Frank Rippke

Beiersdorf AG · Research and Development

Objective: Skin aging is a multifactorial process involving formation of reactive oxygen species, consecutive inflammation with reduced epidermal and dermal cell viability and resulting damage to the extracellular matrix. Effective dermocosmetic treatment modalities should ideally address these hallmarks in a holistic approach. Here, we determined...

Background Stratum corneum (SC) hydration is vital for the optimal maintenance and appearance of healthy skin. In this context, we evaluated the efficacy of an NMF‐enriched moisturizer containing 10% urea on different aspects of SC hydration of dry skin. Material and Methods In two clinical studies, the hydration efficacy of the moisturizer in com...

The hands and feet have special skincare needs for efficacious moisturization as well as unique requirements for formulations that are aesthetically appropriate and compatible with their special sensory and functional roles and needs. This chapter discusses the multitude of emulsion technologies which have been developed since the advent of the sim...

Introduction: Xerosis cutis is characterized by a decreased stratum corneum (SC) hydration and an impaired skin barrier function. Urea, the most prevalent natural moisturizing factor (NMF), is currently considered the gold standard. Its efficacy can further be increased by combining urea with other NMF and skin barrier lipids (SBLs). Objective:...

Topical moisturizers are the core treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD), with treatment guidelines recommending at least daily thorough moisturization of both lesional and nonlesional skin. Ultimately, moisturizer selection is an individual, personal choice, but, surprisingly, few moisturizers have published efficacy and acceptability data to suppor...

Zusammenfassung: Externa mit 5 % Dexpanthenol werden vielfach zur Behandlung kleinerer Wunden und zur Wiederherstellung der epidermalen Barriere bei Patienten mit empfindlicher Haut eingesetzt. Allerdings liegen bis heute nur wenige kontrollierte Studien vor, die den positiven Effekt von Dexpanthenol auf die menschliche Haut belegen. In dieser rand...

Twice-daily moisturization is recommended by international guidelines as the bedrock of the management of atopic dermatitis (AD). Moisturizers should be selected based on proven clinical effectiveness in improving the skin barrier and improving the symptoms of AD. We searched the PubMed database for clinical trials assessing daily moisturization fo...

Background: Solar radiation causes skin damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). While UV filters effectively reduce UV-induced ROS, they cannot prevent VIS-induced (400 - 760 nm) oxidative stress. Therefore, potent antioxidants are needed as additives to sunscreen products. Methods: We investigated VIS-induced ROS formati...

Ein durchgängig saurer pH-Wert im Stratum corneum ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des Schutzsystems der Haut, der eine feindliche Umgebung für die Besiedelung durch pathogene Mikroorganismen schafft. Doch diese Barriere kann bei gesunder und umso mehr bei geschädigter Haut durchbrochen werden. Mykosen, Windel-/Inkontinenz-assoziierte Dermatitis un...

Prevention of flares is a main goal in the long-term treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). This study investigated the efficacy of a water-in-oil emollient, containing licochalcone A, omega-6-fatty acids, ceramide 3 and glycerol, for prevention of flares in adults with mild to moderately severe AD, who had been treated with topical steroids, which h...

Maintenance of an acidic stratum corneum pH is a major component of the skin's protective system and creates a hostile environment for colonization with pathogenic microorganisms. This barrier can however be overcome on healthy and in particular on compromised skin. Mycosis, diaper/incontinence dermatitis and wound healing are examples of cases whe...

Background: Human skin surface has a physiologically acidic pH (pHss). In cases of increased pHss, the acidity of the skin can be restored by topical formulations. We tested a pH 5 oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion for pHss regeneration and stabilization. Methods: We performed 2 experiments with 10 female study subjects in each. In both experiments, 2...

Recent studies have shown that pollen proteins can penetrate the impaired skin barrier of atopic patients and exacerbate their disease. In the presented study the effect of a topically applied barrier-enhancing formulation was investigated for its preventive effect on the uptake of pollen allergens into CD1c+ epidermal cells. The pollen proteins we...

