SCHAUMBURG, Ill., April 12 -- While everyone knows that getting an adequate daily dose of vitamins and minerals is important in maintaining one's overall health, many question whether or not the vitamins touted in skin care products work in reducing the signs of sun-damaged skin. Now, a new study reviews the currently published scientific literature to determine what evidence exists to support the use of vitamins in skin care products to slow or reverse the effects of sun damage.
In the report entitled, "Vitamins and photoaging: Do scientific data support their use?", published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologist Jenny Kim, M.D., Ph.D., FAAD, associate professor in the division of dermatology, department of medicine, at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, presented results of a study that may support the use of certain vitamins in oral or topical formulations.
"It is well documented that ultraviolet (UV) radiation contributes to premature skin aging through the process of photoaging, and there is increasing evidence that the antioxidant properties of vitamins may contribute to the prevention and treatment of photoaging," said Dr. Kim. "In fact, numerous companies developing cosmeceuticals base their effectiveness claims on the fact that their formulations contain vitamins proven in laboratories to modify cellular processes thought to contribute to the appearance of photoaged skin. As dermatologists, we can help our patients navigate this maze of marketing claims by sharing scientific data on the known efficacy of vitamins in skin care products."
Based on a comprehensive review of the available published data on the role of vitamins in skin care products, Dr. Kim and her colleagues, Jamie Zussman, M.D., FAAD, and Jennifer Ahdout, M.D., found there is evidence to support the potential role of vitamins A, C, E, and B3 in modifying the photoaging process.
"While it's evident that these vitamins can play a role in fighting sun damage, the question still remains whether these properties are effective when delivered in skin care products," notes Dr Kim.
Vitamin A: Effective in treating a variety of skin conditions
The two most common forms of vitamin A studied for their role in protecting the skin from UV-induced damage are retinols and carotenoids. Retinol is found in foods such as liver, milk and eggs, and is the most biologically active form of the vitamin. Carotenoids are found in many fruits and vegetables, and have strong antioxidant capabilities.
While carotenoids are not shown to be beneficial in the treatment of photoaging, research suggests that they may play a role in photoprotection by preventing UV-induced collagen breakdown.
"Although the evidence available at this time is not strong enough to offer definitive support for the use of dietary carotenoids for photoprotection, a role for carotenoids as a supplement to photoprotective agents should not be discounted yet," said Dr. Kim. "We hope to see larger-scale clinical trials conducted to further explore the photoprotective effects of carotenoids."
Unlike carotenoids, there is vast evidence supporting the role of topical retinoids (the class of substances formed by retinol and its natural and synthetic derivatives) in treating photoaged skin. For example, prescription retinoid formulations have the most scientific data to support their use in this area.
Dr. Kim noted that both tretinoin cream (0.025% and 0.05%) and tazarotene cream (0.1%) are already FDA-approved for the treatment of fine wrinkles, skin roughness and mottled hyperpigmentation caused by aging and sun exposure. In addition, she added that studies of other retinoids have shown that a once-daily application of 0.1% isotretinoin cream for 36 weeks was effective in reducing fine wrinkles.
Retinoids also are found in over-the-counter cosmeceuticals, but there is less clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness in improving photoaged skin. "An important point to remember with retinoids is that we cannot assume that all retinoids are equal in their ability to fight photoaging," said Dr. Kim. "In over-the-counter products, retinol appears to be the most effective retinoid based on clinical studies completed to date. However, patients should consult their dermatologist before using any topical retinoid, as side effects can occur when used with other topical products. When properly instructed by a dermatologist, most patients can tolerate topical retinoids and benefit from their effect."
Dr. Kim added that unlike topical retinoids, there is minimal evidence supporting the use of oral retinoids in the treatment of photoaging.
Vitamin C: Possible skin care product value
Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin also known as ascorbic acid that is found in citrus fruits and dark green leafy vegetables, plays an essential role in the production of collagen and elastin. Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C may reverse the negative effects of UV radiation in the skin, but there are few clinically controlled studies to confirm this theory.
"An animal study examining the role of vitamin C in reversing sun damage found that when 5% ascorbate was applied two hours before UVB and UVA exposure, UVB-induced skin wrinkling was reduced," said Dr. Kim. "Some of the human clinical trials have shown similar favorable results when applying a daily dose of L-ascorbic acid treatment, but all of these studies involved small sample sizes."
In addition, Dr. Kim pointed out that one concern of adding vitamin C to cosmeceuticals is that vitamin C is unstable when used in formulations, and it is not known how much, if any, intact molecule remains when applied to the skin.
