Research Summary: This study aims to evaluate the skin moisturizing efficacy of formulations containing different concentrations of panthenol. Formulations supplemented with or without 0.5%, 1.0%, or 5.0% panthenol were applied daily to the forearms of healthy subjects. Skin conditions in terms of moisture and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were analyzed before and after 15- and 30-day periods of application. The formulations were also applied after skin washing with sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) to evaluate the immediate effects on TEWL and skin moisture. Panthenol-containing formulations (1.0% and 5.0%) produced significant decreases in TEWL after 30-day applications. In skin washed with SLES,...
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Research Summary Antioxidants play a critical role in maintaining healthy skin. While the antioxidant benefits of vitamins C and E are well known, the importance of the trace mineral zinc has often been overlooked. This article reviews the evidence supporting zinc’s antioxidant role in protecting against free radical-induced oxidative damage. Zinc protects against UV radiation, enhances wound healing, contributes to immune and neuropsychiatric functions, and decreases the relative risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.All body tissues contain zinc; in the skin, it is concentrated five to six times more in the epidermis than in the dermis. Zinc is required for...
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Research Summary Cosmetic formulators have numerous thickeners at their disposal to stabilize and increase the viscosity of their formulations. Traditionally, some ingredients are the most widely used for these purposes, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and other cellulose derivatives, as well as carbomer and acrylic acid derivatives (acrylates). As an alternative to chemical compounds, many of which are of fossil origin, there are gums of natural origin, such as guar gum, Arabic gum, pectin, and alginate. There are also thickeners of mineral origin, such as aluminum and magnesium silicates, bentonite, and hectorite. However, xanthan gum stands...
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Research Summary Aloe vera gel at concentrations of 50% and 96.4% was tested for its wound healing activity through topical application on experimental rats. The wound healing effects of Aloe vera gel were evaluated using the wound excision model, with histopathology employed to study its impact on the healing process. Results showed that Aloe vera gel significantly contributed to wound contraction, wound closure, reduction in the surface area of the wound, tissue regeneration at the wound site, and favorable histopathological characteristics in treated rats.Biochemical studies also revealed that Aloe vera gel produced a significant increase in collagen content, while hexosamine...
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