Topical application of lignans and phytosterols in seborrhoic skin

Topical application of cosmetic products can be helpful in improving seborrhoic skin condition. The aim of this work is to evaluate the sebum regulation efficacy of a cosmetic formulation containing REGU®-SEB a compound rich in lignans and phytosterols showing strong 5á-reductase inhibition “in vitro” activity. Thirty healthy female volunteers with seborrhoea disease in their skin face were involved in the study. Clinical evaluation as well as biophysical non-invasive measurements were taken in order to monitor product effects. The parameters considered were sebum skin content (Sebumeter® SM 815) and skin hydration (Corneometer® CM 825). The results showed improvement of skin conditions with statistically significant reduction of clinical score (p<0.001) and sebum skin content (p<0.05) and with increase of skin hydration (p<0.01). The formulation was in general well accepted and tolerated even if some subjects judged the formulation greasy and difficult to be absorbed by the skin. Further studies could be carried out on formulations containing lower amounts of lipophilic phase (gels for example) more suitable to seborrhoic skins.