Research

Research Summary: Omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are nowadays desirable components of oils with special dietary and functional properties. Their therapeutic and health-promoting effects have already been established in various chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases through various mechanisms, including modifications in cell membrane lipid composition, gene expression, cellular metabolism, and signal transduction.The application of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs in the most common skin diseases has been examined in numerous studies, but their results and conclusions were mostly opposing and inconclusive. It seems that combined ω-6, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and ω-3 long-chain PUFAs supplementation exhibits the highest...

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. Glycerol also inhibits the...

Research Summary: Glycerol and xylitol hydrate the skin and improve its barrier function over a short period. We studied the effects of glycerol and xylitol on the physiological properties and morphology of the skin after longer-term application. Twelve volunteers with dry skin were examined. Three areas on the arms were determined. Area 1 served as an untreated control. The vehicle was applied to area 2, while area 3 was treated twice daily with a formulation containing glycerol (5%) and xylitol (5%) for 14 days. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, and biomechanical properties of the skin were monitored. Biopsies were taken...

Research Summary: The thermal behaviour of human stratum corneum (SC) with various hydration levels was studied using differential thermal analysis (DSC) within the temperature range of –130 to 120°C. SC containing 20% water, resembling the intact condition, shows thermal transitions at around –20°C (representing water in skin), –10, 40, and 70°C (representing skin lipids), 85°C (representing protein-associated lipids), and 100°C (representing skin protein). Dehydration of SC causes the transitions at –20 and 100°C to be invisible. Lipid extraction followed by dehydration eliminates all transitions. Further hydration produces a transition of water at around 0°C with a huge change in enthalpy....