scholarly journals Spirulina for Skin Care: A Bright Blue Future

Cosmetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Irene Ragusa ◽  
Giulia Nerina Nardone ◽  
Samuele Zanatta ◽  
Walter Bertin ◽  
Emanuele Amadio

Spirulina stands out as a sustainable bioactive microalga with health-promoting properties, and an important active ingredient of natural cosmetics products. Currently, Spirulina has been incorporated in topical skin-care formulations, such as a moisturizing, antiwrinkles, antiaging and antiacne agent. Furthermore, this microalga is used by cosmetic formulators to promote healthy sunscreen protection, to treat skin pigmentation disorders and to heal wounds. Most of commercial cosmetics claim a large range of Spirulina properties, including antioxidant, revitalizing, remineralizing, moisturizing, protecting alongside cleansing and shining action, both for hair and for skin. In this review, recent cosmetic applications of Spirulina are revised, by highlighting its ability in improving skin appearance and health. Additionally, the analysis of the Spirulina cosmetic benchmark is discussed. Looking at the current emergence of the beauty industry, many Spirulina extracts and dry powder/flakes, both the starting ingredient and final Spirulina-based cosmetic products, are available on the market. In this industrial field, Spirulina—mainly Spirulina platensis and Spirulina maxima—is used either as a powder, like in the case of cheaper products, or as a phycocyanin-rich blue extract, particularly in the luxury market. It is likely that, in the coming years, diversity, quality and topical applications of Spirulina will rapidly increase.

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-51
Author(s):  
Alicja Ponder ◽  
Ewelina Hallmann ◽  
Martyna Kwolek ◽  
Dominika Średnicka-Tober ◽  
Renata Kazimierczak

Anthocyanins are widely distributed secondary metabolites that play an essential role in skin pigmentation of many plant organs and microorganisms. Anthocyanins have been associated with a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties. They are also effective agents in the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases. Berries are particularly abundant in these compounds; therefore, their dietary intake has health-promoting effects. The aim of this study was to identify and determine the anthocyanin content in selected species and cultivars of berry fruits, such as raspberry, blackberry, red currant, blackcurrant, and highbush blueberry, widely consumed by Europeans. The concentrations of anthocyanins were determined by HPLC, identifying individual compounds: cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, delphinidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, and malvidin-3-O-galactoside. The experimental data showed that the selected species and cultivars of berry fruits differ significantly in the contents of anthocyanins. Among all species tested, blackberry and blackcurrant were characterized significantly by the highest content of anthocyanins (sum), while the lowest content was found in red currant fruits. Additionally, the content of individual anthocyanin compounds in particular species and cultivars was also different. Considering the high content of anthocyanins and their potential positive impact on human health and protection against disease, berries should be part of healthy nutrition.


Author(s):  
Yibo Hu ◽  
Hongliang Zeng ◽  
Jiaxing Jiang ◽  
Sheng Yang ◽  
Jinhua Huang ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiying Guo ◽  
Mingxing Lei ◽  
Yuhong Li ◽  
Yingxin Liu ◽  
Yinhong Tang ◽  
...  

Wnt signaling plays crucial role in regulating melanocyte stem cells/melanocyte differentiation in the hair follicle. However, how the Wnt signaling is balanced to be overactivated to control follicular melanocytes behavior remains unknown. Here, by using immunofluorescence staining, we showed that secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4) is preferentially expressed in the skin epidermal cells rather than in melanocytes. By overexpression of sFRP4 in skin cells in vivo and in vitro, we found that sFRP4 attenuates activation of Wnt signaling, resulting in decrease of melanocytes differentiation in the regenerating hair follicle. Our findings unveiled a new regulator that involves modulating melanocytes differentiation through a paracrine mechanism in hair follicle, supplying a hope for potential therapeutic application to treat skin pigmentation disorders.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Ziemlewska ◽  
Zofia Nizioł-Łukaszewska ◽  
Tomasz Bujak ◽  
Martyna Zagórska-Dziok ◽  
Magdalena Wójciak ◽  
...  

