Extrait

Background and study aims As we age our skin ages, leading to noticeable changes such as wrinkles, dark spots and dryness. It is though that one of the major causes of skin ageing is sun exposure. When the sun shines on our skin, it produces a dark pigment called melanin which makes us appear tanned while protecting against potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Many studies have shown that long-term exposure to UV light causes our skin to age more quickly. It is thought that this is because of a process called oxidative stress, in which free radicals (unstable molecules) attack the DNA of our skin cells, causing them to die. Free radicals are naturally produced as our cells process oxygen however this process is worsened through UV light exposure. Antioxidants are substances which are able to essentially “neutralize” ROS in the body by binding to them so that they are no longer reactive and able to cause damage. There is some evidence to suggest that using skin cream containing antioxidants can help to slow down skin aging. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a cosmetic cream which contains antioxidants. Who can participate? Healthy Caucasian adults who are showing signs of skin ageing and have not had sun exposure on their backs for at least two months. What does the study involve? For all participants, four areas on the left and right legs are randomly allocated to have a different treatment applied every day for 30 days. The first treatment is the test cream, which contains a base with vitamin A, a vitamin E precursor (compound which reacts to form vitamin E) and glycyl glycineoleamide ( a molecule which protects skin tissue from wrinkles). The second treatment is a base cream containing 2% vitamin E. The third treatment is a placebo (dummy) cream which is made up of a base with no active ingredient, and the fourth treatment involves no cream being applied. Participants attend study visits after 15 and 30 days at which UVA radiation is applied to the test areas. Samples are then take four and 24 hours after the UVA application to measure antioxidant activity and fat breakdown. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? There are no known benefits or risks involved with participating in this study. Where is the study run from? Farcoderm facilities, San Martino Siccomario (Italy) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? March 2012 to July 2012 Who is funding the study? Pierre Fabre Dermo Cosmétique (France) Who is the main contact? Dr Virginie Ribet

Critère d'inclusion

• Antioxidant efficacy of a cosmetic product

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp