{"title":"Featured Cover","authors":"Larry Wu","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70255","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70255","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The cover image is based on the article <i>iCare Technique of Dissolving Ellanse M Nodules Using Collagenase: A Case Series and Experimental Study</i> by Larry Wu et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70201.\u0000\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure>\u0000 </p>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"24 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.70255","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144085337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kayoung Shin, Yeonjae Kim, Sungwoo Kim, Hyun Jung Kim, Sekyoo Jeong, Mi Jang, Jeong Ho Park, Gaewon Nam
{"title":"Anti-Glycation and Anti-Aging Efficacy of Newly Synthesized Antioxidant With Autophagy Stimulating Activity","authors":"Kayoung Shin, Yeonjae Kim, Sungwoo Kim, Hyun Jung Kim, Sekyoo Jeong, Mi Jang, Jeong Ho Park, Gaewon Nam","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70240","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70240","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in aged skin and their pro-aging effects suggest the potential application of anti-glycation ingredients as skin anti-aging agents.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study evaluated the anti-aging efficacy of a newly developed anti-glycation ingredient with antioxidant and autophagy-stimulating activities through in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical efficacy tests.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>AGEs formation in both the cell-free BSA/glyoxal system and glucose/glyoxal-treated human epidermal keratinocytes was measured, while the degradation of pre-formed BSA/AGEs by keratinocytes was assessed. Anti-glycation and anti-inflammatory effects were further examined using <i>an</i> ex vivo human skin explant model. Clinical anti-aging effects were analyzed by assessing skin AGE levels, melanin and erythema indices, skin elasticity, and skin hydration levels.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The tested ingredient inhibited AGE formation and accelerated the degradation of pre-formed AGEs in vitro. A significant reduction in skin AGE levels, reduction of skin melanin and erythema indices, and improvement of skin elasticity and hydration in healthy volunteers were observed after 2 and 4 weeks of test product application.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A newly synthesized antioxidant with autophagy-stimulating activity exhibited significant anti-glycation efficacy in both in vitro and clinical studies, suggesting its potential as an effective skin anti-aging ingredient.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"24 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.70240","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144085174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of Combined Platelet-Rich Plasma With Fractional Laser for Adult Patients With Vitiligo: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials","authors":"Xiaowei Feng, Shali Jiang, Xingwei Zou, Yongqiong Deng, Jinwei Xie","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70245","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70245","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a novel treatment option for vitiligo. It has been reported to be effective in combination with other methods, such as fractional laser. However, there is no consensus on the specific combined use of PRP with fractional laser. Therefore, this meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of this combination regimen compared to control groups for vitiligo.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A comprehensive literature search was conducted for relevant randomized controlled trials comparing PRP plus fractional laser with other routine treatments published from inception to January 2025. Data regarding the mean grade of repigmentation, patient's satisfaction score, rate of satisfactory repigmentation or no response, and incidence of side effects were extracted and meta-analyzed using a fixed or randomized model.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Seven studies involving 366 patients were reviewed. The combination of PRP and fractional laser therapy significantly improved the mean grade of repigmentation (mean difference [MD] = 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08–2.07; <i>p</i> < 0.01) and patients' satisfaction score (MD = 1.87; 95% CI = 0.90–2.83; <i>p</i> = 0.0001), while also reducing the no response rate (risk ratio [RR] = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.32–0.92; <i>p</i> = 0.02), compared with control groups, including monotherapy, topical drug or sun exposure only, and fractional lasers plus narrowband ultraviolet B. Additionally, the incidence of adverse events for combination therapy was comparable to that of control groups (RR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.69–1.07; <i>p</i> = 0.17).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This meta-analysis provides evidence supporting the combined use of PRP and fractional laser therapy as a valuable and safe treatment modality for patients with vitiligo, based on its superiority to control groups and comparable rates of side effects. However, more well-designed and large-scale studies are required to confirm it.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"24 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.70245","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144085175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Cuticapil Stem Hair Serum as an Add-On to Minoxidil in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Prospective Observational Study","authors":"Rachita Dhurat, Girish R. Kulkarni, Anil Ganjoo, Manjul Agarwal, Pradeep Kumari, Pradyuman Vaidya, Sumit Gupta, Shankar Savant, Rathish Nair, Mahima Agarwal, Pankhuri Agarwal","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70247","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common age-related hair loss condition influenced by genetics and androgen activity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Cuticapil Stem Hair Serum in improving hair loss in AGA patients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This multicenter, prospective, observational study assessed the real-world efficacy and safety of Cuticapil Stem Hair Serum in patients with androgenetic alopecia. A total of 60 subjects were evaluated, with the Cuticapil and Standard of Care groups compared using the Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Key assessments included the hair pull test, global photographic analysis, and hair shedding count. No adverse events were reported, reinforcing the serum's favorable safety profile.