AbstractKombucha is a beverage made by fermenting sugared tea using a symbiotic culture of bacteria belonging to the genus Acetobacter, Gluconobacter, and the yeasts of the genus Saccharomyces along with glucuronic acid, which has health-promoting properties. The paper presents the evaluation of ferments as a potential cosmetic raw material obtained from Yerba Mate after different fermentation times with the addition of Kombucha. Fermented and unfermented extracts were compared in terms of chemical composition and biological activity. The antioxidant potential of obtained ferments was analyzed by evaluating the scavenging of external and intracellular free radicals. Cytotoxicity was determined on keratinocyte and fibroblast cell lines, resulting in significant increase in cell viability for the ferments. The ferments, especially after 14 and 21 days of fermentation showed strong ability to inhibit (about 40% for F21) the activity of lipoxygenase, collagenase and elastase enzymes and long‐lasting hydration after their application on the skin. Moreover, active chemical compounds, including phenolic acids, xanthines and flavonoids were identified by HPLC/ESI–MS. The results showed that both the analyzed Yerba Mate extract and the ferments obtained with Kombucha may be valuable ingredients in cosmetic products.


Author(s):  
Olumayowa Abimbola Oninla ◽  
Samuel Olorunyomi Oninla ◽  
Bolaji Ibiesa Otike-Odibi ◽  
Mufutau Muphy Oripelaye ◽  
Fatai Olatunde Olanrewaju ◽  
...  

Microscopic structures in the skin are basically the same in all races. Differences are found in histology and physiology of the skin resulting in different skin types, needs and prevailing skin diseases. Skin pigmentation (with the photo-protective properties), and the barrier function of the stratum corneum are the main differences between African and Caucasian skin. The geographic distribution of UV radiation (UVR) has a positive correlation with geographical location. The darker-skinned populations are closer to the equator where there are high amounts of UVR especially in the tropical regions of the world. African skin has the greatest variability in skin color. Africa has both white and dark skinned individuals with the darker-skinned populations being mostly around the equator.          Leslie Baumann introduced four parameters that more accurately characterized skin types than previous classification of dry, oily, normal and combination skin. These are dry or oily – D/O; sensitive or resistant – S/R; pigmented or non-pigmented – P/N, and wrinkled or unwrinkled skin – W/T. Combinations of these further produced sixteen skin phenotypes.  Dark skinned individuals often have the PT types while the light skinned mostly have the NW types. Skin needs basically depends on the type. Identifying the skin type is fundamental to providing the right skin care. According to Baumann, the fundamental elements of skin care are mild cleansing, hydrating (moisturization with humectants and emollients), replenishing (with lipids, ceramides and fatty acids) and skin protection (UV protection and increased humidity). Skin diseases are associated with skin type. Eczema is more typical in people with DS combinations while acne is associated with OS skin type (especially OSNT and OSPT). Prevalence of skin diseases varies within African communities from 35% to 87% with skin infections affecting 22-46% and eczemas 13-21% of patients in various studies.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristiana Etnawati ◽  
Dwi Retno Adiwinarni ◽  
Devi Artami Susetiati ◽  
Yusuke Sauchi ◽  
Hitomi Ito

Glutathione is a potent antioxidant, which is widely used in skin care products for skin lightening especially in the Asian market. Presently, there was only one study of topical 2% oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in Philipino women, further study is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cosmetic products containing glutathione. A double blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in 74 healthy Indonesian women, with average age 33.3 ± 5.9 years when subjects participated in the study. Each subject received supervised applications of Facial Wash twice a day, Day Cream with sunscreen and Night Cream. The subjects were divided into 3 groups based on the active ingredients of the tested products, which included glutathione reduced (GSH) 0.1%, GSH 0.5%, and without GSH. The effects of the tested products in lightening skin color and pigmentation were measured colorimetry with Chromameter Minolta for L*. Compared to a baseline, there were significant increases of L* (lightness) or ΔL* detected as early as week 2 in which group of GSH 0.1% were significantly higher compared to group of GSH 0.5% and group without GSH. Hyperpigmented lesions also improved, where GSH 0.5% group showed its superiority compared to others groups in week 8. The undesired effect were few minutes mild tingling sensation after night cream, and worsening of acne in all tested products. Conclusion skin care products containing GSH 0.1% and 0.5% were effective in facial skin lightening.