Background More than 50% of adults report to suffer from sensitive skin. This common condition is characterized by subjective sensations such as prickling, burning, skin tightness or pruritus, and is often accompanied by objective symptoms like inflammation and erythema. Objective The objective of this study was to develop an active ingredient conc...

There is little clinical evidence for a correlation between the severity of atopic eczema (AE) and pollen exposition. To obtain more data, we performed a clinical cohort pilot study about the influence of pollen on AE between sensitized and nonsensitized subjects and an experimental study addressing the cutaneous penetration of pollen into the skin...

Background Sensitive or hyperreactive skin is a common condition defined by prickling, burning, pain, and pruritus. Although this skin problem was initially described on the face, the scalp is often affected. A sensitive scalp can react with irritation to harsh surfactants or other additives which are often present in shampoos. For this reason, we...

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition associated with decreased barrier function resulting in periodic flare-ups of erythematous and pruritic lesions. Guidelines recommend daily treatment of atopic skin with emollient moisturizers for prevention of flares and maintenance of the flare-free state. This study evaluated the efficacy of 2 s...

Two over-the-counter products have been clinically tested for efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Study 1 evaluated a daily maintenance Body Cream (Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Crème) applied twice daily for 14 days, followed by treatment withdrawal for 5 days (regression period) in subjects with a history of atopic derma...

Inflammation, increased sebum production and P. acnes colonization are key factors in acne pathogenesis. Cosmetic formulations based on a combination of active compounds with in vitro proven anti-inflammatory, sebum regulating and P. acnes reducing properties may therefore contribute to improve the clinical signs and associated burden of disease. T...

Background/aims: Dry, itchy and inflamed scalp conditions are common and often associated with diseases such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. To improve these symptoms, we investigated the efficacy of a new tonic containing the active ingredients urea, lactate, polidocanol, and Glycyrrhiza inflata root extract, containing licochalcone A. Study...

Objective: To assess the effects of Light Formulation, an oil-in-water emulsion, and Rich Formulation, a water-in-oil emulsion, for the treatment of xerosis. Design: Two double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials (both formulations); a double-blind, randomized regression study (Rich Formulation); and a single-blind tolerability study (Light Formula...

Haut und Schleimhäute

Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder involving the sun-exposed skin of the face and neck, and is challenging to treat. This review focuses on actives and formulations already tested in vivo in patients with melasma. Predominantly, reports assessing clinical efficacy either by colorimetric in situ measurements or by the standardised Melasm...

The hair follicles could be a reservoir for topically applied substances. They are not only surrounded by a close network of blood capillaries, which makes them interesting for drug delivery, but they are also the host of dendritic cells, which are important for immunomodulation. Previously, pollen allergens were shown to penetrate into the hair fo...

The penetration of topically applied substances in and through the human skin is of special interest for the development and optimization of topically applied drugs and cosmetic products. In the present study, the efficacy of barrier emulsions in the prevention of the penetration of pollen allergens into the hair follicles was investigated. Because...

Background and objectives The investigation of penetration pathways of topically applied substances or environmental hazardous substances is important to develop strategies to stimulate or to prevent the penetration of substances through our skin barrier. Recently, it was shown that hair follicles represent an efficient and fast penetration pathway...

Background/aims: In moist intertriginous regions, such as the armpit, the pH value is physiologically higher than in other skin regions. The regulation of the axillary pH-value was examined in an open study with 48 subjects in three groups with n=16 each. Methods: In the first 10 days (run-in) the subjects received a standard treatment in the axill...

Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder having considerable effect on patients' emotional and psychological well-being. Assessment of efficacy and tolerability of a new face care product for the targeted spot treatment of darker pigmented areas in subjects with melasma and evaluation of effects on patients' quality of life. Twenty subjects with m...

