Background Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common dermatosis. For moderate to severe AV, isotretinoin is the first-line treatment. Chemical peeling with supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) was developed with water solubility and advanced skin penetration properties. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of oral low-dose isotretinoin combined with 30% SSA chemical peeling. Methods Thirty-three moderate-to-severe acne patients were enrolled and received oral low-dose (0.2-0.4 mg/kg/d) isotretinoin and were then randomly assigned to receive 30% SSA or not on each side of the face with 2-week intervals for four sessions. Photos, the number of lesions, GAGS score, skin indices (melanin, erythema, pore, and texture), hydration, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were assessed at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 10 weeks. Side effects, efficacy, and satisfactory rates were recorded.Results A total of 29 patients completed the study. Oral isotretinoin combined with SSA decreased response time compared to isotretinoin monotherapy, with significantly improved GAGS score, count of lesions, and efficacy (%) at 4-6 weeks. Skin indices of melanin, erythema, pore, and texture evaluated at week 10 were improved as well. Oral isotretinoin with or without SSA was effective by the lesion clearance; only SSA significantly improved the TEWL. All the side effects were temporary and tolerable, and no adverse effects were observed. ConclusionOral low-dose isotretinoin combined with 30% SSA is safe and effective, which advanced the onset of action and improves lesion clearance.Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.

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Background: Dietary supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) can inhibit inflammation and oxidation of photoaging, but the effect and mechanism on regulation of dermis collagen remains poorly elucidated. The destruction of dermal collagen plays a crucial role in the process of long-term ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induced-photoaging, especially leading to deterioration of skin appearance and function. Methods:In this study, we explored the protective effect of n-3 PUFAs on the regulation of collagen through the MAPK pathway using the SKH-1 photoaging mouse model. Results:The results showed that n-3 PUFAs promoted collagen synthesis and reduced collagen degradation in a dose-dependent manner, which was mediated by the downregulation of the MAPK pathway. In addition, n-3 PUFAs supplementation inhibited the production of MMP-1 and the UV-induced abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes. All these effects resulted in the remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) and finally made a significant improvement in the appearance of skin. Conclusion:Overall, the present study suggested that dietary supplementation of n-3PUFAs has the potential clinical prospect to prevent UV-induced skin damage and photoaging.

Striae gravidarum (SG) is a kind of dermal scar associated with psychosocial and therapeutic challenge. Topical reagents and non-invasive laser are more preferred than invasive procedures for less pain and shorter downtime. However, there are few studies on comparing and combining these two modalities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a topical regimen containing β-glucan, 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL; ResurFX), and combination of them for SG. A total of 128 unilateral abdomens from 64 subjects were randomly divided into four strategies and were followed up for 12 weeks: topical vehicle (Veh); topical β-glucan (B); 1565nm NAFL combined topical vehicle (NAFL); 1565-nm NAFL combined topical β-glucan (B + NAFL). NAFL was applied three times with a 4-week interval. Topical reagent was applied b.i.d. for 12 weeks. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores were assessed by blinded physician according to standard photograph, and by subjects at 12th week. The degree of SG atrophy was assessed by blinded physician before treatment and at the 12th week according to a standard 5-point scale. Collagen remodeling was evaluated by histological analysis and all adverse effects were recorded. A total of 56 women (112 unilateral abdomens) completed all study. The GAIS scores by blinded physician showed greater improvement in NAFL as compared with β-glucan, and by subjects showed greater improvement in β-glucan as compared with vehicle. In terms of striae atrophy scale, the improvement of SG atrophy was more prominent in NAFL compared to β-glucan, and in β-glucan + NAFL compared to Veh + NAFL. All treatments were well tolerated. Topical β-glucan regimen can mildly improve SG. NAFL showed better results than topical β-glucan regimen. The combined strategy may further improve the SG atrophy compared with single treatment strategy.