Search Results (24)

Background: Solar lentigines are common epidermal hyperpigmented macules associated with chronic ultraviolet exposure and photoaging. Objective: To describe a standardized 532 nm green laser protocol for solar lentigines and to place these observations within a narrative review with a structured PubMed/Medline literature search. Methods: Five patients (two women and three men; age range 42–65 years, mean 53.6 years; Fitzpatrick skin phototypes II–III) with solar lentigines underwent treatment with a 532 nm green laser (QuadroStarPRO GREEN, Asclepion) using a standardized, single-session protocol. Outcomes were assessed at the final available follow-up (day 21) by 2 independent dermatologists using a retrospective categorical response classification (complete response/partial response/no response) based on paired baseline and day 21 image documentation only; patient satisfaction was recorded at day 21 on a 0–10 visual analog scale (VAS). A narrative review with a structured PubMed/Medline literature search was conducted to identify clinical studies evaluating 532 nm KTP/green laser devices for lentigines, freckles, and ephelides. Results: All five target lesions were classified as complete response at day 21 (5/5 complete response), with a mean VAS satisfaction score of 8.6/10 (range, 7–10) and no discordance between dermatologists. Mild transient erythema was observed immediately after treatment and improved within the first day; no persistent adverse events, dyschromia, or scarring were observed during the available 21-day follow-up. Conclusions: In this small case series, a single-session millisecond 532 nm green laser protocol was associated with complete-response classification at day 21 in five target lesions. Published clinical studies indicate that outcomes with 532 nm devices vary with device type, pulse structure, and treatment settings; larger comparative studies with objective pigment measures and longer follow-ups are needed. Full article

This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of HYDRAGEL A2, an injectable medical device containing hyaluronic acid (HA), polynucleotides (PN), and niacinamide, for improving facial skin quality. These ingredients are increasingly recognized for their synergistic effects in aesthetic medicine, with HA and PN providing hydration and skin support, and niacinamide offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A prospective, open-label clinical investigation was conducted on 42 female subjects (mean age 45 ± 1 years, Fitzpatrick skin phototypes II-V) to assess skin elasticity, hydration, and mild skin depression correction following cheek area injections. Efficacy was measured using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), Antera 3D^® (texture), Cutometer^® (elasticity/firmness), Corneometer^® (hydration), and Dermascan^® (density/thickness) devices at baseline (D0), week 2 (W2/D14), and week 6 (W6/D42). GAIS values showed significant overall facial improvement (p < 0.001) by both investigators and subjects, where 100% of subjects rated their appearance as improved immediately post-injection (D0), with sustained improvements at D42. Objective measurements revealed significant improvements in skin texture (reduced roughness), elasticity, firmness, hydration (p < 0.001), density, and thickness, demonstrating the combined benefits of the HA, PN, and niacinamide blend. Injection site reactions, primarily mild and transient, were reported immediately post-injection. Investigators and subjects reported high satisfaction with the product’s ease of use and aesthetic outcomes. Globally, HYDRAGEL A2, leveraging the established benefits of HA, PN, and niacinamide, was well-tolerated and effectively enhanced facial skin quality, demonstrating significant and sustained improvements in monitored skin parameters. The study concludes that this combination of ingredients, formulated in HYDRAGEL A2, provides a well-tolerated approach associated with improvements in skin quality. Full article

