Research letterComparing the effect of bleach and water baths on skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis: a split-body randomized controlled trial* © 2016 British Association of Dermatologists British Journal of Dermatology (2016) 175, pp212-214Research letter 213 hydration. 10 Future studies are needed to examine the effect of emollient application after water and bleach bath on skin barrier function.

Polyphenols are antioxidant molecules found in many foods such as green tea, chocolate, grape seeds, and wine. Polyphenols have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. Growing evidence suggests that polyphenols may be used for the prevention of sunburns as polyphenols decrease the damaging effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation on the skin. This review was conducted to examine the evidence for use of topically and orally ingested polyphenols in prevention of sunburns. The PubMed database was searched for studies that examined polyphenols and its effects on sunburns. Of the 27 studies found, 15 met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies were conducted on human subjects and eight on animals (mice and rats). Eleven studies evaluated the effects of topical polyphenols, two studies examined ingested polyphenols, and two studies examined both topical and ingested polyphenols. Polyphenol sources included the following plant origins: green tea, white tea, cocoa, Romanian propolis (RP), Calluna vulgaris (Cv), grape seeds, honeybush, and Lepidium meyenii (maca). Eight studies examined green tea. Overall, based on the studies, there is evidence that polyphenols in both oral and topical form may provide protection from UV damage and sunburn, and thus are beneficial to skin health. However, current studies are limited and further research is necessary to evaluate the efficacy, mechanism of action, and potential side effects of various forms and concentrations of polyphenols.

Polyphenols are antioxidant molecules found in many foods including nuts, fruits, vegetables, chocolate, wine, and tea. Polyphenols have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. Recent studies suggest that tea polyphenols may be used for reducing sebum production in the skin and for treatment of acne vulgaris. This review examines the evidence for use of topically and orally ingested tea polyphenols against sebum production and for acne treatment and prevention. The PubMed database was searched for studies on tea polyphenols, sebum secretion, and acne vulgaris. Of the 59 studies found, eight met the inclusion criteria. Two studies evaluated tea polyphenol effects on sebum production; six studies examined tea polyphenol effects on acne vulgaris. Seven studies evaluated topical tea polyphenols; one study examined systemic tea polyphenols. None of the studies evaluated both topical and systemic tea polyphenols. Tea polyphenol sources included green tea (six studies) and tea, type not specified (two studies). Overall, there is some evidence that tea polyphenols in topical formulation may be beneficial in reducing sebum secretion and in treatment of acne. Research studies of high quality and with large sample sizes are needed to assess the efficacy of tea polyphenols in topical and oral prevention of acne vulgaris and lipid synthesis by the sebaceous glands.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can lead to permanent scarring. Although grading scales exist for acne scarring, there are many limitations, and there is still a need for a well validated gold standard scale for use in clinical practice or research trials. An objective measure of scar severity should be a component of global acne severity evaluations. This manuscript reviews currently available acne scar grading modalities: lesion counting; subjective self-assessment; Acne Scar Rating Scale (ASRS); evaluator-based qualitative and quantitative scarring grading systems; Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'acne (ECCA); Global Scale for Acne Scar Severity (SCAR-S); and imaging. Despite the varying tools, most of the currently available scales do not account for scar color, depth, or change over time. A new, validated scale is needed that would allow for a more objective and accurate assessment of scar progression over time to assist with effective treatment and research.

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