Skin cells and tissue are capable of using L-ergothioneine as an integral component of their antioxidant defense system.

The cellular defense system against harmful levels of reactive oxygen species consists of antioxidant enzymatic activities and small nonenzymatic molecules. L-ergothioneine has long been recognized as a potent and stable low-molecular-weight antioxidant that humans consume with diet and that accumulates in cells normally subjected to high levels of oxidative stress. As L-ergothioneine is plasma membrane-impermeative, its protective function is restricted to cells that express the L-ergothioneine-specific receptor/transporter OCTN1.

UV-induced DNA damage initiates release of MMP-1 in human skin.

Destruction of collagen is a hallmark of photoaging. The major enzyme responsible for collagen 1 digestion, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), is induced by exposure to sunlight. To study the molecular trigger for this induction, human skin was ultraviolet-B (UVB)-irradiated and treated with liposome-encapsulated DNA repair enzymes.

A comparison of the relative antioxidant potency of L-ergothioneine and idebenone.

Background: L-ergothioneine (EGT) is a stable antioxidant found in food plants as well as in animal tissue undergoing relatively high levels of oxidative stress. Idebenone is a stable analog of the antioxidant coenzyme Q(10). All are potent antioxidants found in skincare products, but their relative potencies are not well described.

A hydroquinone formulation with increased stability and decreased potential for irritation.

Background: Long-term treatment with a high-strength hydroquinone (HQ) cream (usually 4% HQ) is the mainstay therapy for hyperpigmentation disorders. Instability and high potential for irritancy hinders patient compliance. A new 4% HQ preparation has been designed with an innovative antioxidant for stability and a biomimetic of an herbal extract for skin calming.

Bacterial resistance and therapeutic outcome following three months of topical acne therapy with 2% erythromycin gel versus its vehicle.

Two-hundred-and-eight acne vulgaris patients were enrolled in a 24-week study to determine the bacterial resistance issues associated with the use of a topical 2% erythromycin gel. It consisted of a 12-week randomized, double-blind, parallel-group treatment phase comparing the active gel versus its vehicle followed by a 12-week single-blind regression phase with gel vehicle only. Bacteriological samples were taken from the face, back and nares for quantification by species and antibiotic resistance characteristics.