Active topical skin protectants against

The effects of the topically applied vitamin E acetate are very well documented in published studies increased moisturization of the homy layer improvement in skin surface relief evident anti-inflammatory properties increased epithelization of surface wounds improved enzyme activity in the skin prevention of skin damage induced by free radicals protection of properties against sunburn. Vitamin E acetate can increase the natural protection of the skin against UV radiation reduce the amount of the UV damaged cells and protect against damage by reactive oxygen radicals. 

The use of topical repellents applied to exposed skin is the most important personal intervention against vectors of diseases, and numerous studies have been undertaken to enumerate the protection against biting vectors, especially mosquitoes. The use of repellent active ingredients such as A,A-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (deet), 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-l-piperidinecarboxylic acid 1-methylpropyl ester (icaridin, picaridin), lemon eucalyptus oil (p-menthane-3,8-diol) and ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535), as well as several infrequently used synthetic and naturally derived active ingredients are discussed in detail in Chapter 19. 

Hypericum extracts are extensively used in industry for the manufacturing of cosmetics and dermatological products, such as sun creams, antiphlogistic ointments or shampoos [173]. Investigations on the anti-irritant potential of several substances commonly employed in cosmetic formulations unraveled a protective activity of an oily Hypericum extract against croton oil induced skin irritation in the rabbit [174]. A phase II clinical study has now been initiated to evaluate synthetic hypericin 1 as a topically applied, light-activated therapy for specific skin diseases including psoriasis, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, warts, and Kaposi s sarcoma [175]. 

Ursolic acid, a triterpene constituent of Ocimum sanctum, protected the rat liver microsomes in vitro against free-radical-induced lipid peroxidation. In animal studies, ursolic acid exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity against tumor promotion. Topical cosmetic preparations containing ursolic acid and its isomer oleanolic acid are proprietary products in Japan, and both products are reported to be useful in skin cancer therapy. The foregoing data open a tremendous possibility that Ocimum sanctum or its constituents may hold promise as adjuncts to human radiation therapy. 

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