Alginate oligosaccharide-mediated butyrate-HIF-1α axis improves skin aging in mice

The“gut-skin”axis has been proved and is considered as a novel therapy for the prevention of skin aging.The antioxidant efficacy of oligomannonic acid(MAOS)makes it an intriguing target for use to improve skin aging.The present study further explored whereby MAOS-mediated gut-skin axis balance prevented skin aging in mice.The data indicated the skin aging phenotypes,oxidative stress,skin mitochondrial dysfunction,and intestinal dysbiosis(especially the butyrate and HIF-1a levels decreased)in aging mice.Similarly,fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)from aging mice rebuild the aging-like phenotypes.Further,we demonstrated MAOS-mediated colonic butyrate-HIF-1a axis homeostasis promoted the entry of butyrate into the skin,upregulated mitophagy level and ultimately improving skin aging via HDAC3/PHD/HIF-1a/mitophagy loop in skin of mice.Overall,our study offered a better insights of the effectiveness of alginate oligosaccharides(AOS),promised to become a personalized targeted therapeutic agents,on gut-skin axis disorder inducing skin aging.

The efficacy of a novel tomato extracts formulation on skin aging and pigmentation:A randomized,double-blind,parallel-controlled trial

Background:Oxidative stress is a significant factor in skin aging and pigmentation,which can be precipitated by various circumstances.Antioxidants and tyrosinase inhibitors,such as carotenoids,yeast extract(glutathione),sodium hyaluronate,astaxanthin,and niacin,can individually protect the skin against aging through distinct mechanisms.These mechanisms potentially enhance the skin barrier and improve signs of aging and pigmentation.However,the synergistic effects of these compounds,as found in a golden tomato extract formulation,have been scarcely explored.Objective:To evaluate the effects of an orally administered formulation on the skin aging and pigmentation.Material and Methods:In this study,a randomized,double-blind,parallel-controlled trial was conducted,utilizing the WONDERLAB?Tomato Niacinamide beverage.Out of all participants,62 volunteers completed the experiment and were included in the statistical analysis.Results:The results indicated that after eight weeks of consuming the research product,there were no significant changes in the skin indicators within the placebo group.In contrast,the treatment group receiving the sample formulation exhibited a 35.63%increase in stratum corneum hydration and a 29.39%reduction in transepidermal water loss(TEWL),suggesting enhanced skin hydration.Visual assessments revealed improvements in skin color and gloss index by 15.03%and 11.41%,respectively,in the treatment group.Furthermore,the skin gloss and individual typology angle(ITA)value increased by 18.59%and 6.36%,respectively,leading to a lighter skin tone.Significant enhancements were also observed in skin pigmentation,color uniformity,and redness.After eight weeks of intervention with the sample,blood levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GPx)increased,while malondialdehyde(MDA)levels decreased.Conclusion:These findings confirm that continuous intake of the tomato extract formulation over eight weeks effectively improved the volunteers'skin whitening and hydration,and visibly brightened skin tone through an antioxidant mechanism.

Quantification of In Vivo Epidermal Keratinocyte Architecture Associated with the Signs of Skin Aging and the Skin Benefit Evaluation by Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera)-Containing Skin Care Product

Background: Aged skin exhibits visual alterations such as wrinkles, rough texture, pore dilation, and dull skin tone, as well as physiological aging, namely, decreased hydration and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Recent advances in coherence tomography have also revealed that skin aging affects in vivo epidermal keratinocyte architecture. However, the interconnectivity between spatial architectural aging and visual/physiological aging parameters remains largely unknown. Purpose: To elucidate whether the tomographic keratinocyte architectural aging is correlated with visual and physiological skin aging parameters and to quantitatively evaluate the improvements of the architectural, visual, and physiological aging parameters by the daily treatment of the skin care formula containing Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (GFF, 8X PiteraTM). Method: We measured the in vivo keratinocyte cellular architecture with two-photon stereoscopic tomography obtaining by-layer epidermal section images in 78 Asian females of various ages. Visual aging parameters were analyzed using a portable image capture system. Hydration and TEWL were also assessed. The anti-aging effects of GFF-containing skin moisturizer (SK-II LXP CreamTM) were also examined in two studies after twice-daily application for 2 (N = 35) and 4 (N = 32) weeks. Results: As for the keratinocyte cellular architecture, skin aging was significantly associated with decreased cell density and increased cell uniformity. These architectural aging parameters were significantly correlated with visual and physiological aging parameters, namely, rough texture, wrinkles, pore dilation, dull skin tone, dehydration, and increased TEWL. The strong interconnectivity allowed us to develop formulae to estimate the keratinocyte architecture from visual aging parameters. Moreover, twice-daily application of SK-II significantly improved the keratinocyte architecture associated with multiple skin aging visual and physiological parameters. Conclusion: Skin aging is a process involving mutual interconnections among epidermal keratinocyte cellular architecture, visual, and physiological parameters. The GFF-containing moisturizer SK-II effectively improves spatial architecture of keratinocytes in epidermis and these evaluated skin aging parameters in a new trajectory over the course of treatment. .

