Research — skincare

Research Summary: Although acne occurs in all races and ethnicities, there are differences in presentation between each group. A recent survey found that papules were the most frequent presentation of acne in African Americans (70.7%) and Hispanics (74.5%), with Asians and other races having similar presentations. The same survey also found that postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was a frequent complaint; in fact, it is often the chief complaint for acne in patients of darker races with acne.Wilkins and Voorhees found that the nodulocystic variant of acne occurs less frequently in African Americans than in whites. That study also found that nodulocystic acne...

Research Summary: Herbal therapy is becoming increasingly popular among patients and physicians. Many preparations are marketed to the public for various ailments, including those of the skin. Herbal therapies have been used successfully in treating dermatologic disorders for thousands of years in Europe and Asia. In Germany, a regulatory commission oversees herbal preparations and recommended uses. In Asia, herbal treatments that have been used for centuries are now being studied scientifically.Currently, the United States does not regulate herbal products, as they are considered dietary supplements. Therefore, there is no standardization of active ingredients, purity, or concentration. There are also no...

Research Summary: Glycerol is a trihydroxy alcohol that has been included for many years in topical dermatological preparations. In addition, endogenous glycerol plays a role in skin hydration, cutaneous elasticity, and epidermal barrier repair. The aquaporin-3 transport channel and lipid metabolism in the pilosebaceous unit have been evidenced as potential pathways for endogenous delivery of glycerol and for its metabolism in the skin. Multiple effects of glycerol on the skin have been reported. The diverse actions of the polyol glycerol on the epidermis include improvement of stratum corneum hydration, skin barrier function, and skin mechanical properties. It also inhibits the...

Research Summary:Background: Nutritional factors play a key role in normal dermatologic functioning. However, little is known about the effects of diet on skin-aging appearance.Objective: We evaluated the associations between nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance.Design: Using data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined associations between nutrient intakes and skin aging in 4025 women aged 40 to 74 years. Nutrients were estimated from a 24-hour recall. Clinical examinations of the skin were conducted by dermatologists. Skin-aging appearance was defined as having a wrinkled appearance, senile dryness, and skin atrophy.Results: Higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a...