Efficacy of ceramides and niacinamide-containing moisturiser VS hydrophilic cream, in combination with topical anti-acne treatment in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a split face, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial
One of the main types of treatment for acne is topical retinoids such as tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene. These are usually recommended for the treatment of mild to moderate acne.
These can cause mild reactions on the skin and the use of dermocosmetics is therefore recommended to help prevent potential side effects but also to help patients continue with treatment.
The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of ceramides and niacinamide-containing moisturiser versus hydrophilic cream in combination with topical anti-acne treatment in mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
In order to carry out this study, a randomised, double-blinded, split face study over 8 weeks was carried out. It involved a total of 40 patients. These patients had topical medications applied to their skin, (5% benzoyl peroxide and 0.1% adapalene gel) and then either CCM or hydrophilic cream. Each of these patients were reviewed at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks.
The results showed that CCM had improved the non-inflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesions compared with the hydrophilic cream. It was also noted that there was a huge improvement in TEWL, skin hydration, sebum production, and the skin surface pH. There was no side effects reported.
In conclusion to this study, the authors report that using Ceramide and niacinamide moisturiser in combination with anti-acne medication can have a huge improvement on acne while helping with any irritations on the skin.
Microbotox for facial redness
Rosacea is a chronic recurrent skin condition that can affect the patients self-confidence and quality of life.
There are quite a few topical treatments on the market for treating rosacea. Intense pulsed light (IPL) and vascular laser treatment are also used for treating facial erythema and telangiectasia but neither of these are effective in treating facial flushing.
A new approach to treating facial flushing was to use botulinum toxin (BTX) in the form of microdroplets. This has become an effective treatment to treat erythema and flushing associated with rosacea.
Takahashi et al. carried out this treatment on patients and reported positive impacts on clinical signs and symptoms of rosacea. This treatment hugely improved the patients quality of life and their self-esteem.
This treatment has been coined ‘mesobotox’ or ‘microbotox’ and involves a series of superficial intradermal injections of hyperdiluted BTX using microboluses.
The microdroplets are injected at equal distances in a grid-like pattern at 1cm apart. This injection protocol can be used on the face, neck and décolleté. The recommended dosage will depend on the type of BTX used and the clinical indication of treatment. This treatment is off-label.
The authors included two randomised controlled trials and seven non-randomised trials in this study. They monitored facial flushing outcomes following treatment.
A huge improvement was noted at review of one month post treatment. The authors state that more clinical trials are required to determine a standard dose and dilution for treatment as well as the lasting effects.
In conclusion, BTX microinjections appears to be a promising option for treating rosacea.
Adipose stem cell-derived exosomes promote wound healing by regulating the let-7i-5p/GAS7 axis
An injury to the skin tissues can be detrimental. Wound healing is a complex process that includes hemostasis, inflammatory response, proliferation and matrix remodeling.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adipose stem cell-derived exosomes (ADSC-exos) on wound healing and the underlying mechanisms.
For the purpose of this study in vitro hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2)-treated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell lines and in vivo animal wound models were used. Transwell was used to track the cell migration and wound healing assays. The exosome biomarkers were studied using western blot.
The results of the study showed that H2 O2 treatment inhibited the cell viability and migration of HaCaT cells while being promoted by ADSC-exos.
In conclusion, Adipose stem cell-derived-exos enhanced the viability and promotion of wound healing in rats.
The role of platelet-rich plasma in androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review
Male and female pattern hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss. This affects up to 80% of men by the time they reach the age of 70. There are only a handful of therapies available.
The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of AGA in male patients.
The authors conducted an online search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane (CENTRAL), CINAHL, clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar and the Science Citation Index database to identify eligible studies to be included in this review. Any randomised trials (RCTs) and prospective studies found in relation to PRP used to treat AGA were included in the study. Changes in the hair density and hair count were included and the methodological quality was assessed using bias assessment tools.
A total of 291 men took part in the study and there were 8 RCTs and one cohort study which was also included in the review.
The results showed that six studies reported a huge increase in hair density in the PRP group versus the control group.
Five of these studies reported a huge increase in hair count with PRP. Seven of these studies showed a moderate risk and two of these studies showed a low risk of bias.
In conclusion, the authors have stated that a review on the effectiveness of PRP on male AGA had shown some potential to be used in treating AGA. They also conclude that there is not enough evidence and would call for more robust designs to investigate this further.