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Algae-Based Sheet Masks in Skincare: A Comprehensive Study of Cosmetological Benefits and Microbiome Balanced Interactions

Research in dermatology is exploring bio-compatible materials like alginate and calcium sulphate for use in skincare products, such as facial sheet masks. Alginate (from seaweed) has wound healing and hydration properties, while calcium assists in maintaining skin balance and protection. In this study we explore the effects of an algae-calcium based sheet mask on skin. Materials and Methods: In-vitro studies investigated the purpose, process and effectiveness of an algae-calcium dry sheet mask (Algae Mask-MedSkin Solutions Dr. Suwelack). The mask is made from brown algae and undergoes a lyophilization and stabilization process to form its final structure. The mask’s properties were tested using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and its performance was assessed on human skin biopsies. Various tests were performed, such as measuring the release of ionic constituents and concentration of calcium ions, and the fibroblast cell-activating effect. Clinical evaluations and skin microbiome assessment were conducted on healthy volunteers to assess the mask’s effect on the skin. Results and Conclusion: The study validates the benefits of macro algae-based sheet masks for skincare, with significant cosmetic effects and high tolerance due to its composition. Notably, the algae based mask releases substantial calcium ions, hydrates, minimizes skin roughness and wrinkles, regulates pH levels, and maintains skin microbiome diversity. It also decreases Corynebacterium species found on the skin, suggesting potential to modify skin microbiome. .

Expanded Follicle-Sulcus-Crack Complex Is an Early Warning Sign of Facial Skin Aging: Improvement by Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate-Containing Skin Product

Background: Wrinkles, pigmented spots, and roughness are representative parameters reflecting facial skin aging. Sulci cutis connecting to follicular orifices frequently form perifollicular cracks, which join together adjacent sulci. This follicle-sulcus-crack complex (FSCC) is exacerbated by dehydration. Purpose: Although dehydration is associated with facial skin aging, FSCC’s implications in facial skin aging remain unresolved. Method: We measured facial skin parameters in 1999 and 2010 in 108 Japanese women, and in 2006 and 2016 in 182 Chinese women. We addressed whether expansion of FSCC is associated with other skin aging parameters. We also examined whether skin moisturizer can reverse the expanded FSCC. Results: In both clinical studies, FSCC severity as well as wrinkles, spots, and roughness significantly deteriorated with age. Notably, FSCC significantly increased as early as in subjects in their 20s, whereas wrinkles, spots, and roughness became conspicuous in those in their 40s or older. Moreover, subjects with more severe FSCC in the initial measurement exhibited significantly worse wrinkles, spots, and roughness in the second measurement a decade later. Dehydration was significantly correlated with expanded FSCC. Furthermore, FSCC expansion was reversed after appropriate moisturization by daily application of Galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF)-containing skincare product (SK-II Skin Power Cream) for 4 weeks in 37 women. Conclusion: The expanded FSCC is likely to be an early indicator of facial skin aging. Appropriate moisturization may reduce FSCC formation and decelerate facial skin aging.

Acidification of the Skin and Maintenance of the Physiological Skin pH Value by Buffered Skin Care Products Formulated around pH 4

