Background. Over time, the striae rubra develop into striae alba that appear white, flat, and depressed. It is very important to determine the optimum striae management. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of these therapies, objective measurement tools are necessary. Objective. The aim of this study is to evaluate if ultrasonography and PRIMOS can be used to obtain an objective assessment of stretch marks type and stage; furthermore, we aim to apply these techniques to evaluate the efficacy of a topical treatment. Methods. 20 volunteers were enrolled with a two-month study. A marketed cosmetic product was used as the active over one body area. The controlateral area with stretch marks was treated with a “placebo” formulation without active, as a control. The instrumental evaluation was carried out at the beginning of the trial (baseline values or t 0), after 1 month (t 1), and at the end of the study (t 2). Results. PRIMOS was able to measure and document striae distensae maturation; furthermore, ultrasound imaging permitted to visualize and diagnose the striae. Statistical analysis of skin roughness demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of Rp value only in a treated group. In fact, the Rp value represented a maximum peak height in the area selected. These results demonstrated that after two months of treatment only the striae rubra can be treated successfully. Conclusions. This work demonstrated that the 22MHz ultrasound can diagnose stretch marks; PRIMOS device can detect and measure striae distensae type and maturation. Furthermore, the high-frequency ultrasound and the 3D image device, described in this work, can be successfully employed in order to evaluate the efficacy of a topical treatment.

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Objective: A study was established to objectively assess the effects of low-intensity electromagnetic and electric stimulation plus negative pressure on mature scars. Background: Radiofrequency plus negative pressure therapy demonstrated a favorable reorganization and regeneration of the collagen and elastic fibers and was proposed for the treatment of cellulitis and skin stretch marks. Methods: Twenty-six mature scars in 20 Caucasian patients (15 females and 5 males) were enrolled in the study. The treatments were carried out with a Class I, BF-type electromedical device equipped with a radiofrequency generator, an electric pulse generator, and a vacuum pump twice a week for 3 months. Corneometry, transepidermal water loss, elastometry, colorimetry, and three-dimensional skin surface pattern were objectively assessed with Multi Probe Adapter System MPA and PRIMOS pico. A subjective assessment was carried out with the VAS and PSAS scales. Each scar was compared before and after the treatment and with the skin in the corresponding healthy contralateral anatomical area at the same times. Results: Reduction of the scar surface wrinkling and overall scar flattening were demonstrated after the treatment. The scar slightly tended to approach the color and elasticity of healthy skin too. Conclusions: The combined local treatment of mature scars with low-intensity electromagnetic and electric stimulation in association with negative pressure might suggest a favorable synergic effect on the scar collagen and elastic fiber remodeling.

Sunscreens play a fundamental role in skin cancer prevention and in protection against photo-aging. UV filters are often photo-unstable, especially in relation to their vehicles and, being lipophilic substances, they are able to interact with plastic packaging. Finally, UV filter stability can be significantly affected by the routine use of the product at high temperatures. This work aims to study the stability of sunscreen formulations in polyethylene packaging. Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane and octocrylene, both in a free form and as encapsulated filters were chosen as UV filters. Stability evaluations were performed both in the packaging and on the formulations. Moreover, a further two non-destructive techniques, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and a multiple light scattering technique, were also used to evaluate the stability of the formulation. Results demonstrated clearly that all of the pack underwent significant changes in its elastic/plastic behavior and in external color after solar irradiation. From the evaluation of the extractable profile of untreated and treated packaging material an absorption of 2-phenoxyethanol and octocrylene were shown. In conclusion, the results highlighted clearly that a reduction of the UV filter in the formulation packed in high-density polyethylene/low-density polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE) material can occur over time, reducing the protective effect of the product when applied to the skin.