Liposomes: A Promising Future for Dermatocosmetology and Clinical Dermatology

Abstract

The narrow link between skin and liposomes comes from the observation that, contrary to the medical field, which presumes a parenteral introduction, in the dermatological field liposomes are applied directly on the part where they are destined and with which there is a strong affinity. At first liposomes have been used in the dermo-cosmetological field because of their restoring and moisturizing action. Furthermore the capability of liposomes to deliver active principles into the skin, releasing them in the deep layers, has consistently widened its action. Liposomes are presently used in antiaging, anti stretch marks, moisturizing and anticellulitis products; further use of liposomes can be envisaged as regards solar products, microcirculatory supply and cutanoeus imperfections characterized by erythrosis or capillary alterations. Liposomes have proven to be very useful for the therapy of certain dermatoses, such as atopic dermatoses or psoriasis. The advantage of incorporating a pharmaceutical substance (antibiotic, cortisone, immunomodulator, antimycotic, antiviral) can be observed in more effective and shorter therapy together with a decrease of side effects both local and linked to the systemic assimilation. Studies with acyclovir, interferon and topic steroids (triamcinolone and hydrocortisone) have been carried out experimentally. It is certain that a substance will have a different destiny when delivered by a liposome rather than by a normal eccipient.