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Result</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The Cuticapil + SoC treatment group consistently showed higher mean ranks across multiple parameters compared to the SoC-only group. The addition of Cuticapil Serum to SoC significantly reduced hair shedding (<i>p</i> = 0.0220). In the Hair Pull Test, the Cuticapil + SoC group had a lower mean rank (26.97) than SoC alone (34.03) (<i>p</i> = 0.0196), indicating greater efficacy. Global photography analysis showed a higher mean rank of 36.13 in the Cuticapil + SoC group compared to 24.87 in the SoC group (<i>p</i> = 0.0057), further supporting its effectiveness.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cuticapil Stem Hair Serum, when used in addition to standard care, significantly enhances hair growth and reduces hair fall in patients with mild to moderate Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss. It showed superior results in promoting hair growth, reducing shedding, improving hair density, appearance, and managing hair loss.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"24 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.70247","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144085095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Performance of AI in Dermatology Exams: The Exam Success and Limits of ChatGPT","authors":"Neşe Göçer Gürok, Savaş Öztürk","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70244","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70244","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Artificial intelligence holds significant potential in dermatology.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to explore the potential and limitations of artificial intelligence applications in dermatology education by evaluating ChatGPT's performance on questions from the dermatology residency exam.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this study, the dermatology residency exam results for ChatGPT versions 3.5 and 4.0 were compared with those of resident doctors across various seniority levels. Dermatology resident doctors were categorized into four seniority levels based on their education, and a total of 100 questions—25 multiple-choice questions for each seniority level—were included in the exam. The same questions were also administered to ChatGPT versions 3.5 and 4.0, and the scores were analyzed statistically.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>ChatGPT 3.5 performed poorly, especially when compared to senior residents. Second (<i>p</i> = 0.038), third (<i>p</i> = 0.041), and fourth-year senior resident physicians (<i>p</i> = 0.020) scored significantly higher than ChatGPT 3.5. ChatGPT 4.0 showed similar performance compared to first- and third-year senior resident physicians, but performed worse in comparison to second (<i>p</i> = 0.037) and fourth-year senior resident physicians (<i>p</i> = 0.029). Both versions scored lower as seniority and exam difficulty increased. ChatGPT 3.5 passed the first and second-year exams but failed the third and fourth-year exams. ChatGPT 4.0 passed the first, second, and third-year exams but failed the fourth-year exam. These findings suggest that ChatGPT was not on par with senior resident physicians, particularly on topics requiring advanced knowledge; however, version 4.0 proved to be more effective than version 3.5.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In the future, as ChatGPT's language support and knowledge of medicine improve, it can be used more effectively in educational processes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"24 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.70244","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144085338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jonnie Rose Louise R. Wee, Zharlah Gulmatico-Flores, Daisy King-Ismael
{"title":"Microwaves Versus Combined Microwaves and Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser in the Treatment of Postpartum Abdominal Laxity Among Filipino Patients in a Tertiary Hospital: A Randomized, Prospective, Assessor-Blinded, Simultaneous Split-Abdomen Trial","authors":"Jonnie Rose Louise R. Wee, Zharlah Gulmatico-Flores, Daisy King-Ismael","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70237","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70237","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Postpartum abdominal laxity is a growing concern for women. Noninvasive options like microwave technology and fractional carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) laser show promise, but their combined efficacy and safety require further investigation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To compare the efficacy and safety of microwaves versus combined microwaves and fractional CO<sub>2</sub> laser in the treatment of postpartum abdominal laxity among Filipino patients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Patients/Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Thirty-two patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III–V and postpartum abdominal laxity received three microwave sessions, with one side randomly assigned an additional fractional carbon dioxide laser session (designated as Side B, while the other as Side A). Global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) scores and patient satisfaction (PS) scores were determined at every follow-up. Baseline and completion anthropometric measurements were taken, and adverse effects were recorded.