Each biological system possesses a widely unrecognized buffer system to maintain acid-base balance to a specific pH. The skin pH is crucial for physiological skin function. In aged or diseased skin, pH increase is observed and may negatively affect skin health. Skin care products with a pH that is slightly more acidic than the average normal skin pH and have an adequate buffering capacity, are considered beneficial for the skin. However, the buffer capacity of these products also plays an important role. In the present study, a possible normalization or acidification of skin surface pH and influence on skin hydration and skin barrier function was assessed via application of buffered skin care products that are formulated with pH ≤ 4.5. 48 subjects aged above 50 were treated with three different skin care products (Vitamin C Spheres, Collagen Spray, and Collagen Mask) and skin surface pH, skin hydration and barrier integrity were assessed before treatment start and after 4 weeks. The results show that after 4-week treatment with Vitamin C, the skin pH is acidified. Treatment with Collagen Spray and Collagen Mask showed maintenance of a physiological skin pH. Subgroup analysis of subjects that had a higher than average skin pH at study start demonstrated that all three tested skin care products were able to acidify the skin surface. In addition, skin hydration was also increased for two of the three tested products, whereas skin barrier is not significantly changed. This demonstrates that buffered skin care products formulated to a pH ≤ 4.5 are able to acidify and maintain physiological skin pH and may contribute to a physiological skin function.

Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry quantitative proteomic analysis reveals that skin aging-related proteins differ between men and women

The skin is the largest organ of the human body,and its aging is visible to the naked eye.The aging rate of men and women is slightly different.This study compared the protein expression of skin samples on the curved forearms of 11 healthy women and 9 healthy men.Quantitative proteomics analysis found that the expression of epidermal proteins in men and women of the same age group was different.Compared with female skin,in male skin,20 proteins were upregulated,and 7 proteins were downregulated.These data suggest that men and women have differences in the speed of skin aging.For the first time in this experiment,a non-invasive mass spectrometer was used to detect 27 different-related epidermal proteins between men and women.Compared with women,among the 20 epidermal proteins upregulated in men,their functions can be classified into antioxidants,epidermal lipid metabolism,signal transduction,membrane transport,and cell biological processes;the 7 downregulated proteins are involved in a variety of biological processes and inflammatory reactions.Our experiments have discovered epidermal proteins related to the differences between men and women,enriching the library of epidermal differential proteins between men and women and enriching the mechanism of skin aging between men and women from the perspective of epidermal differential proteins.

Star fruit extract and C-glycosylated flavonoid components have potential to prevent air pollutant-induced skin inflammation and premature aging

Air pollution adversely affects skin,leading to skin inflammation and premature skin aging.Plant derived antioxidant compounds have been considered to be promising in discovery of effective agents for the protection of skin from the damage by air pollutants.Our previous studies demonstrated that Averrhoa carambola fruit(known as star fruit)is rich in flavonoid C-glycosides with unique structures and potent antioxidant activity.Thus,the star fruit extract(SFE)and main flavonoid C-glycoside components,carambolasides I,J,and P(1-3),carambolaflavone B(4),and isovitexin 2″-O-α-l-rhamnoside(5),were investigated for the activity against air pollutant stress in human epidermis.As a result,SFE and compounds 1-5 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against protein carbonylation in oxidative-stressed stratum corneum with the best activity being shown by compound 3.SFE and compounds 2-5 were also active against engine exhaust-induced protein carbonylation in stratum corneum.When further evaluated,SFE and com-pound 3 significantly inhibited gene expression of the key inflammation mediators IL-1αand COX-2 in PM-stressed keratinocytes.The results indicated that SFE and the flavonoid C-glycosides are potentially effective against air pollutant-induced skin inflammation and premature aging.

Skin Anti-Aging Benefits of a 2% Resveratrol Emulsion

Background: Young and intact skin is highly responsive. As skin ages, its responsiveness decreases. Production of structural components of the skin slows down and signs of skin aging appear. External influences like UV radiation and pollution contribute to signs of skin aging. They lead to an increased formation of so-called free radicals. Bioactive antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, have beneficial effects on skin health by free radical scavenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the topical effects of new and highly concentrated resveratrol containing emulsion (Medskin Solutions Dr. Suwelack AG, 2% trans-resveratrol) on age-related alterations to the skin. Methods: A clinical observation study was performed on 20 subjects to observe the effects of a 2% resveratrol emulsion on typical signs of skin aging. Product was applied once daily for a period of 8 weeks in combination with a standardized treatment. Tested parameters were skin elasticity, skin barrier function, skin smoothness, skin thickness and density. Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, skin pH value is significantly lowered and skin barrier function improved. The value of skin elasticity (+5.3%), and skin density (+ 10.7%) had increased, while skin roughness (-6.4%) and skin dispensability (-45.9%) had diminished. Intensity of skin redness had decreased. Furthermore, expert and participant evaluations show satisfaction, especially with regard to skin smoothness and skin moisture. Conclusion: The resveratrol emulsion shows positive outcomes by supporting reduction of skin wrinkling and increasing skin firmness, as well as reducing skin redness, and is therefore an all-round anti-aging treatment.

