<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>The principal function of skin is to form an effective barrier between the human body and its environment. Impaired barrier function represents a precondition for the development of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), which is the most common inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin barrier dysfunction. AD significantly affects patients’ quality of life, thus, there is a growing interest in the development of novel delivery systems that would improve therapeutic outcomes. Herein, eight novel lyotropic liquid crystals (LCCs) were investigated for the first time in a double-blind, interventional, before-after, single-group trial with healthy adult subjects and a twice-daily application regimen. LCCs consisted of constituents with skin regenerative properties and exhibited lamellar micro-structure, especially suitable for dermal application. The short- and long-term effects of LCCs on TEWL, SC hydration, erythema index, melanin index, and tolerability were determined and compared with baseline. LCCs with the highest oil content and lecithin/Tween 80 mixture stood out by providing a remarkable 2-fold reduction in TEWL values and showing the most distinctive decrease in skin erythema levels in both the short- and long-term exposure. Therefore, they exhibit great potential for clinical use as novel delivery systems for AD treatment, capable of repairing skin barrier function.</p>
</abstract>

The principal function of skin is to form an effective barrier between the human body and its environment. Impaired barrier function represents a precondition for the development of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), which is the most common inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin barrier dysfunction. AD significantly affects patients’ quality of life, thus, there is a growing interest in the development of novel delivery systems that would improve therapeutic outcomes. Herein, eight novel lyotropic liquid crystals (LCCs) were investigated for the first time in a double-blind, interventional, before-after, single-group trial with healthy adult subjects and a twice-daily application regimen. LCCs consisted of constituents with skin regenerative properties and exhibited lamellar micro-structure, especially suitable for dermal application. The short- and long-term effects of LCCs on TEWL, SC hydration, erythema index, melanin index, and tolerability were determined and compared with baseline. LCCs with the highest oil content and lecithin/Tween 80 mixture stood out by providing a remarkable 2-fold reduction in TEWL values and showing the most distinctive decrease in skin erythema levels in both the short- and long-term exposure. Therefore, they exhibit great potential for clinical use as novel delivery systems for AD treatment, capable of repairing skin barrier function.

Clinical application of hempseed or flaxseed oil-based lyotropic liquid crystals: Evaluation of their impact on skin barrier function

University of Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy

Acta Pharmaceutica

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The principal function of skin is to form an effective barrier between the human body and its environment. Impaired barrier function represents a precondition...

Clinical application of hempseed or flaxseed oil-based lyotropic liquid crystals: Evaluation of their impact on skin barrier function

Published Online: May 30, 2024

Page range: 301 - 313

Accepted: Jan 04, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2024-0014

Keywords
lamellar liquid crystals, atopic dermatitis, transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, erythema index, melanin index

© 2024 Mercedes Vitek et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Clinical application of hempseed or flaxseed oil-based lyotropic liquid crystals: Evaluation of their impact on skin barrier function

Published Online: May 30, 2024

Page range: 301 - 313

Accepted: Jan 04, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2024-0014

Keywordslamellar liquid crystals, atopic dermatitis, transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, erythema index, melanin index

© 2024 Mercedes Vitek et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
lamellar liquid crystals, atopic dermatitis, transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, erythema index, melanin index