Background: Directional hemispherical reflectance (DHR) is a precise method for evaluating skin reflectance and is widely used in dermatological, photobiological, and cosmetic or pharmaceutical research. Reflectance measurements may support emissivity-related interpretation, particularly in the infrared range, being influenced by chromophore content, epidermal structure, and physiological factors such as hydration, pigmentation, and surface heterogeneity. However, most in vivo studies have focused on limited spectral ranges or selected anatomical sites. This study aimed to assess skin directional hemispherical reflectance across a broad spectral range and to provide an integrated dataset supporting emissivity-related interpretation in the infrared region. Methods: The study included 20 women aged 22–50 years (27 ± 9 years) with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes II–III. Reflectance measurements were performed at 14 anatomical sites using an ET 100 emissometer (1.9–21 µm) and an SOC 410 Solar DHR reflectometer (335–2500 nm). Infrared measurements were conducted at incidence angles of 20° and 60° to assess angular effects. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: The lowest reflectance values were observed within 335–380 nm, 1700–2500 nm, and 1.5–21 µm, whereas the highest reflectance was recorded in the 590–720 nm and 700–1100 nm bands. Reflectance symmetry between body sides was observed. In the infrared range, reflectance decreased with increasing wavelength, while mid- and far-infrared values were more uniform across locations. The highest reflectance values were noted for the thigh, calf (crural region), forearm, and palmar surface of the hand, whereas the lowest values were observed in the neck, abdominal region, and dorsal surface of the hand. Measurements at 60° incidence yielded higher reflectance values than those at 20°, while preserving spatial patterns. Conclusions: Directional hemispherical reflectance provides a robust approach for assessing skin reflectance across a broad spectral range. Reflectance depends on wavelength, anatomical location, and physiological factors, including epidermal thickness, pigmentation, and sebum presence. The integrated analysis of spectral, anatomical, and angular variability may support improved interpretation of skin optical properties and contribute to reference data for biomedical and infrared imaging applications. Full article

Background: Dermatology and aesthetic medicine make extensive use of microneedling, a minimally invasive and safe treatment. Across the research, it has been shown that microneedling combined with chemical peels is also more effective than chemical peels alone. However, data on procedures in dark-skinned individuals is rather scarce. Aim/Objective: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of using a 4% retinol solution product containing novel TGF-β activators and antioxidants combined with a microneedling technique in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, atrophic acne scars, and enlarged pores in patients with skin of color, generally corresponding to Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV–VI. Methods: Each of the 10 patients underwent three peel treatment series, with a 30-day interval between each session. Moreover, skin hydration, elasticity, and pigmentation were examined using the Multi Skin Test MC 1000 Courage + Khazaka, and the Observ 520x device. Results: All patients reported an overall improvement and an enhancement in skin tone after the procedure. The majority of them stated subjective improvement in the reduction of facial skin issues: redness, hyperpigmentation, uneven structure, wrinkles, dehydration, dryness, and sebaceous gland activity. The least improvement was noted in scar reduction or liquidation. An objective evaluation revealed a statistically significant improvement in hyperpigmentation and elasticity in the study group. An improvement, however, not statistically significant, in hydration parameters was demonstrated during the study. Conclusions: This study suggests that a combined peel therapy of 4% retinol serum product containing novel TGF-β activators and antioxidants, together with a microneedling technique, may improve facial hyperpigmentation of the skin, as well as regulate sebaceous gland activity, their size, and reduce sebum production. The recommended method is relatively simple to use, low-cost, has minimal adverse effects, and is well tolerated by patients with skin of color. Full article

