Search Results (2)

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition in which skin barrier function plays a crucial role. Hot spring water is known for its beneficial effects on skin health. This study investigates the impact of a hot spring water on AD pathology, focusing on skin barrier function. Methods: Using the tape-stripping method, we induced an AD mouse model, treated the mice with either hot-spring water or tap water, and assessed time-dependent changes in skin barrier function, histology, and AD-related proteins. Results: Transepithelial water loss (TEWL) was significantly increased after tape-stripping, which began to decrease from day 2 in both treatment groups. On day 3, water loss was significantly decreased in hot-spring-treated mice than tap water-treated mice. Histological analysis revealed thickening and vacuolization of the stratum spinosum from day 2, becoming more pronounced on day 3 in tap-water-treated mice. However, in hot-spring-treated mice, the stratum spinosum was significantly less thickened, and the stratum granulosum was better formed. Immunostaining showed that transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) levels decreased at day 2 but returned to baseline by day 3, with no significant differences between groups. Filaggrin, a key skin barrier protein, was markedly low in tape-stripped areas at day 0, but increased progressively, with a higher level in the upper epidermis of hot-spring-treated mice compared to tap-water-treated counterparts. Additionally, hot spring water treatment significantly reduced CD8+ T cell numbers and IL-4 cytokine levels, mitigating inflammation. Conclusions: Threfore, hot spring water enhances skin barrier recovery and reduces inflammation in AD. Full article

Collagen (CLG) belongs to the family of fibrillar proteins and is composed of left-handed α polypeptide chains, which, twisting around themselves and their axis, form a right-handed superhelix. In the chemical structure, it contains mainly proline, hydroxyproline, glycine, and hydroxylysine. It occurs naturally in the dermis in the form of fibers that provide the skin with proper density and elasticity. The review aimed to present the types of collagen protein, factors affecting its structure and its unusual role in the functioning of the human body. Also, an overview of cosmetic products containing collagen or its derivatives, the characteristics of the formulas of these products, and the effects of their use were presented. Throughout the market, there are many cosmetic and cosmeceutical products containing CLG. They are in the form of fillers administered as injections, belonging to the group of the oldest tissue fillers; products administered orally and for topical use, such as creams, gels, serums, or cosmetic masks. Analyzed studies have shown that the use of products with collagen or its peptides improves the general condition of the skin and delays the aging process by reducing the depth of wrinkles, improving hydration (in the case of oral preparations), reducing transepithelial water loss (TEWL), as well as improving skin density and elasticity. In addition, oral application of bioactive CLG peptides has shown a positive effect on the nails, reducing the frequency of their breakage. Full article