Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

BACKGROUND: The combined efficacy and durability of botulinum toxin A (BTX) and hyaluronic acid fillers (HA) for canthal wrinkles have not been thoroughly evaluated in randomized clinical trials. AIMS: This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and durability of the combined treatment protocol of onabotulinumtoxinA and Juvederm Volite VYC-12 (Skinvive) for moderate and severe canthal lines. METHODS: This randomized double-blinded split-face trial included 25 women with periorbital dynamic wrinkles at severity levels II-IV according to the Merz 5-point scale. After bilateral onabotulinummtoxinA injections, the sides of the participants' faces were randomized to receive HA injections or a simulated injection. Assessed variables included electromyography activity (EMG), Merz 5-point crow's feet scale, and FACE-Q appraisal on crow's feet lines. Assessments were performed at baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. For differences in EMG and satisfaction scores, the two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc analyses were conducted. Wrinkle severity scores were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Inter-treatment comparisons revealed no significant differences between treatment protocols in all assessed periods for EMG (p = 0.86). For severity of canthal wrinkles, onabotulinumtoxinA + VYC-12 exhibited lower canthal wrinkle severity in rest and contracted positions after 3 (p = 0.04), and 3 (p = 0.007) and 6 (p = 0.001) months, respectively. Additionally, satisfaction with BTX-HA treatment was significantly higher after 3-month (p = 0.001) and 6-month (p = 0.001) follow-ups compared to BTX treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Higher improvements in canthal wrinkles could be enhanced by using onabotulinumtoxinA and VYC-12 in association as a treatment protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Genital self-image (GSI) refers to a person's perception of their genitalia, whether positive or negative. In recent years, it has become increasingly common for individuals to report dissatisfaction and insecurity regarding the appearance of their bodies and genitals. This scenario has a negative impact on both physical and psychological health, in addition to negatively influencing sexual life. OBJECTIVES: To gather information on the relationship between GSI and sexual function and to determine whether there is an association between these two factors. METHODOLOGY: A Systematic Review was carried out in the following databases: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Open Science Journal, PeDro, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, Science Direct, Springer Link, and OpenGrey. The research question was based on the PICO strategy: "Is there an association between genital self-image and sexual function?". Observational quantitative studies were included, regardless of language and publication data. Studies that did not include the terms "Genital Self-Image", "Sexual Function", and their synonyms and/or keywords in the title, duplicated studies or with low methodological quality were excluded. RESULTS: Out of 1727 initially identified studies, 10 met the inclusion criteria. These studies involved 7448 participants (2280 men and 5168 women) aged 18 to 72 years. The analysis showed a consistent association between positive GSI and better sexual function, including increased desire and satisfaction. Conditions such as premature ejaculation and pelvic floor dysfunction negatively impacted both GSI and sexual performance, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between the GSI and sexual function. Despite the growing interest in genital cosmetic surgeries, studies did not show significant differences in sexual function between women who underwent these procedures and those who did not. Sociocultural factors, including dissatisfaction with genital size, were also found to negatively affect GSI and sexual well-being, especially among men. CONCLUSION: A positive GSI is associated with better sexual function, greater satisfaction and quality in intimate experiences. Despite this, methodological limitations and the lack of diversity in the populations studied restrict the generalization of the results. Future research should focus on addressing gaps, such as the lack of longitudinal studies and the underrepresentation of diverse populations.

BACKGROUND: Sulfur has been historically used in dermatological therapy due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities and demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in conditions such as scabies, tinea versicolor, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. However, systematic analyses of the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of different forms of sulfur (e.g., sublimed and precipitated sulfur) and bioactive derivatives (e.g., hydrogen sulfide), particularly their effects on cutaneous diseases, remain underrepresented in contemporary literature. AIM: Our study aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of pharmacological evidence and regulatory frameworks governing sulfur and its derivatives in dermatology, elucidating their mechanisms and therapeutic potential in various skin disorders. METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted using medical terms including sulfur, sulfide, hydrogen sulfide, and dermatology. Relevant literature published between 1947 and 2025 was reviewed. RESULTS: This article not only summarizes the indications, potential therapeutic value, and mechanisms of sulfur and its derivatives in skin disorders, but also provides, for the first time, an overview of the usage restrictions and regulations established by food and drug administrations in most regions regarding the application of sulfur and its derivatives in dermatology. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights critical gaps in understanding the therapeutic bioactivity of sulfur and its derivatives, underscoring the need for preclinical studies to explore their translational potential as adjuvant therapies in dermatology.