Experimental Method Of Cosmetics Human Efficacy Evaluation-Delaying Skin Aging Efficacy

This paper briefly introduce the test method for human evaluation of cosmetics to delay skin aging,and provide reference for the test of relevant indexes.By formulating a reasonable test plan and choosing appropriate equipment to test the improvement of the skin aging characteristics before and after the product is used,it can provide a scientific basis for claiming the effect of delaying skin aging.

Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells:the wine in Hebe's hands to treat skin aging

Owing to its constant exposure to the external environment and various stimuli,skin ranks among the organs most vulnerable to manifestations of aging.Preventing and delaying skin aging has become one of the prominent research subjects in recent years.Mesenchymal stem celis(MsCs)are multipotent stem cells derived from mesoderm with high self-renewal ability and multilineage differentiation potential.MSC-derived extracellular vesicles(MSC-EVs)are nanoscale biological vesicles that facilitate intercellular communication and regulate biological behavior.Recent studies have shown that MSC-EVs have potential applications in anti-aging therapy due to their anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative stress,and wound healing promoting abilities.This review presents the latest progress of MSC-EVs in delaying skin aging.It mainly includes the MSC-EVs promoting the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts,reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases,resisting oxidative stress,and regulating inflammation.We then briefly discuss the recently discovered treatment methods of MSc-EVs in the field of skin anti-aging.Moreover,the advantages and limitations of EV-based treatments are also presented.

Related gene expressions in anti-keratinocyte aging induced by Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides

Objective:To examine the level of expression of anti skin aging gene of Ganoderma lucidum polysacchayides and clarify its mechanism with anti aging of this ancient Chinese medicine.Methods:HacaT cell of keratinocytes lines were cultured and treated with the polysaccharides.The total RNA was extracted with Trizol reagent and cDNA was synthesized by reverse thanscription.The obtained cDNAs were then fluorescently labeled with cy3 and cy5 respectively and hybridized with gene expressing pedigree cDNA chip.The images were scanned and analyzed with special software.The scan data were analyzed with software and checked by real time PCR.Results:Among total 18 346 human genes,the expression of 103 ones was up-regulated and 378 ones down-regulated.It was demonstrated evidently that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides affected the expression of genes of anti skin aging.Two ways are anastomotic.Conclusion:it is concluded by analysis of function of these up-regulation and down-regulation genes that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides may play an important role in boosting cell growth and against skin aging.It shows that the results of gene array reliable by real time PCR.

Effect of Microfocused Ultrasound on Facial Rejuvenation: Clinical and Histological Evaluation

Introduction: Micro focused ultrasound (MFU) is formed by mechanical waves emitted in a focused manner, concentrating thermal energy on a certain point or region, promoting a clinical improvement in wrinkles. Objective: evaluate the effects of micro focused ultrasound on facial rejuvenation. Methodology: This is an experimental study. The sample consisted of 30 volunteers, who were evaluated before treatment, 45 and 90 days after its beginning. A single application of the MFU was performed across the facial region. The parameters used were: 10 MHz cartridge with depth of 1.5 mm, 7 MHz with depth of 3 mm, and 4 MHz with focal depth of 4.5 mm;doses ranged from 0.1 to 2.0 J, according to the sensitivity of the volunteers treated, and the application time was of approximately 90 minutes. Clinical photographic analysis and facial symmetry analysis using Dolphin Imaging software were performed, and validated questionnaires. Two volunteers were submitted to blepharoplasty surgery, and one to rhytidoplasty surgery 45 days after the application of the MFU. Samples of the treated skin were taken after the surgical procedures and submitted to histological and immunohistochemical analyses. The volunteers answered a questionnaire to assess adverse reactions and satisfaction. Results: We observed a visible clinical improvement on the images by photography, and an improvement of facial symmetry in the measurements of the paralateronasal projection (p = 0.007), left lateral mandibular (p = 0.01), and right lateral mandibular (p = 0.008). The histological analysis showed an increase in the amount of fibroblasts (p = 0.02), blood vessels (p = 0.0062) and inflammatory cells (p = 0.0036), in addition to the production of type 1 collagen. In the immunohistochemical analysis, we observed the presence of the macrophage marker IHQ: CD68, indicating phagocytosis of adipose tissue and the presence of fibrosis. In the analysis of adverse reactions, only transient hyperemia was observed with the presence of pain during application. Additionally, the volunteers expressed high level of satisfaction (93%) with the treatment Conclusion: The MFU promoted the production of collagen, reorganization of the dermis and, clinically, a reduction of sagging and wrinkles, with increased facial symmetry.

