Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis
A randomized intraindividual, observer-blinded clinical trial shows scissor snip excision outperforms a 532 nm LBO laser for skin tag removal, challenging assumptions that lasers are superior. Mechanistic work identifies a stem cell-derived peptide (ADSCP6) that attenuates hypertrophic scarring via NF-κB-related pathways, and formulation research presents a surfactant-free, gel-like Pickering emulsion using Bletilla polysaccharides for eco-friendly cosmetic applications.
Summary
A randomized intraindividual, observer-blinded clinical trial shows scissor snip excision outperforms a 532 nm LBO laser for skin tag removal, challenging assumptions that lasers are superior. Mechanistic work identifies a stem cell-derived peptide (ADSCP6) that attenuates hypertrophic scarring via NF-κB-related pathways, and formulation research presents a surfactant-free, gel-like Pickering emulsion using Bletilla polysaccharides for eco-friendly cosmetic applications.
Research Themes
- Evidence-based comparison of cosmetic procedures
- Mechanistic anti-scar therapeutics from stem cell-derived peptides
- Green, surfactant-free formulation strategies for cosmetics
Selected Articles
1. Removal of skin tags: scissor excision versus non-ablative 532nm-LBO-laser in a randomized intraindividual controlled observer-blinded clinical trial : Laser is not always better.
In a randomized intraindividual, observer-blinded trial of 68 patients (1,257 lesions), scissor snip excision achieved higher complete healing at 12 weeks (85% vs 71%), lower pain, and greater patient preference than a non-ablative 532 nm LBO laser. Although laser treatment was faster and bloodless, it had more erythema and pigmentary changes, supporting scissor excision as first-line therapy for skin tags.
Impact: This RCT provides high-quality evidence that challenges the assumption that lasers are superior for skin tag removal and supports a simpler, lower-cost approach.
Clinical Implications: Prefer scissor snip excision as first-line for pedunculated fibromas; counsel patients that lasers may be faster but carry higher risk of erythema and pigment changes and do not improve healing.
Key Findings
- Complete healing at 12 weeks: 85% (scissor) vs 71% (532 nm LBO laser), p=0.00001
- Lower pain scores with scissor excision (mean 2.6) vs laser (mean 3.42)
- Patient preference favored scissor excision (63% vs 19% for laser; 18% indifferent)
- Laser was ~39% faster but had higher rates of erythema and hyper/hypopigmentation
Methodological Strengths
- Randomized intraindividual split-site design with observer blinding
- Large lesion count (1,257) providing robust within-patient comparisons
Limitations
- Single-center study with short follow-up (12 weeks)
- Limited to neck/axilla skin tags and a single non-ablative 532 nm LBO laser modality
Future Directions: Head-to-head trials with other laser modalities and longer-term outcomes (pigmentary/scar durability), cost-effectiveness analyses, and evaluation in diverse anatomical sites and skin phototypes.
2. From stem cells to skin: ADSCP6 peptide's role in transforming scar therapy.
ADSCP6, a peptide derived from adipose stem cell secretome, suppresses hypertrophic scar phenotypes by downregulating collagen I and ACTA2 in scar fibroblasts and improving healing in vivo. Multi-omic and functional assays implicate NF-κB signaling with KANK2 and ADGRE2 as binding partners; blocking NF-κB abrogates antifibrotic effects, and ADSCP6 modulates FAK/STAT3/SMAD2 and enhances angiogenesis.
Impact: Identifies a first-in-class multifunctional peptide with validated molecular targets and mechanisms for scar modulation, bridging mechanistic insight with translational potential.
Clinical Implications: Provides a mechanistic rationale for topical ADSCP6 development as an antifibrotic, pro-healing therapy for hypertrophic scars; supports biomarker-driven early-phase trials focusing on NF-κB pathway modulation.
Key Findings
- Reduced COL1A1 and ACTA2 expression in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts without affecting proliferation/apoptosis
- Topical ADSCP6 improved wound healing and decreased collagen content in a murine excisional model
- RNA-seq (328 DEGs) and KEGG analysis implicate NF-κB signaling; KANK2 and ADGRE2 identified as binding partners
- NF-κB blockade abrogated antifibrotic effects; FAK, STAT3, and SMAD2 levels were reduced; ADSCP6 enhanced HUVEC tubulogenesis
Methodological Strengths
- Integrated in vitro, in vivo, transcriptomic, and protein-interaction validation
- Functional pathway testing showing loss of effect upon NF-κB inhibition
Limitations
- Preclinical study without human clinical endpoints or safety profiling
- Dose, formulation, biodistribution, and long-term toxicity remain undefined
Future Directions: Formulation optimization for topical delivery, GLP toxicology, dose-ranging, and early-phase clinical trials; validation in human scar models and comparison with standard-of-care (silicone, corticosteroids, 5-FU, lasers).
3. Construction of Bletilla striata polysaccharide-coconut oil gel-like Pickering emulsions driven by depletion flocculation interactions.
A dual-layer, surfactant-free Pickering emulsion using degraded Bletilla striata polysaccharides (DBSP-5) and cCNC stabilized coconut oil into gel-like structures by leveraging depletion flocculation. DBSP-5 improved stability, ionic robustness, temperature tolerance, and elastic recovery, offering an eco-friendly platform for cosmetic and biomedical delivery.
Impact: Introduces a green, surfactant-free stabilization strategy that exploits depletion interactions to build robust gel-like emulsions, directly relevant to clean-label cosmetic formulations.
Clinical Implications: While preclinical, this platform could reduce irritancy associated with surfactants and improve delivery/stability of cosmetic actives, benefiting sensitive skin formulations and eco-design.
Key Findings
- DBSP-5 enabled dual-layer stabilization of cCNC-stabilized coconut oil Pickering emulsions via depletion flocculation
- Rheology showed improved stability, ionic tolerance, and temperature robustness; strong elastic recovery at 1:5 and 2:5 DBSP-5:cCNC ratios
- Surfactant-free gel-like emulsions enhance potential for polysaccharide delivery in cosmetic/biomedical applications
Methodological Strengths
- Mechanistically grounded dual-layer design leveraging depletion interactions
- Comprehensive rheological and stability assessments across composition ratios
Limitations
- No in vivo dermatologic safety or irritation testing presented
- Long-term shelf-life, scalability, and compatibility with diverse actives not evaluated
Future Directions: Test dermatologic safety and sensory properties, assess long-term stability and active loading/release, and scale-up manufacturing for cosmetic-grade applications.