"This problem has been partially overcome by chemically modifying ascorbic acid," said Dr. Kim. "However, for the body to use the supplied ascorbic acid, it must convert it to L-ascorbic acid, and many of the stabilized, commercially available forms have not been examined to determine whether this conversion is possible. For that reason, the average consumer will not be able to determine if a cosmeceutical containing vitamin C will be effective."
Vitamin E: A primary antioxidant
Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is a fat-soluble vitamin, and its synthetic form is found in many over-the-counter products. Working as an antioxidant, vitamin E protects cell membranes and is thought to play an important role in skin aging because of its antioxidant properties. While topical vitamin E is available in a variety of products, there is no data which support claims that it improves skin wrinkling, discoloration and texture.
"Topical vitamin E has been studied in humans, as in mice, more as a protectant to be used before sun exposure than as an agent to be included in cosmeceuticals to reduce the signs of skin aging," said Dr. Kim. "Through research we have learned that UV exposure significantly decreases levels of cutaneous vitamin E, and vitamin C should be included in any formulation containing vitamin E because of the important role it plays in maintaining active vitamin E levels."
Research also has explored combining vitamins E and C as an oral supplement to provide sun protection. Multiple studies suggest that this combination therapy is beneficial for photoprotection. However, Dr. Kim noted that overzealous oral vitamin E supplements may be harmful, and two new studies also suggest that a high intake of vitamin E may be associated with an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma.
Vitamin B3: A possible treatment for photoaging
The B vitamins consist of eight different water-soluble vitamins that are found in a variety of foods. Vitamin B3 has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol and atherosclerosis (a condition in which fatty materials collect along artery walls), but now new insights are examining its role as an effective treatment for several skin conditions – from acne to photoaging.
Specifically, Dr. Kim noted that vitamin B3 has been found to increase collagen production in in vitro studies and to reduce skin hyperpigmentation (dark spots) in clinical studies.
"There has been one clinical trial conducted in Caucasian women in which 50 women applied 5% niacinamide (topical vitamin B3) to one side of their faces twice per day for 12 weeks, and these women experienced significant reductions in the appearance of hyperpigmented spots, redness, wrinkles, and yellowing, as well as improved skin elasticity," said Dr. Kim. "While initial studies show promise that topical vitamin B3 may prevent UV-induced skin aging, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm its role as a definitive treatment of photoaging."
Bottom Line: Maintain healthy lifestyle, healthy diet, practice sun protection
Dr. Kim added that it is important for everyone to get an adequate daily supply of vitamins to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and any insufficiencies may negatively impact the skin's overall appearance.
"Research has shown a potential role for various vitamins in reducing the damaging effects of sun exposure on the skin. Whether topical or oral formulations containing these vitamins have a protective effect is uncertain. Given the number, type and variability of preparations available, consumers should understand from our study that skin care products with vitamins may not provide clinically meaningful improvement," said Dr. Kim. "What is known is that proper sun protection is key to the prevention of photoaging and should be top of mind at all times."
For more information on improving the appearance of your skin, go to the "AgingSkinNet" section of www.SkinCarePhysicians.com, a Web site developed by dermatologists that provides patients with up-to-date information on the treatment and management of disorders of the skin, hair and nails.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.
Showing posts with label report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label report. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Why Does Hair Turn Gray?
No longer a gray area: Our hair bleaches itself as we grow older
New research report in the FASEB Journal gets to the roots of gray hair
Wash away your gray? Maybe. A team of European scientists have finally solved a mystery that has perplexed humans throughout the ages: why we turn gray. Despite the notion that gray hair is a sign of wisdom, these researchers show in a research report published online in The FASEB Journal (http://www.fasebj.org) that wisdom has nothing to do with it. Going gray is caused by a massive build up of hydrogen peroxide due to wear and tear of our hair follicles. The peroxide winds up blocking the normal synthesis of melanin, our hair's natural pigment.
"Not only blondes change their hair color with hydrogen peroxide," said Gerald Weissmann, MD, Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. "All of our hair cells make a tiny bit of hydrogen peroxide, but as we get older, this little bit becomes a lot. We bleach our hair pigment from within, and our hair turns gray and then white. This research, however, is an important first step to get at the root of the problem, so to speak."
The researchers made this discovery by examining cell cultures of human hair follicles. They found that the build up of hydrogen peroxide was caused by a reduction of an enzyme that breaks up hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen (catalase). They also discovered that hair follicles could not repair the damage caused by the hydrogen peroxide because of low levels of enzymes that normally serve this function (MSR A and B). Further complicating matters, the high levels of hydrogen peroxide and low levels of MSR A and B, disrupt the formation of an enzyme (tyrosinase) that leads to the production of melanin in hair follicles. Melanin is the pigment responsible for hair color, skin color, and eye color. The researchers speculate that a similar breakdown in the skin could be the root cause of vitiligo.