The Role of Cosmetic Gynecology Treatments in Women in Perimenopausal Period

The conditions in which we live nowadays contribute to exposure of our bodies to harmful factors such as UV radiation, pollution, smoking, poor eating habits, low physical activity, stress, which thereafter lead to the acceleration of skin aging process. In women, the process is additionally dependent on the menopause, as a result of the disappearance of hormones, the process is faster. Physiological changes that occur in women’s body during perimenopausal and menopausal period affect their sexual function: pain during an intercourse, decreased libido, lack of agitation. Deficiency of hormones, besides skin changes, leads to vaginal dryness, accompanied by inflammation, often correlated with discharge and burning. As a result of the loss of hyaluronic acid labia become slack and less moisturized. In addition, there has been observed: a gradual loss of pigment and hair, involution of the clitoris, and involution and sticking of labia minora, lipoatrophy of labia majora with subsequent reduction in their volume and thinning the lining around the vaginal opening. This article presents processes of skin aging. It describes mechanisms of intrinsic and extrinsic aging. It also presents the mechanisms of accelerated aging in women in perimenopausal period—accelerated skin aging dependent on hormonal factors associated with the loss of ovarian function. The research presents how the hormonal loss influences woman’s body, her genitals—its functionality and aesthetic look. It also shows how using filler treatments in gynecology can restore the aesthetic appearance of female genital and improve their functionality.

<i>Rehmannia</i>Root Improves Extracellular Matrix Production and Epidermal Differentiation by Upregulation of the Estrogen Receptor

Estrogen is essential for the skin to maintain its physiological function. The binding of estrogen to the estrogen receptor (ER) activates gene transcription, which has biological effects on the target tissue. Estrogen levels and ER expression are known to decrease with aging and exposure to ultraviolet light (UV);therefore, increased estrogen levels and ER expression may improve age-related changes in the skin. Rehmannia root has been reported to have blood circulation-promoting and anti-inflammatory effects;however, few studies have reported the effects of Rehmannia root on skin. In this study, we examined the effects of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. var. purpurea Makino root extract (RE) on ER expression, and estrogen, RE, or their related ingredients increased ER expression in human epidermal keratinocytes, human dermal fibroblasts, and skin models. Moreover, RE increased the production of basic fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor β1, and epidermal growth factor. The mixture of estrogen and RE improved extracellular matrix (ECM) production to a greater degree than estrogen and RE independently. Although high population doubling levels (PDL) and UV irradiation downregulated ER expression, RE upregulated ER expression in high PDL cells and UV irradiated cells. In addition, RE increased the expression of epidermal differentiation marker proteins compared to their expression levels in the absence of RE. The collective findings suggest that RE aids in the prevention of skin aging by upregulating the ER expression that has been decreased by aging and UV and promoting estrogen activity, ECM production, and epidermal differentiation.

How to Predict AGEs Accumulation Slowdown Effect of a Cosmetic Ingredient? Two Steps <i>In-Vitro</i>System for Evaluating the Anti-AGE Impact of a New Blend

Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs), play a crucial part in advancing the process of cellular skin aging and its link to chronological age was re-assessed. AGEs accumulation alters cell structure and function of most types of skin cells, affecting skin’s mechanical and physiological properties, following the molecular transformations. Slowdown AGEs accumulation rate in skin, although a potent anti-aging strategy, is difficult and tricky. The lack of working methods for In-Vitro and In-Vitro measuring AGEs level complicates the evaluation and prediction of active ingredients’ ability to affect cellular AGEs accumulation. A two-step In-Vitro systematic screening method is proposed and three different cosmetic active ingredients were selected for its demonstration, using BSA-Glucose and Collagen-Glucose predicting models. Candidates’ effects on AGEs accumulation were evaluated as standalone, and when formulated in a blend. Additionally, the potency of non-invasive auto-fluorescence in-vivo measurement to detect AGEs levels among subjects of different ages was demonstrated. The results are presented in this work and the potential contribution of the proposed system to assist the desired inhibition of AGEs accumulation in skin is discussed.

