depending on the distance the skin is being sucked into the probe. A probe with a
2-mm opening is usually used, and a pressure of 450 mbar is applied in order to suck
the skin into the probe. Each measurement consists of five suction cycles (3 s of
suction followed by 3 s of relaxation). The parameters Ua/Uf (gross elasticity),
Ur/Ue (elasticity of the skin), Ur/Uf (biological elasticity), and Uv/Ue (the ratio of
viscoelastic to elastic distension) are evaluated (Dobrev 2000).
Dermal echogenicity and morphological and structural epidermal features can be
determined with a DermaScan C (20 MHz ultrasound) and a VivaScope 1500
reflectance confocal microscopy, respectively (Gonzalez and Gilaberte-Calzada
2014; Gianeti and Maia Campos 2014).
The 20MHz ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive technique for the evaluation of the skin
alterations in the dermis as thickness and echogenicity (Unholzer and Korting 2012).
The development of laser scanning confocal microscopy enabled the utilization
of this technique in the noninvasive evaluation of the skin. Nowadays, in vivo laser
confocal microscopy has a wide range of applications, because it obtains microscopic
images in real time, with a resolution close to conventional histology
(Gianeti and Maia Campos 2014).
The images below represent the skin microrelief (Fig. 2) and high-resolution
photograph of the face (Fig. 3) before and after treatment with a formulation
containing polysaccharides from algae. The polysaccharide-based formulation
improved the skin microrelief and appearance.
5 Clinical Efficacy of Polysaccharide-Based Formulations
on the Skin
In the cosmetic industry, there is a demand for natural-origin raw materials that can
add desired characteristics in terms of benefits in the sensorial and visual characteristics
and functional compatibility with the skin and other components. This way,