Research published in cosmeticsfound that both single nanoemulsion essential oils and combinations of essential oils were useful in treating acne. A combination of tea tree nanoemulsion and his four essential oils was beneficial for adult men with non-inflammatory acne.
“According to the results presented in this study, it appears important to include Melaleuca essential oil, which provides terpinen-4-ol, in anti-acne cosmetic formulations,” the authors write.
Non-inflammatory acne and essential oils
Factors that contribute to acne lesions include abnormal keratinization, altered sebum production, hair follicle colonization, and release of inflammatory mediators into the skin. Diet, genetics, and insulin resistance also play a role.
Recent studies have shown that essential oils are beneficial in cosmetic formulations. Terpenes (secondary metabolites with biological properties) found in essential oils benefit skin health. One of the most widely studied EOs when it comes to skin health is tea tree oil. It has been proven to improve acne, photoaging, and oral candidiasis. Other EOs such as lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus oils are used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
One of the challenges in incorporating EOs into pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is their low water solubility and high volatility. However, nanoemulsions may offset these properties, so nanoemulsion EOs are included in this study.
study method
This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical in vivo study included 53 male participants. Participants were between 18 and 28 years old and had non-inflammatory acne. He created four groups of lavender, eucalyptus, tangerine and tea tree mixtures. Tea tree nanoemulsion. Pure tea tree essential oil and placebo. The formulation was applied for 90 days and skin imaging tests were performed before and after the study. Participants also used SPF 50 sunscreen for 15 days before the study and during the study period.
The authors used a 5-point scale to classify visible comedones, macroscopic images, RCM images, and skin images.
result
Products containing tea tree oil nanoemulsions showed the most promising results in reducing comedone areas, especially the infundibulum area, the authors wrote. This is probably due to the combined effect of terpinen-4-ol in the oil and the nanoemulsion.
“After 90 days, the 4EO group and the nanoemulsion group showed the most favorable results as they reduced the number of dysmorphic pilosebaceous units and decreased the number of altered pilosebaceous units,” the authors said. are writing. Hyperkeratosis of hair follicles also improved.
A decrease in the number of comedones, hyperkeratosis, and number of units containing internal amorphous material was observed in all four groups, but for internal amorphous material, the placebo group compared to the other groups. It was not statistically significant.
The authors also report on the main terpenes present in each of the four essential oils studied. These include d-limonene in tangerine EO and 1,8-cineole in eucalyptus EO. Lavender EO contains linalool and linalyl acetate, and tea tree EO contains various forms of terpinene and his 1,8-cineole.
The authors write, “In particular, the use of nanoemulsions demonstrated excellent results in the reduction of the pilosebaceous region, especially the deeper layers of the skin.” They suggest this highlights the importance of innovative delivery systems.
“An important additional observation in this study is that all groups showed some improvement in non-inflammatory acne,” the authors wrote. This may be due to the fact that all participants used sunscreen daily. “It is well known that unprotected sun exposure can worsen the hyperkeratosis process.”
sauce:
cosmetics. 2023, Ten(6), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10060158
“Characteristics and effectiveness of essential oil-based cosmetic formulations for acne-prone skin”
Author: Hugo Pacagnelli Infante, V., et al.
