A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effects of Topically Applied Cosmetic Creams on Epidermal Responses.

Application of exogenous products, such as creams, to the skin can result in subclinical changes in selected epidermal functions such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, redness, and pH; these changes may lead to or contribute to irritation. Changes in skin surface inflammatory factors may provide further insight into this potential for irritation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in epidermal properties and inflammatory mediators after 4 days of topical application of 2 different polymers formulated in cosmetic creams.

Microscopic evaluation of polymeric film properties of anhydrous sunscreen compositions and their relation to absorption and water resistance.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which a VA/butyl maleate/isobornyl acrylate copolymer increases the SPF and water resistance of sunscreen formulations. Anhydrous sunscreen formulations with and without polymer were applied on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plates and absorbance spectra were generated. Before immersion, the areas under the curve for the control and test samples were 98.

Alteration of skin mechanics by thin polymer films.

Background/purpose: High molecular weight polymers such as proteins and polysaccharides have been commonly employed in cosmetic practice to induce skin tightness. The effect is perceived by users as an increase in skin tightness (firmness) accompanied by skin smoothing and elimination of wrinkles and lines. The aim of the study was to assess whether high molecular weight synthetic polymers, in the form of simple skin treatment formulations, could modify mechanical properties of natural skin as well as artificial skin models.