Development of a multifunctional dermocosmetic formulation containing nanotechnology active ingredient to the improvement of skin with melasma

Abstract

Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis, characterized by dark spots of irregular pattern common in adult women, mainly of darker phototypes, which has a great impact on the quality of life and generates a great demand for treatments. Although several treatments are found in the market, a large number of patients with melasma show dissatisfaction with the results, both because there is no improvement in the spots and because of the worsening of their clinical condition. The skin with melasma presents a multifactor character, being necessary the development of a product that presents: a) safe and effective lightening action; B) broad-spectrum photoprotection with high sun protection factor (SPF) combined with protection against visible light; C) anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action; D) a formulation that allows the camouflage of the spots on the face and that has a pleasant sensory aspect. Such properties when combined may potentiate their isolated effects in order to act on the major causes of melasma. Thus, it is intended to combine all of the aforementioned features into a single, innovative and multifunctional product for the protection and improvement of melasma skin, which will be developed by combining safe and effective active substances, suitable vehicle and bleaching nanoparticles. Therefore, the objective of this project is to develop a multifunctional dermocosmetic containing a nanoparticle that possesses a bleaching action, which provides photoprotection, anti-inflammatory action, antioxidant action and camouflage of the spots to lighten, protect, avoid melasma reappearance and improve the quality of life of patients. For this purpose, during the PIPE Phase 1, ingredients will be screened for the composition of the multifunctional formulation and the nanoparticle by means of an in vitro evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of the combination of the selected assets and of these with the vehicles. Thus, the expected results in Phase 1 are the identification of the stable formulation of maximum efficacy and safety, through the analysis of possible synergistic actions or incompatibilities of the studied ingredients. The research of these ingredients will serve as scientific and technological subsidy for the development of the nanoparticle and multifunctional dermocosmetic product, demonstrating the technical-scientific feasibility of obtaining the proposed product. Finally, it should be emphasized that the product to be developed possesses great potential for innovation in the cosmetic and dermatological areas in order to meet a significant percentage of the Latin population that still seeks effective and safe treatments for this hypermelanose, thus reaching a niche still weakly exploited. (AU)