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| BODY SHAPING | ARTICLE


effect induced by a phytosterol complex and/or similar biochemical interactions with other naturally occurring compounds, such as unsaturated fatty acids. Other than an effective botanical lipolytic complex, the


active formulation also contained a group of substances able to generate a controlled, superficial cryothermal/ vasomotor reaction aimed at increasing the transepidermal penetration of cosmeceutical ingredients. A balanced formulation of menthol, menthyl lactate and ethyl nicotinate was used for this purpose. This innovative cryothermal mechanism can be interpreted as a Ôvascular exerciseÕ induced by the rapid change of skin surface temperature from physiological warmth to almost chilling cold. This vascular exercise functionally stimulates a subcutaneous micro-circulation contributing to reduced excessive interstitial fluid accumulations; increased transepidermal permeability, favouring the absorption of active ingredients; and activated metabolic cellular response ultimately leading to a natural reduction of fat and cellulite15–18


.


Conclusions A topically-applied body- remodelling dermo-cosmetic formulation containing different active ingredients has


proven effective in modulating adipocyte homeostasis leading to a significant volumetric reduction in subcutaneous fat. A range of cosmeceutical actives can be recognised: agents reducing lipogenesis and promoting lipolysis; agents activating superficial microcirculation; agents restoring normal physiology and structure of dermal and sub-dermal tissue; and antioxidant agents able to prevent cellular release of reactive oxygen species. When lipolysis is activated, free fatty acids derived from adipose storage are released into the bloodstream and transported to different tissues, especially the muscles, where energy is produced in the form of adenosine-5Õ -triphosphate (ATP) via β-oxidation. The present double-blind randomised prospective


study confirmed the efficacy of an innovative topical slimming formulation applied selectively on the abdominal and hip regions according to a non-interrupted twice-a-day programme lasting 4 weeks. The study formulation was able to significantly decrease the circumference of treated anatomical districts and consistently reduce subcutaneous fat thickness. Clinical improvements were observed even at 2 weeks after the beginning of treatment, further consolidated at the end of the study period. Results were statistically different


PATIENT SELF-ASSESSMENT ACTIVE PRODUCT


100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%


Key points


■ A double blind, randomised, prospective active versus placebo trial aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of an innovative formulation to treat localised adiposities


■ A combination of botanical actives associated with an innovative cream and a synergistic skin cooling effect were used


■ A topically applied body-remodelling dermo-cosmetic formulation proved effective in significant volumetric reduction in subcutaneous fat


■ A significant decrease in circumference of treated anatomical areas and a consistent reduction of subcutaneous fat thickness was observed


33% 37% 17% 13% 0%


Reduction of abdomen adipose pannicula


Absent Light


Reduction of hips adipose pannicula


Medium


30% 19% 12% 4%


35% 21% 13% 0%


Reduction of waist circumference


Marked Very marked


A tight dress fits looser


37% 29%


35% 27% 21% 17% 7% 0% smoothness 23% 12% 2%


Improvement of skin


6%


Improvement of skin tonicity


35% 33% 28%


33% 21%


Figure 9 Subjective evaluation of clinical efficacy of active cosmeceutical formulation as perceived by study subjects. Data obtained by self-assessment questionnaires


PATIENT SELF-ASSESSMENT PLACEBO PRODUCT


100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%


51% 42% 41% 28% 19% 2% 0%


Reduction of abdomen adipose pannicula


Absent Light 15% 2% 0%


Reduction of hips adipose pannicula


Medium 11% 2% 0%


Reduction of waist circumference


Marked Very marked 13% 2% 0%


A tight dress fits looser


smoothness 11% 4%


Improvement of skin


50% 37%


52% 33% 26% 33% 26% 22% 10% 2%


Improvement of skin tonicity


Figure 10 Subjective evaluation of clinical efficacy of placebo as perceived by study subjects. Data obtained by self-assessment questionnaires


prime-journal.com | July/August 2012 ❚ 27 33% 33%


Subjects %


Subjects %


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