The second edition of the “Conversations on dermatology” took place in Milan on 19 May, an initiative promoted by Rilastil – Laboratorio Dermatologico, the historic brand of the Ganassini Institute for Biochemical Research, which saw the participation of university professors active in research and development of innovative and effective dermatological products.
The meeting was moderated by Carla Scesa, past president of the Italian Society of Cosmetological Sciences and editor-in-chief of some international publications dedicated to the cosmetics and agri-food industry, who also carries out university teaching activities teaching the Chemistry of cosmetic products and Cosmetic Technology and Formulation.
Eyelid dermatitis, an acute, chronic or recurring skin manifestation that can include various causes and have a considerable impact on the quality of life of those affected, was the protagonist of the speech by Paola Savoia, professor of Dermatology, at the University of Eastern Piedmont. Director of the Complex Structure at the University Directorate of Dermatology of the Maggiore University Hospital of Charity of Novara. Prof. Savoia underlined the fundamental importance of identifying topical products, such as emollients and detergents, which allow a rapid regression of the clinical manifestations and which can also be well tolerated by patients with polysensitization and/or chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
Mario Dell’Agli, professor of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy at the ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’ Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences of the University of Milan, head of Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and coordinator of Advanced course in Health properties of natural productshas provided the public with some useful information to understand the opportunity that a plant extract offers compared to the use of the purified active ingredient. In the field of natural products, Prof. Dell’Agli focused on witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.), a plant with multiple properties, of which he illustrated its active components and the pharmacological activities attributed to its extracts. He then outlined the studies carried out by the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy on pharmacological activity of witch hazel in treatment of acne and eczema, the result of a 4-year research. In particular, he focused on the scientific studies that have made it possible to identify proanthocyanidins as the main molecules present in witch hazel and responsible for these effects, citing the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects highlighted in the treatment of eczema and the potential of this scientific research.
