Objective: Iontophoresis is defined as the use of electric current to drive molecules across cell membranes through an electrolyte solution. In therapeutic context, it is used to facilitate the administration of bioactive substances, either systemically or locally. The technique presents various advantages and that is why it has been successfully used by a plethora of medical sciences. The constantly developing field of dermato‐cosmetic science has also taken advantage of the possibilities offered by iontophoresis, aiming to enhance the delivery of the applied active ingredients and, thus, induce the desired cosmetic effects.Methods: The available literature was examined for evidence‐based reports of safe and successful iontophoresis of pharmaceutical and cosmetic substances, in order to explore different iontophoretic applications in the field of dermato‐cosmetic and dermato‐aesthetic sciences.Conclusion: Iontophoresis can be safely and successfully used in the treatment of ageing, photoageing, hyperpigmentation, oxidative stress, hair loss, hair removal, acne, acne sequelae and cellulite, providing many possibilities for enhanced treatment results.
Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) is used for quantitative analysis as well as for qualitative analysis, such as with classification methods. With SFS, determination of a useful wavelength interval between the excitation and emission wavelengths (Δλ) is required. There are a multitude of Δλ intervals that can be evaluated and optimization of the best one is complex. Presented here is a fusion approach for combining Δλ intervals, thereby negating the need to perform the selection by a skilled operator. To demonstrate the feasibility of omitting selection of the best Δλ interval, adulterated argan oil samples are studied. Argan oil is made from the argan tree, endemic to southwestern Morocco, and is well-known for its cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications. It is considered a luxury product and exported from Morocco around the world. Consequently, detection of argan oil adulteration followed by quantitative analysis of the adulterant concentration is important. This study uses fusion of SFS spectra obtained at ten Δλ intervals to first detect adulteration of argan oil by corn oil and then determination of the corn oil content. For detection of adulteration, 15 one-class classification methods were used simultaneously over the ten Δλ sets of SFS spectra. For tuning parameter dependent classifiers such as Mahalanobis distance, non-optimized classifiers are used. Raw classification values are used, removing the need to set classifier-dependent threshold values, albeit, ultimately, a fusion decision rule is needed for classification. For quantitative analysis, two calibration approaches are evaluated with fusion of these ten Δλ SFS spectral data sets. One is multivariate calibration by partial least squares (PLS). The second approach is a univariate calibration process where the SFS spectra are summed over respective SFS spectral ranges, also known as the area under the curve (AUC). For adulteration detection and quantitation of the corn oil, prediction errors decrease with fusion compared to individually using the ten Δλ interval SFS specific data sets. For this argan oil data set, the AUC method generally provides equivalent prediction errors to PLS.
It is well established that marine organisms consist of a great variety of active compounds that appear exclusively in the marine environment while having the ability to be vastly reproduced, irrespective of the existing conditions. As a result, marine organisms can be used in many scientific fields, including the ones of pharmaceutics, nutrition, and cosmetic science. As for the latter, marine ingredients have been successfully included in cosmetic formulations for many decades, providing numerous benefits for the skin. In the present review, the contribution of marine compounds in wound healing is thoroughly discussed, focusing on their role both as active ingredients in suitable formulations, designed to contribute to different stages of skin regeneration and restoration and also, indirectly, as a tool for facilitating wound closure as part of a wound dressing. Additionally, the advantages of these marine ingredients are presented, as well as ways of incorporating them effectively in formulations, so as to enhance their performance. Numerous studies have been referenced, showcasing their efficacy in wound healing. Finally, important data in regard to their stability, limitations, and challenges to their use, safety issues, and the existing legislative framework are extensively reviewed.