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Significant improvements in GAIS and PS scores were noted for both sides across all sessions (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with side B showing superior scores post-CO<sub>2</sub> laser (<i>p</i> < 0.001). A moderate correlation between metabolic equivalent (METs) scores and GAIS scores (<i>p</i> = 0.413, <i>p</i> = 0.019) indicated that higher levels of physical activity were associated with higher GAIS scores. These improvements were attributed to epidermal thickening and dermal collagen and elastin remodeling, the latter seen histologically in a representative patient. Adverse effects were mild and noted only with CO<sub>2</sub> laser.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The combined use of the microwave system and fractional CO<sub>2</sub> laser is safe and well tolerated and is superior to microwaves alone in the treatment of postpartum abdominal laxity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"24 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.70237","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143950067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Margarita (Pearl) Extract Alleviates Melasma by Targeting CAMP-Responsive Element Binding Protein 1","authors":"Liling Shen, Jia Yao","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70087","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Margarita (pearl) has detoxifying and skin barrier-repairing properties. The study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of pearl on melasma and to preliminarily explore its possible mechanism of action.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The efficacy of pearl on patients with melasma was evaluated by the melasma area and severity index (MASI) and physician's global assessment (PGA) score. DNA sequencing was performed on pharyngeal swab samples from patients with melasma to obtain gene loci related to melasma. The active compounds and potential targets for pearl were retrieved from Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and HERB databases. The relevant genes of melasma were obtained from the GeneCards database and intersected with the targets of pearl to identify potential targets of pearl against melasma. The potential targets were mapped for the KEGG pathway in the KEGG Mapper and verified using human melanoma A375 cells that were exposed to ultraviolet irradiation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Pearl significantly improved the MASI and PGA scores of patients with melasma. DNA sequencing revealed that <i>TYR</i> and <i>DCT</i> were genes related to melasma. Calcium carbonate, iron, magnesium, manganese, silicon, strontium, and zinc were active compounds for pearl. CAMP-responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) was the target of pearl against melasma. Pearl regulated microphthalmia-associated transcription factors through CREB and affected melasma-related genes <i>TYR</i> and <i>DCT</i>, which in turn inhibit melanoma cell activity and intracellular tyrosinase activity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Pearl can alleviate melasma by targeting the CREB1/MITF axis and then the melasma-related gene loci <i>TYR</i> and <i>DCT</i>.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"24 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.70087","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143950055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Skin Wound Healing Following Injecting Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Complex, Polycaprolactone, or Combination Therapy: An Experimental Study","authors":"Noury Adel, Nenad Stankovic, Gerardo Cervantes, Amira Gindi, Lamiaa Mohamed Shawky","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70221","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to investigate the effects of hyaluronic acid rejuvenating complex, polycaprolactone, and their combination on skin wound healing, assessing their potential to accelerate tissue regeneration and optimize healing outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Forty eight Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 received hyaluronic acid rejuvenating complex injection, Group 2 received polycaprolactone injection, and Group 3 received a combination of both. Group 4 served as the control, undergoing incision without intervention. Skin biopsies were collected at baseline, day 7, and day 14 postincision. Wound healing was evaluated histologically using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining, focusing on epithelial thickness, collagen synthesis, and inflammatory cell infiltration.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The combination therapy group (Group 3) exhibited the most pronounced wound healing response, demonstrating significantly accelerated re-epithelialization, enhanced collagen deposition, and well-structured granulation tissue by days 7 and 14. Additionally, inflammatory cell infiltration was markedly reduced, indicating a faster transition from the inflammatory to the proliferative phase. Compared to single-agent treatments, the combined approach resulted in superior tissue remodeling and a more efficient healing process.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The dual administration of hyaluronic acid rejuvenating complex and polycaprolactone offers a synergistic effect, significantly enhancing skin wound healing compared to monotherapies. These findings highlight the potential of combination therapy as a promising strategy for improving wound repair and tissue regeneration in aesthetic and regenerative dermatology.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"24 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.70221","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143944649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chong Qin, Liu Zhang, Ruiqi Zhang, Bo Wang, Qin Zhang, Yannan Bian, Wenying Liu, Li He, Feifei Wang
