Journal of

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Background and Aim: Moisturizers have important roles in the treatment of dry skin. Their safety has to be evaluated on human volunteers in order to assess their potential skin irritation. Measurements of skin biophysical parameters can be used as fast and noninvasive methods to assess any harmful effect of cosmetic formulations on the skin sites where those products are applied. Methods: Two moisturizers were selected from Iran's market to determine the changes in Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration, pH, melanin and hemoglobin contents by biometric assessments with MPA 580 Cutometer®. Results: There was no any significant change in TEWL, skin pH, melanin and hemoglobin contents before and after products application. Stratum corneum hydration was increased after application of Neu Derm Renutrive Honey Shea from 0.09 to 0.39 (P0.001). Neu Derm Optimal Hydrosense increased stratum corneum hydration from 0.23 to 0.48 (P0.001). Conclusion: Application of the studied moisturizers on human volunteers did not show any adverse effect. So, those products could be recommended for safe use. Significant changes in the stratum corneum hydration associated with application of each moisturizer were related to humectant ingredients which were used in each product.

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Background and Aim: Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (SD) are common chronic skin diseases. There are many chemical drugs for treating dandruff and SD. Prolonged use of them may cause side effects and drug resistance. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a herbal extract lotion with clotrimazole 1% lotion in the treatment of SD.

Methods: Twenty volunteers (12 men and 8 women) aged 20 to 40 years, with seborrheic dermatitis were enrolled in this trial and were randomly allocated into two groups. One group was treated with a herbal extract lotion and the other group with clotrimazole lotion. The herbal extract contained common sage, thyme vulgaris, tea tree oil, lavender, willow, rosemary, and aloe vera. The patients were instructed to use the lotions three times a week for 4 weeks. We evaluated the patients by clinical assessment and measured the scalp sebum, pH, and dandruff number before two weeks, and four weeks after completed a treatment. At the end of the study, each participant satisfaction form.

Results: At the end of the study, the participants whom received the herbal extract lotion had a significantly greater reduction in scalp scaling, erythema, itching, and number of dandruff compared with those who received clotrimazole (P<0.05). The patient satisfaction score was also higher in the herbal extract group (60% versus 10%).

Conclusion: This study showed that herbal extracts lotion was effective in the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitiand can be an appropriate alternative to chemical agents.