"As any blue-haired lady will attest, sometimes hair dyes don't quite work as anticipated," Weissmann added. "This study is a prime example of how basic research in biology can benefit us in ways never imagined."
Research study details: J. M. Wood, H. Decker, H. Hartmann, B. Chavan, H. Rokos, J. D. Spencer, S. Hasse, M. J. Thornton, M. Shalbaf, R. Paus, and K. U. Schallreuter. Senile hair graying: H2O2-mediated oxidative stress affects human hair color by blunting methionine sulfoxide repair. FASEB J. doi:10.1096/fj.08-125435. http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/abstract/fj.08-125435v1
The FASEB Journal (http://www.fasebj.org) is published by the Federation of the American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) and is the most cited journal worldwide according to the Institute for Scientific Information. FASEB comprises 22 nonprofit societies with more than 80,000 members, making it the largest coalition of biomedical research associations in the United States. FASEB advances biological science through collaborative advocacy for research policies that promote scientific progress and education and lead to improvements in human health.
New research report in the FASEB Journal gets to the roots of gray hair
Wash away your gray? Maybe. A team of European scientists have finally solved a mystery that has perplexed humans throughout the ages: why we turn gray. Despite the notion that gray hair is a sign of wisdom, these researchers show in a research report published online in The FASEB Journal (http://www.fasebj.org) that wisdom has nothing to do with it. Going gray is caused by a massive build up of hydrogen peroxide due to wear and tear of our hair follicles. The peroxide winds up blocking the normal synthesis of melanin, our hair's natural pigment.
"Not only blondes change their hair color with hydrogen peroxide," said Gerald Weissmann, MD, Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. "All of our hair cells make a tiny bit of hydrogen peroxide, but as we get older, this little bit becomes a lot. We bleach our hair pigment from within, and our hair turns gray and then white. This research, however, is an important first step to get at the root of the problem, so to speak."
The researchers made this discovery by examining cell cultures of human hair follicles. They found that the build up of hydrogen peroxide was caused by a reduction of an enzyme that breaks up hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen (catalase). They also discovered that hair follicles could not repair the damage caused by the hydrogen peroxide because of low levels of enzymes that normally serve this function (MSR A and B). Further complicating matters, the high levels of hydrogen peroxide and low levels of MSR A and B, disrupt the formation of an enzyme (tyrosinase) that leads to the production of melanin in hair follicles. Melanin is the pigment responsible for hair color, skin color, and eye color. The researchers speculate that a similar breakdown in the skin could be the root cause of vitiligo.
"As any blue-haired lady will attest, sometimes hair dyes don't quite work as anticipated," Weissmann added. "This study is a prime example of how basic research in biology can benefit us in ways never imagined."
Research study details: J. M. Wood, H. Decker, H. Hartmann, B. Chavan, H. Rokos, J. D. Spencer, S. Hasse, M. J. Thornton, M. Shalbaf, R. Paus, and K. U. Schallreuter. Senile hair graying: H2O2-mediated oxidative stress affects human hair color by blunting methionine sulfoxide repair. FASEB J. doi:10.1096/fj.08-125435. http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/abstract/fj.08-125435v1
The FASEB Journal (http://www.fasebj.org) is published by the Federation of the American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) and is the most cited journal worldwide according to the Institute for Scientific Information. FASEB comprises 22 nonprofit societies with more than 80,000 members, making it the largest coalition of biomedical research associations in the United States. FASEB advances biological science through collaborative advocacy for research policies that promote scientific progress and education and lead to improvements in human health.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Liposuction No Longer the Most Popular Surgical Procedure
NEW YORK, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over 10.2 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2008, according to statistics released today by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The Aesthetic Society, after collecting multi-specialty procedural statistics since 1997, says the overall number of cosmetic procedures has increased 162 percent since the collection of the statistics first began.
The most frequently performed nonsurgical procedure was Botox injections and the most popular surgical procedure was breast augmentation.
"For the first time in the twelve years these statistics have been collected, liposuction is a runner up in popularity to breast augmentation. There is no doubt that this turnabout will generate discussions in the medical community and the public at large," Alan Gold, MD, Aesthetic Society president, reflected. "Changes in fashion, i.e. decolletage baring styles, might be a factor behind this change."
TRENDS AND DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
Top surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures among men and women in 2008:
Surgical # procedures Nonsurgical # procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Breast Augmentation: 355,671 Botox 2,464,123 Lipoplasty (liposuction) 341,144 Laser Hair Removal 1,280,964 Eyelid Surgery 195,104 Hyaluronic Acid 1,262,848 Rhinoplasty 152,434 (including Hylaform, Abdominoplasty 147,392 Juvederm, Perlane/Restylane) Chemical Peel 591,808 Laser Skin Resurfacing 570,880 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top cosmetic procedures for WOMEN:
Surgical # procedures Nonsurgical # procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Breast augmentation 355,671 Botox 2,239,024 Lipoplasty 309,692 Hyaluronic Acid 1,200,420 Eyelid surgery 166,426 (including Hylaform, Abdominoplasty 143,005 Juvederm, Perlane/Restylane) Breast Reduction 139,926 Laser Hair Removal 1,101,255 Chemical Peel 554,492 Laser Skin Resurfacing 532,008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Women had almost 92 percent of cosmetic procedures. The number of procedures (surgical and nonsurgical) performed on women was over 9.3 million, a decrease of over 11 percent from the previous year. Surgical procedures decreased 15 percent; nonsurgical procedures decreased by 11 percent. Since 1997, surgical procedures increased 104 percent, while nonsurgical procedures have increased 233 percent.
Top cosmetic procedures for MEN:
Surgical # procedures Nonsurgical # procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Liposuction 31,453 Botox injection 225,099 Rhinoplasty 30,174 Laser hair removal 179,708 Eyelid Surgery 28,678 Hyaluronic Acid 62,428 Gynecomastia 19,124 (including Hylaform, Hair transplantation 18,062 Juvederm, Perlane/Restylane) IPL laser treatment 46,887 Microdermabrasion 39,824 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Men had over 8 percent of cosmetic procedures. The number of procedures (surgical and nonsurgical) performed on men was over 800,000 a decrease of over 21 percent from the previous year. Surgical procedures decreased 18 percent; nonsurgical procedures decreased 22 percent. Since 1997, surgical procedures have decreased over 15 percent while nonsurgical procedures have increased 239 percent.
Frequency of cosmetic procedures by AGE GROUP: ________________________________________________________________________ % of Age # procedures Top surgical Top nonsurgical total procedure procedure ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 45% 35-50 4.6 million Liposuction Botox 26% 51-64 2.7 million Eyelid Surgery Botox 22% 19-34 2.2 million Breast augmentation Laser Hair Removal 6% 65 and over 634,667 Eyelid Surgery Botox 2% 18 and under 160,283 Rhinoplasty Laser Hair Removal
Racial and Ethnic Distribution
Racial and ethnic minorities accounted for 20 percent of all cosmetic procedures in 2008. Hispanics again led minority racial and ethnic groups in the number of procedures: Hispanics, 8 percent; African-Americans, 6 percent; Asians, 4 percent; and other non-Caucasians, 2 percent.
Location and Fees
Over fifty-three percent (53 percent) of cosmetic procedures in 2008 were performed in office-based facilities; 26 percent in freestanding surgicenters; and 19 percent in hospitals. Americans spent just under $12 billion on cosmetic procedures; $7.2 billion was for surgical procedures, and $4.6 billion was for nonsurgical procedures.
About the ASAPS Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank
ASAPS, working with an independent research firm, compiled the 12-year national data for procedures performed 1997-2008. A paper-based questionnaire was mailed to 16,000 Board-Certified physicians (6,000 Dermatologists, 6,000 Otolaryngologists, and 4,000 Plastic Surgeons). A total of 894 completed and valid responses (461 Plastic Surgeons, 277 Dermatologists, and 156 Otolaryngologists) were received in time for tabulation.
Final figures have been projected to reflect nationwide statistics and are based exclusively on the Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons; Otolaryngologists; and Dermatologists. The findings have been aggregated and extrapolated to the known population of 23,600 physicians who are Board Certified in these specialties. Though the confidence intervals change by procedure, depending on the grouping's sample size and the response variance, the overall survey portion of this research has a standard error of +/- 3.21% at a 95% level of confidence.
SOURCE American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The 2400-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the leading organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) who specialize in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. Toll-free referral line: 1-888-ASAPS-11 (272-7711). Web site: www.surgery.org.
The most frequently performed nonsurgical procedure was Botox injections and the most popular surgical procedure was breast augmentation.