Background: Human cutaneous reactivity exhibits marked inter-individual variability, yet the contribution of constitutional pigmentation traits to short-term skin responses remains incompletely characterized. Fitzpatrick skin phototype reflects stable differences in pigmentation-related traits and may therefore act as a phenotypic modifier of early cutaneous reactivity following topical exposure. Methods: In this controlled human study, 239 healthy volunteers were stratified by Fitzpatrick skin phototype into three groups: I–II (n = 138), III (n = 72), and IV–V (n = 29). A standardized emulgel-based topical provocation model was applied under occlusion to the volar forearm, and cutaneous responses were assessed at 20 min (Test A), 24 h (Test B), and 96 h (Test C) using standardized visual scoring. Group comparisons, multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, country of origin, and experimental lot, and stratified analyses by country of origin, were performed. Results: Early and short-term cutaneous responses differed significantly across phototype groups. Participants with phototypes I–II exhibited higher response scores at both 20 min and 24 h compared with phototype III (p < 0.001). In adjusted models, phototype III remained independently associated with significantly lower reactivity relative to phototypes I–II at 20 min (β = −1.61, p < 0.001) and 24 h (β = −0.98, p < 0.001). Responses among phototypes IV–V were minimal to absent; however, this subgroup was underrepresented, and findings for IV–V are descriptive. Age was a significant positive predictor of response intensity, whereas sex showed no independent association. No persistent reactions were observed at 96 h in any phototype group. Stratified analyses confirmed that the reduced reactivity associated with phototype III was independent of country of origin. Conclusions: Fitzpatrick skin phototype is independently associated with early and short-term cutaneous reactivity following standardized topical provocation in humans. Lighter phototypes (I–II) demonstrate increased susceptibility to transient inflammatory responses, whereas phototype III shows markedly reduced reactivity. These findings support the role of skin phototype as a constitutional modifier of short-term cutaneous responses and highlight the importance of considering pigmentation-related phenotypes in the design and interpretation of dermatological testing, cosmetic tolerability studies, and safety assessments of topical formulations. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to design and clinically evaluate a bespoke cosmetic formulation tailored to individual skin characteristics and user preferences, focusing on hydration and barrier recovery in mature, therapy-affected skin. In addition, this study aimed to explore the feasibility and short-term outcomes of a structured, biometry-driven personalization approach applied within a single-subject case study design. Materials and Methods: A personalized dermato-cosmetic formulation incorporating melatonin, astaxanthin, low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, allantoin, yarrow oil (Achillea millefolium), lecithin, cholesterol, and arginine was developed based on objective biophysical assessment of the skin. A clinical case evaluation was conducted in a male subject over 55 years of age (Fitzpatrick phototype III) presenting persistent xerosis and dehydration following completed oncologic therapy. Quantitative skin biometry was performed at baseline and after 28 days of daily application, assessing hydration at six anatomical sites, sebum secretion, pigmentation and erythema indices, elasticity, and stratum corneum turnover and scaling. Results: After 28 days, sebum secretion increased by more than 100%, indicating partial restoration of the lipid barrier. Hyperpigmented areas decreased from 7.2% to 2.3%, while skin elasticity improved from 25% to 44%. A reduction of 8% in the erythema index suggested decreased vascular reactivity. Hydration levels improved consistently across all evaluated sites, and epidermal renewal was enhanced, as evidenced by reduced scaling and smoother skin surface. The melanin index remained stable throughout the study period. Conclusions: This pilot evaluation shows that bespoke cosmetic formulations, customized to individual skin biometry and preferences, can yield measurable improvements in hydration, barrier repair, elasticity, pigmentation uniformity, and epidermal renewal within 28 days, even in skin compromised by previous oncologic therapy. Given the single-subject nature of this pilot evaluation, these findings cannot be generalized to broader populations but rather highlight the importance of personalization and objective skin assessment in guiding individualized dermato-cosmetic formulation strategies. Personalized dermato-cosmetology using objective biophysical assessment may be a promising future strategy for effective, consumer-centered skincare. Full article

We determined the in vivo absorption coefficient (μ_a) for 82 test subjects, all classified as Fitzpatrick skin phototypes II, III, IV, and V. Measurements were conducted using the integrating-sphere technique on the dorsal and palmar surfaces of the hand and the forearm. The reflectance data obtained were processed using the Inverse Adding Doubling algorithm to calculate the absorption coefficient. The mean values for this parameter ranged from 0.0132 mm⁻¹ to 0.1021 mm⁻¹ at a central wavelength of 624 nm. It was found that these parameters may be grouped into a distinct cohort, paving the way for studies and the design of light-based diagnostics and treatments better suited to the population in Mexico and Latin America. Full article

Background and Objectives: To our knowledge, this is the first case–control study conducted in the Baltic countries that identified CM risk factors focusing on the investigated subjects’ phenotypic traits, severe sunburns, sunscreen and tanning bed use. Materials and Methods: This study analyses 180 subjects with CM (case group) and 182 randomly selected controls. All participants completed surveys about sun exposure habits and skin phototype (I–IV) according to the Fitzpatrick scale. Skin, eye, and hair colour, number of freckles, and melanocytic nevi greater than 2 mm in diameter (MN > 2 mm) on sites with maximal, intermittent, and minimal sun exposure were examined. Results: We determined five risk factors that significantly increased the odds ratio of CM (OR; 95% confidence interval): tanning bed use compared to non-use (6.46; 1.89–22.96), lack of sunscreen use compared to regular use (7.41; 2.88–19.09), and fair skin compared to medium and olive skin (2.06; 1.03–4.09). The probability of CM also increased with each instance of severe sunburn (2.57; 1.96–3.38) and with each additional MN > 2 mm in sun-exposed areas (1.05; 1.03–1.07). Conclusions: The results of this case–control study offer novel insights into modifiable risk factors for CM, highlighting potential targets for primary prevention strategies in the Baltic countries’ population, with dominant fair phenotypic traits of skin, eye, and hair colour. Full article