(2005) Itch relief by topical application of an emulsion spray (Eucerin® Akutspray) in patients with chronic dry skin conditions Acta Derm Venereol 85 (5): 478

(2005) Itch relief by topical application of an emulsion spray (Eucerin® Akutspray) in patients with chronic dry skin conditions 85 (5): 478

Synopsis The purpose of our studies was to verify efficacy and skin compatibility of a medical face care system containing 2% lactic acid (LA) as active ingredient in a specially designed vehicle (Follicle Targeting System) in adult subjects with mild acne vulgaris. The first study (46 patients) demonstrated superiority of 2% LA in comparison to 2%...

Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the most common photodermatosis. While its etiology still remains elusive, pathogenesis seems to involve UVA-induced oxidative stress and subsequent deregulation of antioxidative immune responses. Only few and often ineffective prophylactic and therapeutic measures exist to date. In our randomized, double-blind,...

Recent studies have provided new insights into the occurrence, causes, and pathogenetic consequences of changes in the skin pH in atopic dermatitis, particularly with respect to skin barrier function and colonization with Staphylococcus aureus. Growing evidence suggests an impaired release of proton donors, such as amino acids, urocanic acid, and l...

The flavonoid alpha-glucosylrutin (AGR) is a potent antioxidant with a high epidermal bioavailability. This makes this substance particularly suitable for various dermato-cosmetic applications. Flavonoids are phytamines with a common chemical structure and a broad range of activities, the most prominent being their radical scavenging ability. React...

Zusammenfassung Das Bioflavonoid alpha‐Glucosylrutin (AGR) findet aufgrund seiner starken antioxidativen Wirksamkeit und hohen epidermalen Bioverfügbarkeit zunehmend Verwendung im dermato‐kosmetischen Bereich. Bioflavonoide sind sekundäre Pflanzenstoffe (Phytamine) mit einer gemeinsamen chemischen Grundstruktur und einem breit gefächerten Wirkungss...

Recent studies have provided new insights into the occurrence, causes, and pathogenetic consequences of changes in the skin pH in atopic dermatitis, particularly with respect to skin barrier function and colonization with Staphylococcus aureus. Growing evidence suggests an impaired release of proton donors, such as amino acids, urocanic acid, and l...

Seborrheic dermatitis and its minimal variant, dandruff (pityriasis simplex capillitii), are among the most frequent diseases caused by Malassezia (M.) yeasts. Treatment studies have shown that antimycotics achieve clinical improvement, while recolonization leads to recurrent symptoms. Among the antimycotics used are azoles, hydroxypyridones, and v...

The acidic pH of the horny layer, measurable on the skin surface, has long been regarded as a result of exocrine secretion of the skin glands. The ‘acid mantle’ was thought to regulate the bacterial skin flora and to be sensitive primarily to skin cleansing procedures. In recent years, an increasing number of investigations have been published on...

In 40 volunteers the efficacy of three lotions with 10% hamamelis distillates from different suppliers, two vehicles, dimethindene maleate 0.1% gel, hydrocortisone 1% cream and hydrocortisone 0.25% lotion were investigated in a modified UV erythema test with three UV dosages (1.2, 1.4 and 1.7 MED). The test preparations were applied occlusively ove...

Pantothenic acid is essential to normal epithelial function. It is a component of coenzyme A, which serves as a cofactor for a variety of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that are important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins, gluconeogenesis, sterols, steroid hormones, and porphyrins. The topical use of dexpanthenol, the stable alc...

The acidic pH of the horny layer, measurable on the skin surface, has long been regarded as a result of exocrine secretion of the skin glands. The 'acid mantle' was thought to regulate the bacterial skin flora and to be sensitive primarily to skin cleansing procedures. In recent years, an increasing number of investigations have been published on t...

Measures directed at improving the skin barrier function are thought to be effective in preventing reexacerbation of atopic dermatitis, but direct proof of a prophylactic effect of emollients has been elusive. In the present study, the atopy patch test has been employed as a model for the initiation phase of atopic dermatitis in order to assess whe...

UVA-induced photooxidation is considered to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of polymorphous light eruption (PLE), and topical pretreatment of skin with alpha-glucosylrutin (AGR), a potent plant-derived antioxidant, has been shown to significantly suppress photoprovoked PLE eruption. In order to further elucidate the optimum pretreatment...

