommended the further use of the test shampoo after hair transplant to all study participants.ConclusionApplication of the test shampoo demonstrated excellent skin compatibility and product efficacy after hair transplant. The test shampoo significantly reduced the extent of scabs and erythema. Therefore, the shampoo is ideally suited for use after hair transplantation and for the treatment of sensitive scalp. The excellent skin compatibility is because of the mild surfactant system, the calming ingredient bisabolol, and the absence of potentially irritating ingredients.

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