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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Pathway: How Cigarette Smoke Triggers Skin Inflammation and Sebaceous Gland Hyperplasia

  Introduction The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays a critical role in mediating the biological effects of environmental toxins, including cigarette smoke. Recent research highlights AhR as a central regulator of skin homeostasis and inflammation. This topic introduces the significance of AhR signaling in dermatological research and its relevance to smoke-induced skin pathology. Cigarette Smoke as an Environmental Stressor Cigarette smoke contains numerous toxic compounds capable of penetrating the skin barrier and disrupting cellular function. Research in this area focuses on how these toxicants activate intracellular signaling pathways, leading to oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and long-term structural changes in skin tissue. Activation of the AhR Signaling Pathway in Skin Cells This topic examines the molecular mechanisms by which cigarette smoke components activate the AhR pathway in keratinocytes and sebocyte...

UV Filter Entrapment in Mesoporous Silica Hydrogel: Advanced Skin Protection Against UVA with Reduced Percutaneous Absorption

  Introduction Skin exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is a major contributor to premature aging, oxidative stress, and long-term skin damage. Conventional UV filters, while effective, often suffer from issues such as instability, skin penetration, and potential systemic absorption. This research introduces mesoporous silica hydrogel as an advanced carrier system designed to enhance UVA protection while addressing safety concerns related to percutaneous absorption. Mesoporous Silica as a Functional Carrier Mesoporous silica possesses a highly ordered pore structure, large surface area, and tunable pore size, making it an ideal material for encapsulating UV filters. In this research, silica acts not only as a physical entrapment matrix but also as a stabilizing agent that improves the performance and durability of UV-active compounds under prolonged UV exposure. Hydrogel Systems for Skin-Friendly Applications Hydrogels provide a biocompatible, hydrated environment that c...

Butterfly Pea Flower in Skincare: Scientific Research, Skin Benefits & Future Innovations

   Introduction Butterfly pea flower ( Clitoria ternatea ) has emerged as a significant subject in skincare research due to its rich phytochemical profile and traditional medicinal usage. Scientific interest has grown rapidly as researchers investigate its potential applications in dermatology, cosmetic science, and natural product formulation. This introduction highlights the relevance of butterfly pea flower as a research-driven botanical ingredient in modern skincare innovation.  Phytochemical Composition and Bioactive Compounds Research studies reveal that butterfly pea flower contains anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols that contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These bioactive compounds play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals and protecting skin cells from oxidative stress. Understanding its chemical composition is essential for developing standardized and effective skincare formulations. Antioxidant Mechanisms in Skin P...

8th Edition of WSI Awards | 27-28 February 2026 | Singapore

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Smart Hydrogel Dressings: Skin-Adaptable, Stretchable Innovation for Infection-Free Wound Healing

   Introduction Infected wound management remains a critical challenge in clinical care due to delayed healing, pain during dressing changes, and secondary tissue damage. Skin-adaptable, highly stretchable, and self-debonding hydrogel dressings represent a transformative research direction that integrates material science with biomedical engineering. These advanced hydrogels are designed to closely mimic skin properties while actively promoting infection-free healing. Material Design and Skin Adaptability The hydrogel dressing is engineered with a dynamic polymer network that enables excellent stretchability and conformability to irregular skin surfaces. This skin-adaptive behavior reduces mechanical stress at the wound site, ensuring stable coverage during movement and enhancing patient comfort, which is essential for long-term wound healing.  Self-Debonding Mechanism and Secondary Damage Prevention A key research innovation lies in the self-debonding capability of ...

Tilapia Skin–Derived Collagen Peptides: Molecular Mechanisms of Anti-Aging Revealed Using Zebrafish Model

   Introduction Skin aging is a complex biological process driven by oxidative stress, collagen degradation, and cellular senescence. Recent research has focused on bioactive peptides derived from natural sources as promising anti-aging agents. Tilapia skin, an abundant marine by-product, offers a sustainable source of collagen peptides with significant biological activity. Extraction and Identification of Tilapia Skin-Derived Collagen Peptides This research details the enzymatic hydrolysis and molecular characterization of collagen peptides obtained from tilapia skin. Advanced analytical techniques were used to identify low-molecular-weight peptides with high bioavailability, laying the foundation for their functional evaluation in aging models. Zebrafish as a Model for Aging Research The zebrafish aging model provides an efficient and genetically relevant system to study aging-related pathways. Its transparency, rapid life cycle, and conserved molecular mechanisms make ...

House Dust Mite Allergen Der p 39: A Novel Trigger of Skin Barrier Dysfunction in Atopic Dermatitis

  Introduction Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder strongly influenced by environmental allergens and skin barrier integrity. Recent research has identified the novel house dust mite allergen Der p 39 as a potential exacerbating factor in disease progression, providing new perspectives on allergen–skin interactions.  House Dust Mite Allergens and Skin Disease House dust mites are well-established contributors to allergic diseases, yet emerging allergens such as Der p 39 reveal previously unrecognized mechanisms. This research expands allergen profiling by demonstrating how specific mite components directly influence skin pathology beyond respiratory allergy. Mechanisms of Skin Barrier Dysfunction The study highlights how Der p 39 disrupts epidermal barrier function, increasing transepidermal water loss and weakening protective skin structures. Such dysfunction creates a permissive environment for inflammation, microbial invasion, and immune activatio...