Preliminary evaluation of particle systems visualization on the skin surface by scanning electron microscopy and transparency profilometry.

Background: There is a rising debate concerning the possible side effects arising from the use of particles at nanosize since the production of nanomaterials is increasing worldwide. Nanoparticles are able to enter the body through the skin, lungs or intestinal tract, depositing in several organs, and the risk associated with exposure to them, the routes of entry and the molecular mechanisms of any cytotoxicity need to be well understood. The aim of this work was to evaluate the suitability of skin replica as a method to study the colloidal systems visualization and distribution on skin surface.

Skin absorption studies of octyl-methoxycinnamate loaded poly(D,L-lactide) nanoparticles: estimation of the UV filter distribution and release behaviour in skin layers.

New formulation strategies have to be developed to limit the skin penetration of UV-filter. Nanoparticles (NP) are very suitable for that purpose. In this study, the skin distribution, at different times (1, 2 and 3 h), of octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC) from loaded PLA-nanoparticles was compared to a classical formulation containing non-encapsulated OMC, using the Franz cell method.

Poly(D,L-lactide) nanoencapsulation to reduce photoinactivation of a sunscreen agent.

The use of sunscreens is the 'gold standard' for protecting the skin from ultraviolet light. Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) is one of the most widely used UVB filter but it can act as a sensitizer or photoallergen. When exposed to sunlight, OMC can change from the primary trans-form to cis-form and the isomerization, not reversible, conducts to a reduction of the UVB filtering efficiency because the trans-form has a higher extinction coefficient.

Efficacy of oleuropein against UVB irradiation: preliminary evaluation.

Oleuropein, a phenolic compound derived from olive leaves and oil, is known to possess several biological properties, many of which may be attributed to its antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities. Nevertheless, up to now, the cosmetic activity of this molecule has not been extensively investigated. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cosmetic properties of oleuropein against UVB-induced erythema.