2013 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inês Ferreira dos Santos Videira ◽  
Daniel Filipe Lima Moura ◽  
Sofia Magina

Skin pigmentation is an important human phenotypic trait whose regulation, in spite of recent advances, has not yet been fully understood. The pigment melanin is produced in melanosomes by melanocytes in a complex process called melanogenesis. The melanocyte interacts with endocrine, immune, inflammatory and central nervous systems, and its activity is also regulated by extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet radiation and drugs. We have carried out a review of the current understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulating skin pigmentation, the melanogenesis stages and related gene defects. We focused on melanocyte-keratinocyte interaction, activation of melanocortin type 1 receptor (MC1-R) by peptides (melanocyte-stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone) resulting from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) cleavage, and mechanisms of ultraviolet-induced skin pigmentation. The identification and comprehension of the melanogenesis mechanism facilitate the understanding of the pathogenesis of pigmentation disorders and the development of potential therapeutic options.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 235-239
Author(s):  
Rekha Tailor

Hyperpigmentation is a chronic skin disorder that can be very difficult to treat. Skin pigmentation disorders are commonly seen in women than in men, due to hormonal factors, and in those with darker skin types. Pigmentation disorders can cause significant stress for patients and can have a detrimental effect on their quality of life; it is therefore important that aesthetic practitioners have a sound understanding of the different types of hyperpigmentation and appropriate treatments. This article will explore pigmentation disorders and how they can be treated in aesthetic practice.


Author(s):  
Venny Larasati ◽  
Soilia Fertilita

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought several changes to people's routine habits. Educating the public about the importance of washing and disinfecting hands as often as possible and the use of personal protective equipment such as masks, googles or face shields to avoid disease transmission and sunbathing habits to get the benefits of sunlight for health and the immune system has an impact on behavior changes on the community. These new habits can bring a negative effect to the skin. The use of disinfectants and personal protective equipment can cause allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, skin maceration, secondary fungal infection and acne. Sunbathing can cause changes in skin pigmentation, the appearance of black spots, the skin looks dull and rough and accelerates the appearance of premature wrinkles on the skin. Proper skin care routine during this pandemic situation is essential to maintain skin healthy and avoid skin problems due to the use of disinfectants or PPE. The use of emollients, moisturizers and barrier creams can prevent skin problems to happen. Skin moisturizers can be used regularly after hand washing and before using personal protective equipment. When it comes to maintaining healthy skin during pandemic, skin care routine consists of facial cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, morning creams and night creams are also recommended to keep the skin healthy and slow the appearance of premature aging signs on the skin. This activity aims to provide a better understanding to people especially worker how to prevent skin problems and how to maintain healthy skin during pandemic.


2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melisa Veronica Kembuan ◽  
Sunny Wangko ◽  
George N. Tanudjaja

Abstract: The effective use of vitamine C for skin care has been widely recognized, in particular its use to make the skin more radiant. This is related to the action of vitamine C as a powerful antioxidant which can be easily absorbed by the body. Several clinical trials found that vitamine C had a positive effect as a skin pigmentation lightener. Some treatment for pigment disorders, in this case the management of melasma and senile lentigos, includes vitamine C as a systemic treatment. Keywords: vitamin C, pigmentation, melanocyte.   Abstrak: Efek vitamin C untuk kecantikan kulit telah banyak diterapkan, khususnya  penggunaan vitamin C untuk efek pencerahan kulit. Hal ini berkaitan dengan sifat vitamin C yang merupakan antioksidan kuat dan dapat diserap mudah oleh tubuh. Dari beberapa pengujian klinis ditemukan bahwa efek vitamin C terhadap pigmentasi mempunyai hasil positif yaitu dapat mencerahkan kulit. Beberapa pengobatan untuk masalah kelainan pigmen dalam hal ini penatalaksanaan melasma dan lentigo senilis menggunakan vitamin C untuk pengobatan sistemik. Kata kunci: vitamin C, pigmentasi, melanosit.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document