"For the first time in the twelve years these statistics have been collected, liposuction is a runner up in popularity to breast augmentation. There is no doubt that this turnabout will generate discussions in the medical community and the public at large," Alan Gold, MD, Aesthetic Society president, reflected. "Changes in fashion, i.e. decolletage baring styles, might be a factor behind this change."
TRENDS AND DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
Top surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures among men and women in 2008:
Surgical # procedures Nonsurgical # procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Breast Augmentation: 355,671 Botox 2,464,123 Lipoplasty (liposuction) 341,144 Laser Hair Removal 1,280,964 Eyelid Surgery 195,104 Hyaluronic Acid 1,262,848 Rhinoplasty 152,434 (including Hylaform, Abdominoplasty 147,392 Juvederm, Perlane/Restylane) Chemical Peel 591,808 Laser Skin Resurfacing 570,880 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top cosmetic procedures for WOMEN:
Surgical # procedures Nonsurgical # procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Breast augmentation 355,671 Botox 2,239,024 Lipoplasty 309,692 Hyaluronic Acid 1,200,420 Eyelid surgery 166,426 (including Hylaform, Abdominoplasty 143,005 Juvederm, Perlane/Restylane) Breast Reduction 139,926 Laser Hair Removal 1,101,255 Chemical Peel 554,492 Laser Skin Resurfacing 532,008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Women had almost 92 percent of cosmetic procedures. The number of procedures (surgical and nonsurgical) performed on women was over 9.3 million, a decrease of over 11 percent from the previous year. Surgical procedures decreased 15 percent; nonsurgical procedures decreased by 11 percent. Since 1997, surgical procedures increased 104 percent, while nonsurgical procedures have increased 233 percent.
Top cosmetic procedures for MEN:
Surgical # procedures Nonsurgical # procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Liposuction 31,453 Botox injection 225,099 Rhinoplasty 30,174 Laser hair removal 179,708 Eyelid Surgery 28,678 Hyaluronic Acid 62,428 Gynecomastia 19,124 (including Hylaform, Hair transplantation 18,062 Juvederm, Perlane/Restylane) IPL laser treatment 46,887 Microdermabrasion 39,824 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Men had over 8 percent of cosmetic procedures. The number of procedures (surgical and nonsurgical) performed on men was over 800,000 a decrease of over 21 percent from the previous year. Surgical procedures decreased 18 percent; nonsurgical procedures decreased 22 percent. Since 1997, surgical procedures have decreased over 15 percent while nonsurgical procedures have increased 239 percent.
Frequency of cosmetic procedures by AGE GROUP: ________________________________________________________________________ % of Age # procedures Top surgical Top nonsurgical total procedure procedure ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 45% 35-50 4.6 million Liposuction Botox 26% 51-64 2.7 million Eyelid Surgery Botox 22% 19-34 2.2 million Breast augmentation Laser Hair Removal 6% 65 and over 634,667 Eyelid Surgery Botox 2% 18 and under 160,283 Rhinoplasty Laser Hair Removal
Racial and Ethnic Distribution
Racial and ethnic minorities accounted for 20 percent of all cosmetic procedures in 2008. Hispanics again led minority racial and ethnic groups in the number of procedures: Hispanics, 8 percent; African-Americans, 6 percent; Asians, 4 percent; and other non-Caucasians, 2 percent.
Location and Fees
Over fifty-three percent (53 percent) of cosmetic procedures in 2008 were performed in office-based facilities; 26 percent in freestanding surgicenters; and 19 percent in hospitals. Americans spent just under $12 billion on cosmetic procedures; $7.2 billion was for surgical procedures, and $4.6 billion was for nonsurgical procedures.
About the ASAPS Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank
ASAPS, working with an independent research firm, compiled the 12-year national data for procedures performed 1997-2008. A paper-based questionnaire was mailed to 16,000 Board-Certified physicians (6,000 Dermatologists, 6,000 Otolaryngologists, and 4,000 Plastic Surgeons). A total of 894 completed and valid responses (461 Plastic Surgeons, 277 Dermatologists, and 156 Otolaryngologists) were received in time for tabulation.
Final figures have been projected to reflect nationwide statistics and are based exclusively on the Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons; Otolaryngologists; and Dermatologists. The findings have been aggregated and extrapolated to the known population of 23,600 physicians who are Board Certified in these specialties. Though the confidence intervals change by procedure, depending on the grouping's sample size and the response variance, the overall survey portion of this research has a standard error of +/- 3.21% at a 95% level of confidence.
SOURCE American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The 2400-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the leading organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) who specialize in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. Toll-free referral line: 1-888-ASAPS-11 (272-7711). Web site: www.surgery.org.
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