Survey on skin aging status and related influential factors in Southeast China

Objective： To investigate cutaneous aging patterns of residents in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, and their contributing factors. Methods： Eight hundred and forty-eight Hangzhou residents received the survey between March 2004 and September 2004. Results： Facial wrinkling first occurred at 21 years of age and skin elasticity began to lose at 22 years of age. In middle-aged and old people, facial wrinkling and looseness escalated with the increase of ultraviolet （UV）-exposure time, indicating the accelerating effect of a higher accumulative dose of UV radiation on skin aging. Only Fitzpatrick types Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were found in the skin phototypes of residents in Hangzhou area, and Fitzpatrick type Ⅱ seemed to be much more subject to severe wrinkling, elasticity destruction and skin tumors than types Ⅲ and Ⅳ. The oily skin was more protected against wrinkling and facial looseness than dry skin. However, as to concomitant cutaneous diseases, no difference was found among different skin types. Conclusion： Age, solar-exposure time, Fitzpatrick type and skin type are the associated forces in promoting skin aging, and emotional factor seems to be another independent risk factor. The age of 49 years and 2 h/d of solar-exposure time seem to be the turning points responsible for dramatic changes of cutaneous appearance in the process of skin aging in Southeast China.

Lecithin organogel: A unique micellar system for the delivery of bioactive agents in the treatment of skin aging

Skin aging is an unavoidable aspect of human life.Premature skin aging can result from poor care,environmental pollutants,and ultraviolet radiation exposure.Wrinkles,lines,spots,uneven skin tone,and pigmentation are often indicators of skin aging.One cannot avoid aging but cosmetics and pharmaceutical approaches can minimize and delay the damage.Topical applications of biocompatible and biodegradable vehicles have been explored for delivering anti-aging compounds.Lecithin organogel(LO)is an effective vehicle for topical delivery of many bioactive agents used in aging treatment.Lecithin is cell component isolated from soya beans or eggs and purified to show excellent gelation in non-polar solvents when combined with water.LO can form a heat-stable,resistant to microbial growth,visco-elastic,optically transparent,and non-birefringent micellar system.It serves as an organic medium to enhance dermal permeation of poorly permeable drugs by effectively partitioning into the skin.Its ability to dissolve in hydrophilic as well as in lipophilic drugs makes it a dynamic vehicle,which can be explored as a carrier for anti-aging agents.

Effects of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on MDA, GSH-Px, and Hyp in the Skin of Senile Mice

Objective： To observe the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on the skin histomorphology of senile mice. Methods： The subacute senile model of mouse was made by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose into the neck, then they were randomly allocated into an acupuncture group, a moxibustion group, a model group, and a blank group, and measured the content of malondialdehyde （MDA）, activity of glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）, and content of hydroxyproline （Hyp） in the skin tissue. Results： Acupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli （ST 36） could decrease the content of MDA, enhance the activity of GSH-Px, and increase the content of Hyp in the skin tissue of senile mice. Conclusion： Acupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli （ST 36） could delay the senescence progress of mice＇s skin.

Experimental Research of Acupuncture Therapy on Skin Aging in Senile Rats

Objective： To observe the effect of acupuncture on skin aging of senile rats and discuss the mechanism of acupuncture in treating skin aging. Methods： The 18-month-old senile Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups, a blank group, a surrounding needling group, a surrounding needling plus Zusanli （ST 36） group, comparing with the 8-month-old young rats. The tests included the content of dissoluble hydroxyproline （Hyp） and the activity of superoxide dismutase （SOD） in the skin of rats＇ abdomen. The transmission electron microscope was used for the morphological observation of the fibroblasts and the arrangement of the collagen fiber. Results： The dermal organelles in the fibroblasts of the rats decreased with the cellular structures. Meanwhile, the spaces among the collagen fibers extended and the aging bridging increased. The surrounding needling improved the activity of the fibroblasts. The dissoluble Hyp content in the surrounding needling group was much higher than the rats in the blank group, but the SOD activity didn＇t change significantly. However, the surrounding needling plus Zusanli （ST 36） enhanced the SOD activity. Conclusion： Acupuncture may improve the activity of the fibroblasts in the skin to increase the dissoluble collagen content, resulting in the improvement of an aged appearance. Surrounding needling plus needling Zusanli （ST 36） could enhance the SOD activity.