Background. Understanding the physiological, chemical, and biophysical characteristics of the skin helps us to arrange a proper approach to the management of skin diseases.Objective. The aim of this study was to measure 6 biophysical characteristics of normal skin (sebum content, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema index, melanin index, and elasticity) in a normal population and assess the effect of sex, age, and body location on them.Methods. Fifty healthy volunteers in 5 age groups (5 males and females in each) were enrolled in this study. A multifunctional skin physiology monitor (Courage & Khazaka electronic GmbH, Germany) was used to measure skin sebum content, hydration, TEWL, erythema index, melanin index, and elasticity in 8 different locations of the body.Results. There were significant differences between the hydration, melanin index, and elasticity of different age groups. Regarding the locations, forehead had the highest melanin index, where as palm had the lowest value. The mean values of erythema index and melanin index and TEWL were significantly higher in males and anatomic location was a significant independent factor for all of 6 measured parameters.Conclusion. Several biophysical properties of the skin vary among different gender, age groups, and body locations.

Common in ageing patient, the solar lentigo is a macular hyperpigmented skin lesion that results from chronic exposure to ultraviolet irradiations. Despite sharing numerous features with other pigmented spots, the diagnostic of this benign lesion is well characterized at the tissue level. Recent studies shed lights on several factors and their pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of the solar lentigo. This review summarizes how diverse experimental approaches allowed the identification of several biomarkers, which contribute to a better understanding on the initiation and the maintenance of this pigmentary disorder.

Background: Age‐related changes of facial soft tissue cause clinical signs of facial aging such as lip atrophy, marionette lines, and an accentuated nasolabial fold. These changes can be modified using dermal fillers.Aims: To evaluate efficacy, longevity, and safety of a cross‐linked hyaluronic acid‐based filler with Tri‐Hyal technology in the treatment of lips, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.Materials and Methods: This prospective, multi‐center trial evaluated injections of three different areas (lips, nasolabial fold alone, or with marionette wrinkles) with a soft tissue filler containing 25 mg/ml cross‐linked hyaluronic acid and 0.3% lidocaine. Primary endpoint was the aesthetic correction 3 weeks after one injection session without touch‐up. Follow‐up was 18 months. Assessments were performed using the Global Aesthetic Score (GAS), clinical scoring based on photographic scales, high‐frequency ultrasound imaging, and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).Results: In total, 100 subjects were injected. GAS improved significantly for all treatment indications at 3 weeks (p < 0.0001). Success rates were highest for nasolabial folds (98.4%), followed by marionette lines (94.4%) and lips (73.5%). After 18 months post‐injection, success was observed in 91%, 88%, and 33% of subjects injected into nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and lips, respectively. GAIS scored highest for nasolabial folds (SGAIS: 71%; IGAIS: 40%), followed by marionette lines (SGAIS: 56%; IGAIS: 33%) and lips (SGAIS: 30%; IGAIS: 22%) at 18 months follow‐up.Conclusions: The filler demonstrated high efficacy and safety in all indications. Regional differences in longevity were evident. Thus, the necessity of regional retreatments should be discussed with patients before injection.

Background: Several studies have confirmed dramatic changes in skin surface parameters during the winter months. Although there are many studies supporting the positive effects of topical treatment, there are no published studies demonstrating the effects of oral supplementation in the prevention of negative skin changes during winter. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an oral micronutrient supplement in preventing the negative effects of winter weather on skin quality using noninvasive biometrologic instruments. Methods: This study included 80 healthy female volunteers aged 35–55 years with phototype II–IV skin. Randomization was balanced. Two tablets of a micronutrient supplement (Perfectil^® Platinum) or placebo were administered once daily for 4 months. The volunteers were examined at baseline, after 4 months, and 6 weeks after termination of treatment (month 5.5). The evaluation included skin microrelief by Visioscan^® as the main outcome, and the secondary outcomes were results on standard macrophotography, skin tension by Reviscometer^®, skin high-frequency ultrasound, and self-assessment. Results: For all pseudoroughness and microrelief indicators, there was a significant increase from baseline to month 4 in the placebo group (P<0.05) but no change in the active group. Descriptive statistics for the mean minimum, mean maximum, and minimum to maximum ratio on the nonexposed study zone showed a significant and dramatic difference between baseline and month 4 and between baseline and month 5.5 (P<0.05) in the active group, indicating decreasing anisotropy of the skin. High-frequency ultrasound on the exposed study zone revealed that skin thickness was significantly decreased in the placebo group during winter but was stable in the treated group (P<0.01). The photography scaling and self-assessment questionnaire revealed no significant changes in either group. Conclusion: These results indicate that the skin is prone to seasonal changes during winter, particularly in exposed areas. The data also indicate that oral supplementation can be a safe treatment, with no serious side effects, and may prevent or even eliminate the negative effects of winter on the skin.