Research

Research Summary Disruption of the skin barrier and immunity has been associated with several skin diseases, namely atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, and acne. Resident and non-resident immune cells, along with the barrier system of the skin, are integral to innate immunity.Recent advances in understanding skin microbiota have expanded the scope of research into the various communications between these microbiota and skin immune cells. Vitamins, being essential micronutrients, have been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial effects. The immunomodulatory action of vitamins can halt the progression of skin diseases, making the study of their immuno-pharmacology critical for potential therapeutic applications.At...

Research Summary In recent years, topically applied semi-solid formulations certified as medical devices, rather than topical drugs, have been increasingly used for the treatment of skin diseases. Medical devices primarily exert their therapeutic effect through physical mechanisms, rather than pharmacological, immunological, or metabolic actions. The growing presence of medical devices in the dermatological market may be partly explained by the less complex marketing authorization process when compared to topical drugs. If the necessary requirements are met to certify a product as a medical device, the opportunity arises to rapidly introduce innovations to the market and promote them.A variety of evidence-based...

Research Summary Kaolin, a white clay mineral composed mainly of kaolinite with the chemical formula Al₂O₃·2SiO₂·2H₂O, has been a subject of interest since the days of medieval western literature. This interest increased significantly after the advent of a more empirical approach to pharmacology, the establishment of pharmacopoeias, and developments in mineralogy, chemistry, and pharmaceutical technology. The use of kaolin in both pharmaceutical (topical and oral) and cosmetic applications has grown in importance.Although kaolin has long been recognized as a remedy in traditional medicine, its use as an active ingredient for various diseases continues to be an area of research. Unfortunately,...

Research Summary Niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide, 3-pyridinecarboxamide) is the physiologically active form of niacin or vitamin B3, whose deficiency results in the nutritional disease pellagra, characterized by distinct cutaneous manifestations. Since its discovery and isolation, a wide range of dermatological therapeutic benefits and mechanisms have been attributed to this essential water-soluble vitamin when used as a topical agent. These benefits include its role as an anti-acne agent, an up-regulator of epidermal sphingolipid synthesis, and an up-regulator of markers of epidermal differentiation and dermal proliferation. This leads to concurrent improvements in the stratum corneum barrier. Additionally, niacinamide has shown potential...