Background: Patients diagnosed with melanoma are at increased risk of developing multiple primary melanomas (MPMs). Identifying clinical and genetic factors associated with MPM is critical for implementing personalized surveillance strategies. This study aims to describe the clinical, histopathological, and genetic characteristics of patients with MPM managed in a tertiary hospital and to contextualize findings within the current literature. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with two or more primary melanomas between 2010 and 2023 at a tertiary dermatology unit. Demographic data, personal and family cancer history, phototype, melanoma characteristics, genetic testing, staging, treatments, and outcomes were collected. These data were compared with findings from the recent literature. Results: Thirteen patients (ten males, three females; median age: 59 years) were found to have a total of 33 melanomas. Most patients had Fitzpatrick phototype II and no immunosuppression. The number of melanomas per patient ranged from two to five. Synchronous lesions were observed in two patients. Common locations included the trunk and extremities. Histologically, 57% were in situ melanomas, and subsequent melanomas were generally thinner than the index lesion. Two patients showed progression to advanced disease. One patient was positive for MC1R mutation; the rest were negative or inconclusive. Additional phenotypic and environmental risk factors were extracted from patient records and are summarized as follows: Ten patients (76.9%) had Fitzpatrick skin phototype II, and three (23.1%) had phototype III. Chronic occupational sun exposure was reported in four patients (30.8%), while five (38.5%) recalled having suffered multiple sunburns during childhood or adolescence. Eight patients (61.5%) presented with a total nevus count exceeding 50, and five (38.5%) exhibited clinically atypical nevi. None of the patients reported use of tanning beds. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with the existing literature indicating that patients with MPM often present with thinner subsequent melanomas and require long-term dermatologic follow-up. The inclusion of genetic testing and phenotypic risk factors enables stratified surveillance and supports the application of personalized medicine in melanoma management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skin cancer is increasingly prevalent. Non-melanoma skin cancers pose a challenge, as most lesions are diagnosed at later stages and often lead to complications. Although dermatoscopy has emerged as a valuable tool that enhances the confidence of dermatologists, specific patterns for accurately identifying various subtypes of non-melanoma skin cancer have yet to be detailed. This study aimed to investigate dermatoscopic clues that facilitate accurate diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer among Mexican individuals. There is insufficient acknowledgment of high skin cancer rates among non-Whites. Methods: The study included fifty-three patients diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, aged 39 to 89, who visited an academic dermatology department for skin examinations. Two certified dermatologists evaluated at least three dermatoscopy images for each lesion. A biopsy was taken to confirm the preliminary diagnosis. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism v8.0, considering a probability (p) value of less than 0.05 as significant. Results: Most patients were classified as phototype III. Patients with phototype IV were younger at the time of diagnosis. Basal cell carcinomas were the most common cancer subtype. Nodular and ulcerated tumors were the most prevalent morphology. The dermatoscopic examination revealed that 60% of the lesions were pigmented, with a predominance of polymorphic vascular patterns. Squamous cell carcinomas exhibited monomorphic vascular structures. Both groups’ blood vessel arrangements and specific patterns were primarily radial. Conclusions: Phototypes III and IV are predominant in the Mexican population; however, patients with non-melanoma skin cancer tend to be under 60 years of age at diagnosis. Although prominent reticular lines were distinctive of the ulcerated lesions, finding any pathognomonic pigmentary feature for non-melanoma skin cancer subtypes or locations was impossible. A polymorphic pattern of blood vessels, with a predominance of linear vessels, typically indicates the presence of Basal cell carcinoma. In contrast, a monomorphic pattern with a predominance of comma vessels is more suggestive of Squamous cell carcinoma. Full article

