Selective removal of stratum corneum by microdermabrasion to increase skin permeability

Abstract

This study sought to determine if microdermabrasion can selectively remove stratum corneum to increase skin permeability. Although, microdermabrasion has been used for cosmetic treatment of skin for decades, no study has assessed the detailed effects of microdermabrasion conditions on the degree of skin tissue removal. Therefore, we histologically characterized the skin of rhesus macaques and human volunteers after microdermabrasion at different conditions. Using mobile tip microdermabrasion, an increase in the number of treatment passes led to greater tissue removal ranging from minimal effects to extensive damage to deeper layers of the skin. Of note, these data showed for the first time that at moderate microdermabrasion conditions selective yet full-thickness removal of stratum corneum could be achieved with little damage to deeper skin tissues. In the stationary mode of microdermabrasion, selective stratum corneum removal was not observed, but micro-blisters could be seen. Similar tissue removal trends were observed in human volunteers. As proof of concept for drug delivery applications, a model fluorescent drug (fluorescein) was delivered through microdermabraded skin and antibodies were generated against vaccinia virus after its topical application in monkeys. In conclusion, microdermabrasion can selectively remove full-thickness stratum corneum with little damage to deeper tissues and thereby increase skin permeability.

Recovery of Skin Barrier After Stratum Corneum Removal by Microdermabrasion

“…The depth of abrasion employed depends on the severity of the patient's skin condition, but in a clinical setting, the stratum corneum is not usually completely removed (6). Although initially designed for cosmetic applications, microdermabrasion has recently been used in several studies for delivery of small hydrophilic molecules, insulin, and vaccines (5,(10)(11)(12)(13).…”

Comparison of the Skin Lipid Layer in Acne Vulgaris Patients after Treatment with 50% Lactobionic Acid, Corundum Microdermabrasion and a Combination of Both Means

“…However, this rank of efficacy predominantly results from the fact that, depending on the degree of pressure reduction, treatment time and the size of corundum particles, microdermabrasion may strongly reduce the epidermal barrier [31]. While these changes may bring some clinical improvement and may reduce keratosis pilaris, they may also too much accelerate the penetration of LA (or other active ingredients) through the skin [28].…”

“…It has good abrasion ability, does not penetrate the skin, and these features together with its antibacterial properties make the corundum microdermabrasion a useful method supporting the anti-acne treatment [25]- [27]. Also, the corundum microdermabrasion facilitates the penetration of skin by active ingredients due to the abrasion of stratum corneum [28]. Repeated microdermabrasion treatments stimulate regeneration and improve the elasticity of the skin.…”

Predictive analysis of photodynamic treatment depth with different photosensitizer based nanocarriers

“…Entre dichas dificultades, se encuentra la posibilidad de tratar únicamente lesiones cutáneas superficiales ya que la mayoría de los fotosensibilizadores comercializados actualmente absorben la radiación óptica en la región espectral visible por debajo de 700 nm, donde la penetración de la luz en la piel se limita a unos pocos milímetros. Otro aspecto que puede limitar la respuesta al tratamiento, es una acumulación insuficiente del fotosensibilizador en el tejido tumoral, en gran parte debido a la influencia que tiene la capa córnea de la epidermis en el proceso de difusión del precursor hacia las capas más profundas de la piel, [2][3]. Igualmente el carácter hidrofóbico de la mayoría de los fotosensibilizadores que se agregan fácilmente en un medio fisiológico, dificulta la formulación farmacéutica para su administración.…”