{"title":"Synergistic Enhancement of Compromised Skin Radiance: A Clinical Investigation of Prinsepia utilis Royle Polysaccharides and Nonapeptide Co-Application","authors":"Chong Qin, Liu Zhang, Ruiqi Zhang, Bo Wang, Qin Zhang, Yannan Bian, Wenying Liu, Li He, Feifei Wang","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70204","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Skin radiance represents both healthy and esthetic aspects of human skin, usually influenced by a compromised barrier and the aging process. The reduction of the stratum corneum by chemical peels is a prevalent procedure employed to enhance facial radiance, but peeling is not suitable for compromised skin.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>Prinsepia utilis Royle</i> polysaccharides (PURP) is a natural extract with repairing properties, which has been reported as a barrier repairing agent. ESETRILLQ (EQ) peptide has been recently reported as a novel antiaging bioactive peptide. This study aims to investigate the combined efficacy of these two ingredients on skin radiance enhancement.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Reconstructed human full-thickness skin models were subjected to UVA exposure, followed by treatment with 1000 ppm PURP, 20 ppm EQ9, and their combinations: PUR9-1 (1000 ppm PURP + 10 ppm EQ9) and PUR9-2 (1000 ppm PURP + 20 ppm EQ9). Transcriptomic profiling was performed as a preliminary study to define the synergistic effect. RT-qPCR was performed assessing the regulation of skin barrier-related genes. Thirty-three Chinese sensitive skin individuals were enrolled in a placebo-controlled split-face clinical research for 2 weeks to evaluate a PUR9-2 containing lotion. Instrument measurement and expert evaluation were conducted to evaluate the parameters of glossiness and skin tone at baseline, Day 7, and Day 14. Skin glossiness was determined by VISIA 7, Glossymeter, and Translucency Meter. TEWL was determined by Tewameter Hex. Wrinkel number and area were obtained by VISIA 7.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Transcriptomic profiling identified PUR9-2 to regulate significantly different genes distinct from PURP and EQ9. The combination increased the gene expression levels of TNFAIP3 and CRNN. PUR9-2 also increased the expression of FLG, LOR, and DSG1on UVA-irradiated skin model. PUR9-2 containing lotion significantly decreased TEWL by 16.96%. Clinical evaluations demonstrated a statistically significant 22.32% (Glossymeter) and 35.56% (VISIA 7) improvement in skin glossiness on the PUR9-2 lotion-treated side by Day 14 compared to baseline. Translucency demonstrated a statistically significant 13.06% increase of <i>K</i> value, which all aligned with the expert evaluation of skin radiance enhancement.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>PCA an","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"24 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.70204","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143950056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Post-Finasteride Syndrome or Pre-Existing Vulnerability? Rethinking Patient Selection","authors":"Nicolò Rivetti","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70243","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70243","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) refers to a constellation of persistent physical, sexual, and neuropsychiatric symptoms that have been reported by some individuals following the discontinuation of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor commonly used for androgenetic alopecia. Despite proper counseling, I regularly see patients who discontinue finasteride within weeks—not due to pharmacologic intolerance, but out of fear triggered by online testimonials. The discourse surrounding PFS has heightened awareness of persistent adverse effects associated with finasteride use. While the etiology of PFS remains under investigation, an often overlooked aspect is the psychological profile of patients prior to initiating finasteride therapy [<span>1-3</span>].</p><p>The phenomenon of nocebo responses is well-documented in medical literature, where negative expectations can lead to the onset or worsening of symptoms—even in the absence of a pharmacological cause [<span>1</span>]. This effect may be particularly pronounced in patients undergoing aesthetic or hair loss treatments, who are often hyper-focused on physical changes and intensely monitor their bodily sensations. In such individuals, a single alarming testimony encountered online can trigger anxiety and lead to the emergence of symptoms like fatigue or decreased libido—driven more by fear than by pharmacologic action. This highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors when prescribing medications like finasteride, which have been associated with both real and perceived adverse effects [<span>2-5</span>]. Physicians may also play a key role in countering misinformation by proactively discussing common online claims, recommending evidence-based resources, and encouraging patients to bring their doubts into the consultation room rather than relying on unverified testimonials. Additionally, science-based communication by healthcare professionals on social media can help balance the online narrative and reduce the influence of alarmist content on vulnerable individuals [<span>6</span>]. This pattern of obsessive monitoring and cyberchondria can further reinforce a nocebo response, compounding the patient's fear and accelerating treatment discontinuation. These traits are commonly associated with health anxiety and somatic symptom disorders, and may be interpreted within the cognitive-behavioral model, where negative expectations and misinterpretation of bodily sensations contribute to symptom amplification [<span>4</span>].</p><p>In many such cases, what is later labeled as “post-finasteride syndrome” may in fact reflect a pre-existing cognitive vulnerability reacting to a widely stigmatized medication [<span>1, 4</span>]. Rather than debating whether post-finasteride syndrome “exists,” we may better serve our patients by asking: which individuals are never meant to be prescribed this drug in the first place? This highlights an unmet need: the creation of a brief pre-treatment psychologi","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"24 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.70243","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143950057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}