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An Improved Method for the Preparation of Type I Collagen From Skin
Published on: January 21, 2014
Effect of topical clay application on the synthesis of collagen in skin: an experimental study
D M Z Valenti1, J Silva, W R Teodoro
1Department of Physiology, ABC Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Background:
Clay is often used in cosmetic treatments, although little is known about its action.
Aim:
To evaluate the effect of topical clay application on the histoarchitecture of collagen fibres in rat skin.
Methods:
Animals received a daily application of clay and retinoic acid (RA) 0.025% to the dorsal skin over 7 and 14 days, under vaporization at 37 °C for 40 min. Control skin was not vaporized. Samples from each region were excised, and stained with picrosirius red for collagen evaluation.
Results:
Seven days after clay treatment, an increase in the number of collagen fibres was observed in treated skin compared with control skin (51.74 ± 1.28 vs. 43.39 ± 1.79%, respectively, P < 0.01), whereas RA did not alter the collagen level (45.66 ± 1.10%). Clay application over 14 days did not induce a further increase in skin collagen, whereas treatment with RA did (58.07 ± 1.59%; P = 0.001 vs. control).
Conclusion:
Clay application promotes an increase in the number of collagen fibres, which may account for its beneficial effects.
