Psychological stress signaling affects skin via corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) release. Through receptor CRH-R1, CRH activates inflammation mediators like NF-kB, IL1-β, IL6 and TNF-α in keratinocytes. Inflammation increases skin redness and leads to extracellular matrix degradation, reduced elasticity / firmness, and wrinkling. We show mitigation of these effects with an aqueous extract of Cistus creticus, a Mediterranean shrub traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and against some skin diseases. It contains the flavonoid myricitrin, tied to reduced NF-kB, IL6, and TNF-α – suggesting a link to the extract’s effects. CRH-R1 receptor blocking was tested in a functional receptor assay in recombinant CHO cells. An ex-vivo model measured master inflammation regulator NF-kB under CRH stimulation (innumohistochemistry). A human keratinocyte culture model under CRH stimulation measured downstream inflammation markers IL1-β, IL6, and TNF-α by ELISA. Finally, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, on a highly stressed population, evaluated anti-inflammatory effects (microcirculation; redness; red spots; response to SLS chemical insult) and anti-aging effects (wrinkling). The extract effectively blocked CRH-R1, indicating an interruption of neurogenic inflammation signaling. In the ex-vivo model, the extract blocked the effects of CRH and decreased NF-kB. In the keratinocyte culture, the extract decreased expression of IL1-β, IL6, and TNF-α, negating the effects of CRH. The clinical trial showed significant anti-inflammatory effects (reduced microcirculation; increased resilience to SLS, faster recovery; reduced skin redness) and reduced wrinkling. These show that the extract mitigates neurogenic stress effects on skin by interrupting the stress signaling cascade at CRH-R1, and its value for skin care applications.

ESDR238 - Alleviation of neurogenic inflammation and reduction of skin aging signs, by blocking psychological stress signaling with a natural Cistus creticus extract.

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.