A case study investigating the short‐term efficacy and tolerability of a daily serum composed from a unique sunflower sprout extract

Abstract

Background Fatigued skin, defined as dehydrated skin with lack of visual facial firmness and dull appearance, can be attributed to intrinsic and extrinsic factors of aging. An anti‐aging daily serum (AADS) containing a unique sunflower sprout extract (SSE) was formulated to target fatigued and photodamaged skin. Aims Utilizing both preclinical and clinical testing models, the efficacy of the AADS was investigated to improve fatigued and photodamaged skin. Patients/Method Preclinical studies included in vitro analysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in fatigued dermal fibroblasts, inhibition of ultraviolet radiation A (UVA) induced advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in keratinocytes, and ex vivo gene expression after incubation with the SSE. An institutional review board (IRB)‐approved short‐term, 7‐day, clinical case study was conducted on 28 female subjects, Fitzpatrick skin type I–IV, aged 30–60 years with moderate overall photodamage and skin fatigue. This was a double‐blinded, randomized, controlled, single‐center case study testing the AADS alone and in combination with an anti‐aging facial moisturizer (AAFM). Results The SSE boosted intracellular ATP production in fatigued fibroblasts and reduced the formation of AGEs in keratinocytes. The SSE increased expression of genes related to epidermal keratinization and downregulated genes related to inflammation. Statistically significant improvement was found after 7 days of twice‐daily use of the AADS alone and in combination with the AAFM. Products were well tolerated and perceived by subjects. Conclusion Preclinical results combined with the clinical results strongly suggest that the AADS containing the SSE was tolerable and effective in targeting fatigued and photodamaged skin.

Network medicine framework identified drug-repurposing oportunities of pharmaco-active compounds of Angelica acutiloba (Siebold & Zucc.) Kitag. for skin aging

“…UVR exposure could accelerate skin degradation and photoaging, leading to damage of skin appearance, physiological function, and even melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer [ 4 ]. UVA and UVB exposure are considered to be the potent driver for photodamaged skin induced by oxidative stress injury and free radical damage [ 5 ]. The most popular approach in protecting the skin from UVR is the application of shading equipment (umbrellas, hats, long sleeved clothes etc.)…”