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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging
Published on: November 24, 2021
Profilometric and morphometric response of murine skin to cosmeceutical agents
Tapan K Bhattacharyya1, Jeannie Linton, Lily Mei
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Eye & Ear Infirmary, 1855 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. tbhatt@uic.edu
Objective:
To investigate whether topical antiaging compounds can reduce wrinkle depth as noted at replica profilometry with comparable changes in histologic findings in hairless mice.
Methods:
Commercial retinoic acid cream, a peptide lotion, and a soy cream were applied to the dorsal skin for 4 weeks. Silicone-negative replicas of treated and untreated skin surface were photographed and evaluated for traditional features of surface roughness. Skin samples were processed using histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Quantitative light microscopic data were acquired for estimating replication of epidermal keratinocytes, epidermal thickness, and depth of dermal collagen bundles.
Results:
Data were analyzed by comparing means with 1-way analysis of variance, and significant changes in all measurements were noted. Augmented keratinocyte proliferation and thickening of viable epidermis were observed with all 3 compounds, although a greater effect was found in the retinoic acid and peptide treatment groups. A similar trend was noted with respect to widening of the collagen layer. Epidermal surface roughness manifested maximum smoothing after treatment with the peptide compound.
Conclusion:
The pronounced effects noted with all 3 compounds indicate that topical agents other than retinoic acid may have comparative stimulating effects on the skin in nonirradiated mice.
Insights
Topical antiaging creams containing retinoic acid, peptides, and soy significantly improved skin texture and thickness in mice. These compounds offer alternatives to retinoic acid for antiaging skin treatments.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cosmetic Science
- Skin Biology
Background:
- Aging skin exhibits increased wrinkle depth and reduced collagen.
- Topical antiaging compounds aim to mitigate these visible signs of aging.
- Retinoids are a common ingredient, but alternatives are sought.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical antiaging compounds in reducing wrinkle depth.
- To compare the effects of retinoic acid, peptide lotion, and soy cream on skin histology.
- To assess changes in epidermal and dermal components in hairless mice.
Main Methods:
- Application of retinoic acid, peptide, and soy creams to mouse dorsal skin for 4 weeks.
- Analysis of skin surface roughness using replica profilometry.
- Histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry to assess epidermal proliferation, thickness, and dermal collagen.
Main Results:
- All tested compounds increased keratinocyte proliferation and epidermal thickness.
- Retinoic acid and peptide treatments showed greater effects on proliferation and epidermal thickening.
- Peptide treatment resulted in the most significant smoothing of epidermal surface roughness.
- All compounds led to a widening of the dermal collagen layer.
Conclusions:
- Topical agents, including peptide and soy creams, can effectively stimulate skin in non-irradiated mice.
- These compounds demonstrate comparable or superior effects to retinoic acid in improving skin structure.
- Non-retinoid topical agents represent viable options for antiaging skin therapies.
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