Background: Skin cancer prevention relies on effective sun safety practices. Previous studies have shown that LGBTQ+ individuals exhibit lower sunscreen use and higher tanning bed usage compared to their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. This study is the first to assess skin cancer risk factors, sun-protective behaviors, and skin cancer concerns among LGBTQ+ individuals across Canada. Methods: A national survey study was conducted between July 2020 and March 2024 and included LGBTQ+ respondents aged ≥ 16 years who had completed the survey. Responses were summarized using frequency counts/percentages for categorical variables and means/standard deviations for continuous variables. Logistic regression models were used to calculate age- and gender-adjusted odds ratios for subgroup analyses. Results: Of the 700 LGBTQ+ participants included (59.3% women; median age 38 years), the majority had a Fitzpatrick skin phototype (FSP) I–III (76.4%). Concerningly, 60% reported >10 lifetime sunburns, 58% reported ≥1 blistering sunburn, 34% had used a tanning bed ≥1 time in their lifetime, and 69% reported having a tan in the last 12 months. Sunscreen was worn regularly by only half of the respondents, and half of the participants agreed or strongly agreed with “I look better and/or healthier with a tan”. Additional comparisons are presented based on gender, FSP, education, and income. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the need for public health campaigns tailored to the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing culturally sensitive sun safety education, particularly for LGBTQ+ men, individuals with FSP IV–VI, and those with lower education levels, to help reduce future skin cancer risk. Full article

The Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype Classification (FSPC) scale is widely used to categorize skin types but has limitations such as the underrepresentation of darker skin phototypes, low classification resolution, and subjectivity. These limitations may contribute to dermatological care disparities in patients with darker skin phototypes, including the misdiagnosis of wound healing progression and escalated dermatological disease severity. This study introduces (1) an optical sensor measuring reflected light across 410–940 nm, (2) an unsupervised K-means algorithm for skin phototype classification using broadband optical data, and (3) methods to optimize classification across the Near-ultraviolet-A, Visible, and Near-infrared spectra. The differentiation capability of the algorithm was compared to human assessment based on FSPC in a diverse participant population (n = 30) spanning an even distribution of the full FSPC scale. The FSPC assessment distinguished between light and dark skin phototypes (e.g., FSPC I vs. VI) at 560, 585, and 645 nm but struggled with more similar phototypes (e.g., I vs. II). The K-means algorithm demonstrated stronger differentiation across a broader range of wavelengths, resulting in better classification resolution and supporting its use as a quantifiable and reproducible method for skin type classification. We also demonstrate the optimization of this method for specific bandwidths of interest and their associated clinical implications. Full article

Monte Carlo techniques have been extensively used for planning laser-based clinical procedures such as photobiomodulation. However, the effects of several biological tissue characteristics regarding its morphological structure and physiological parameters have not been carefully addressed in many applications. Specifically, many questions remain concerning the effect of skin phototype and body mass index on the effectiveness of photobiomodulation for extraoral therapies. To address these questions, a Monte Carlo simulation model of the effects of body mass index-dependent skin structure on different Fitzpatrick skin types was developed, specifically tailored for the morphological characteristics of cheek tissue. The model describes the settings of a typical oral photobiomodulation treatment protocol for pain relief, namely the use of 660 nm and 808 nm laser wavelengths and a therapeutic dose of $2.0{\mathrm{J}/\mathrm{cm}}^2$ on the masseter muscle. The simulations were used to train a machine learning predictive model aimed at accelerating the treatment planning stage and assessing the importance of patient-specific parameters. A multiple-regression approach was adopted to predict muscle dose and treatment time for effective delivered dose. Body mass index had little effect on epidermal energy deposition, but an important impact on muscle dose parameters. Phototype also influenced muscle dose, but to a lesser extent than body mass index. The results of this study can be used to develop customized dosimetry phototherapy protocols to promote more effective and safe clinical outcomes. Full article

Background: Laser therapies can cause hyper- and hypopigmentation of the skin. There is little evidence in the literature of effective treatments for these types of problems in Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV–VI. The main aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the effects of a new therapy that combines the application of electromagnetic fields and vacuum on a subject with Fitzpatrick skin phototype VI, who presented extensive, laser-induced facial dyschromia. The secondary aim is to test the effectiveness of a free imaging software for assessing skin pigmentation. Methods: The level of improvement after therapy was evaluated, with a 5-point Likert scale, one month after the end of the treatment by the subject and by the doctor who performed the treatment, and by two blinded dermatologists. With the free software, a three-dimensional reconstruction of the treated area and the evaluation of the color distribution were performed. Results: Both the subject and the doctors involved in the study positively evaluated the effects of the treatment. The image analysis highlighted the homogenization of the skin color in the treated area. Conclusions: The combination of electromagnetic fields and vacuum for dyschromia treatments appears promising. The new method of assessing melanin levels resulted particularly efficient. Full article