Effect of residence time on the efficacy of antidandruff shampoos.

Dandruff is known to be controlled by fungistatic shampoos active against Malassezia spp. These products also remove the loosely attached scales. This study was performed to assess the effect of a 5-min residence time on the efficacy of antidandruff shampoos.

[Irritation cutanée et vitesse de propagation d'ondes ultrasonores].

Cutaneous irritation is a stereotyped response of the skin to any physical or chemical insult. Its main manifestations encompass inflammatory erythema and an alteration of the cutaneous microrelief showing increased roughness, dehydration and erratic desquamation. Several instrumental methods can indirectly assess the issues of cutaneous irritation on human stratum corneum.

Quantification of dandruff adherence to hair.

Dandruff adherence to hair shafts is a visible annoying phenomenon. The aspect can be recorded by different means including the ultraviolet light-enhanced visualization (ULEV) method and microscopy. We present another quantitative method.

[The so-called dry skin of the diabetic patient].

Rough skin or xerosis, known by the laity as dry skin, results from a defect in the stratum corneum desquamation which normally remains imperceptible. This condition is negatively influenced by winter climatic conditions. Atopic dermatitis and trophic changes related to post-menopause, ageing, diabetes mellitus, as well as other endrocrine and metabolic disturbances are also involved in this process.

[Eye and ultraviolet light].

All the ocular structures, from cornea to retinal layer, can be damaged by exposure to the light radiations. Acute keratitis combined with conjunctivitis will result from an intensive photic exposure. On the other hand, pterygion more likely represents the consequence of chronic exposure to the ultraviolet rays.

[Skin photophysics and colors].

The optical properties of skin and of chromophores orientate and absorbe light. The resulting skin colour can be assessed by visual inspection or by objective methods. Spectrophotometry, tristimulus colorimetry and computerized image analysis are well codified methods.

[From sun to earth].

Sun emits a vast array of electromagnetic radiations. After a long but fast journey, the spectrum of visible and ultraviolet light, and infrared radiations reaches the furthermost boundaries of the Earth. Only a fraction of them reaches the biosphere.

Silicon image sensor technology for in vivo detection of surfactant-induced corneocyte swelling and drying.

Background: Several instrumental methods can indirectly assess some specific aspects of cutaneous irritation at the level of the stratum corneum (SC).

Objective: There is a need for developing more sensitive approaches in this field.

Methods: We assessed a recently introduced innovative tool (SkinChip) based on capacitive pixel-sensing technology in its potential to detect early discrete manifestations of skin irritation.

The conundrum of skin pores in dermocosmetology.

'Skin pore' is a term used by lay people and in the field of cosmetology. It remains misleading when it is not clearly defined. Indeed, lay people use it with at least 3 different meanings.

Coping with mild inflammatory catamenial acne: a clinical and bioinstrumental split-face assessment.

Background: Acne is a multifactorial disease exhibiting distinct clinical presentations. Among them, the catamenial type is a matter of concern for young women. Some oral contraceptives may help without, however, clearing the skin condition.

Ultraviolet light-enhanced visualization of cutaneous signs of carotene and vitamin A dietary deficiency.

Dietary deficiencies are multiple and some of them may induce specific changes in the skin biology and structure. Vitamin A deficiency is well identified as a cause of xerosis and follicular keratosis. Skin of the forehead and balding scalp was examined in 3 homeless alcoholic men who suffered from altered liver functions and denutrition including carotene and vitamin A deficiencies.

Skin compatibility of cyclodextrins and their derivatives: a comparative assessment using a corneoxenometry bioassay.

Few studies have been performed to assess the risk of skin damage by cyclodextrins (CD) and they have yielded contradictory results. The present study was conducted using the corneoxenometry bioassay on human stratum corneum to compare the skin compatibility of CD currently used in pharmaceutical preparations (betaCD, gammaCD, Rameb, Dimeb, Trimeb, HP-betaCD and HP-gammaCD) and that of new amphiphilic CD derivatives, namely, the phospholipidyl-CD (DMPE-Dimeb and DMPE-Trimeb). All the tested CD were well tolerated by the stratum corneum at a concentration of 5%.

Responsive corneosurfametry following in vivo skin preconditioning.

Skin is subjected to many environmental threats, some of which altering the structure and function of the stratum corneum. Among them, surfactants are recognized factors that may influence irritant contact dermatitis. The present study was conducted to compare the variations in skin capacitance and corneosurfametry (CSM) reactivity before and after skin exposure to repeated subclinical injuries by 2 hand dishwashing liquids.

Skin weathering and ashiness in black Africans.

Ashiness describes a common physiological skin condition that may develop in people with dark skin complexion. Environmental influences, particularly cold and dry weather, seem obvious. This condition has seldom been studied so far.

Comedolysis by a lipohydroxyacid formulation in acne-prone subjects.

Post-summertime exacerbation of acne is not a rare event. This study was conducted to assess the preventive effect of a proprietary formulation containing 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid on this environmental related disease. This compound is commonly called beta-lipohydroxyacid (LHA).