In vitro and in vivo efficacy of the Active Oligo Skin complex™, a new active ingredient processed from seawater, on multiple parameters of atopic skin.

BACKGROUND: Different symptoms are associated with atopic skin, including dryness, pruritus and pain, and affect patients' quality of life. The environment, microbiota, epidermis, immune and nerve cells are all implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic skin. Staphylococcus aureus is the focus of particular attention. Epidermis is implicated at multiple levels: inflammatory process, barrier, control of moisture and water loss. Sensory neurons that participate in cutaneous neurogenic inflammation and pruritus are seen as a potential new target. Specific management strategies and new treatments for adults and children are needed to help in more refractory cases. As a baseline of management, guidelines recommend a treatment to moisturize the skin and maintain the skin barrier function, such as an emollient. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a new product in vitro and in vivo in order to validate the potential of its use in people with atopic skin or dry skin. METHODS: A specific mineral composition, Active Oligo Skin complex™, from seawater was developed and included in a balm. The effects of a solution and balm containing the complex were evaluated in vitro on the growth and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis in different skin models, and in vivo in adult and young volunteers. RESULTS: In vitro, the complex modulated bacterial biofilm formation and growth, decreased cytokine [interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-4] and neuropeptide (substance P) release, and increased the expression of CL1 and CL4. On volunteers with dry skin, the complex had a moisturizing effect after 1†h of application. Dryness and roughness were also reduced in young participants with atopic skin. The balm decreased erythema and pruritus after 21†days of topical application on 60 young participants. On 22 adult participants, stinging score was decreased after -application. CONCLUSIONS: The Active Oligo Skin complex™ appears to display potent antipruritic and anti-inflammatory activities, both in vitro and in vivo.