Vol. 5, n. 1, January-March 2009 1th International ... - Salute per tutti

8
E. Berardesca, M. Carrera
Diet is the main source of silicon but the
bioavailability of this nutrient from solid foods
is poor 2 . The transformation of silicon contained
in zeolite by means of nanotechnology
has led to the production of nanosilicon. “Nano”
concerns a world of molecules with specific
properties and behaviour very different from
the “Macro” ones. The particles of nanosilicon
raise dimensions of 10-20 nm with an increased
active surface and a higher bioavailibility which
facilitates the cellular absorption.
im of the study
A
This study has been undertaken in
order to evaluate the efficacy of a topical and/or
oral formulation containing nanosilicon for the
improvement of skin hydration and elasticity.
aterials and methods
M
Thirty healthy female subjects entered
the study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were
as follows:
Inclusion criteria:
• Female;
• Subjects willing to refrain from using other
topical products on test area during the study;
• Subjects willing to not ingest drugs and/or
alimentary integrator that could interfere
with the results of the study;
• Subjects who have signed the written
informed consent;
• Subjects willing to avoid sun exposure on
test area during the study.
Exclusion criteria:
• All the conditions that are not included in
the inclusion criteria;
• Pregnant or nursing subjects;
• Immunocompromising diseases;
• Allergies;
• Subjects with significant history or current
evidence of any psychological disorder that
in the investigator's opinion would preclude
enrolment into the study.
Fifteen patients were randomized to receive the
placebo and fifteen patients received the active
compound; all the patients were instructed to
take the food supplement twice a day for the
Journal of Plastic Dermatology 2009; 5, 1
first twenty days and then once a day for the
next twenty days. All the patients enrolled were
instructed to apply the nanosilicon containing
solution on the right forearm four times a day.
The patients were evaluated with non invasive
methods at baseline, after 20 days and at the
end of the study, after 40 days. Several parameters
have been monitored as follows:
H y d r a t i o n . Skin surface hydration was
determined with the Corneometer ! CM 825
(Courage & Khazaka, Germany). The measuring
principle of this instrument is based on
capacitance measurement of a dieletric
medium. Any change in the dielectric constant
due to skin surface hydration variation
alters the capacitance of a precision measuring
capacitor.
B a rrier function. The measurement of the
t r a n s e p i d e rmal water loss (TEWL) is the most
important parameter for evaluating the eff iciency
of the skin water barrier. The state of
the barrier function is assessed by the
Tewameter TM 200 (Courage & Khazaka,
G e rm a n y). When the barrier function is re d uced,
the values of TEWL are high. The meas
u rement of the water evaporation is based
on the diffusion principle in an open chamb
e r. The density gradient is measured indirectly
by the two pairs of sensors (temperature
and relative humidity) inside the hollow
cylinder and is analysed by a micro p ro c e s s o r.
Elasticity. The elasticity of the skin is evaluated
by the Cutometer ! MPA 580 (Courage
& Khazaka, Germany). The measuring principle
is based on the suction method.
Negative pressure is created in the device
and the skin is drawn into the aperture of
the probe. The resistance of the skin to be
sucked up by the negative pressure (firmness)
and its ability to return in its original
position (elasticity) are displayed as curves
at the end of each measurement.
Skin smoothness, skin roughness, scaliness,
w r i n k l e s . These four clinical parameters
describe quantitatively and qualitatively the
skin surface; they are measured by a special
U V-light video camera (Vi s i o s c a n ! V C ,
Courage & Khazaka, Germ a n y). The images of
the skin surface are elaborated by a particular
s o f t w a re that permits the calculation of the
parameters. Thus, before and after tre a t m e n t
comparisons of the same skin site enable a
comparison of trends in skin condition.
Until now, profilometry has been the only