Measures directed at improving the skin barrier function are thought to be effective in preventing reexacerbation of atopic dermatitis, but direct proof of a prophylactic effect of emollients has been elusive. In the present study, the atopic patch test has been employed as a model for the initiation phase of atopic dermatitis in order to asses whe...

Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit einer medizinischen Hautpflegeserie zur adjuvanten Behandlung xerotischer Altershaut – Ergebnisse einer klinischen Anwendungsbeobachtung bei 587 Patienten

Therapie der trockenen, juckenden Kopfhaut

Preparations containing 5 % Dexpanthenol are frequently used for the treatment of minor wounds and to stimulate the regeneration of the epidermal barrier in patients with sensitive skin. However, there are few standardised, controlled studies that validate the positive effect of dexpanthenol on human skin in vivo. In this randomised, placebo-contro...

Aim of this clinical in-use study was to examine the efficacy and tolerability of a medical skin care range for xerotic aged skin (Eucerin® Mature Skin). 587 patients with a mean age of 62 years participated in the study, the majority suffering from xerosis senilis (65,2 %) or presenting with atopic eczema (20,6 %). Products were applied regularly...

Skin cells are permanently exposed to the detrimental effects of UV radiation, leading to DNA damage and a higher risk for development of skin diseases and photoaging. Therefore, effective UV protection is already necessary during childhood since damage to skin cells occurs in a multi-stage process over many years by accumulation of critical geneti...

Vehikelabhängigkeit des Einflusses von topisch appliziertem Nachtkerzensamenöl auf die epidermale Barrierefunktion bei atopischer Dermatitis Ziel der Untersuchungen war es, den Effekt von Nachtkerzensamenöl in einer amphiphilen und einer stabilen W/O-Emulsion auf die epidermale Barrierefunktion bei atopischer Dermatitis zu überprüfen. Die Studie wu...

Epidermal linoleic acid, i.e. essential fatty acid (EFA), is essential for cutaneous barrier function. Cultured human keratinocytes, routinely used for studies of lipid metabolism, are grown in a keratinocyte serum-free medium (KSFM), under conditions that reveal EFA-deficient cells. Here, fatty acid (FA) uptake was analysed in human adult keratino...

(1999) Eucerin Biotin Nightcream: Biophysical and clinical efficacy on barrier function in aged skin J. Eur. Acad. Derm. Venereol. 1999, ): S198

The aim of this double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was to examine Eucerin® Cream 10% Urea (verum A) and verum B (Eucerin® Cream 10% Urea with 1% Panthenol and 0.07% Bisabolol) for its efficacy and tolerability in volunteers with aged xerotic skin. The study was carried out by contralateral half-body comparison with placebo (vehicle, ure...

The acidic pH-value measurable at the skin surface was for a long time regarded as being mainly a result of exocrine secretion of skin glands with the function to regulate the bacterial skin flora as, 'acid mantle' and with relevance primarily to skin cleansing. In recent years, investigations were increasingly published regarding the course, const...

Two features of senescent skin are dryness and itching, which are caused by a reduced water-binding capacity of the stratum corneum. Urea, topically applied, is known to increase the water content of the stratum corneum and thereby improves the symptoms of dry and itching skin. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a lotion...

Background: Ichthyoses are genetic disorders of keratinization which are uncomfortable due to their conspicuous scaling, itching and cosmetic problems. Especially in childhood, ichthyoses can lead to social discrimination and psychological problems. Efficient therapies are necessary which are safe and well tolerated. Objective: The aim of the study...

Although Hamamelis virginiana has long been used in the traditional treatment of skin diseases, there are few controlled clinical studies defining the extent of its anti-inflammatory action. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of pH5 Eucerin aftersun lotion with 10% hamamelis distillate, the vehicle and a prior aftersun formulation were tested in 30 hea...

Ichthyoses are genetic disorders of keratinization which are uncomfortable due to their conspicuous scaling, itching and cosmetic problems. Especially in childhood, ichthyoses can lead to social discrimination and psychological problems. Efficient therapies are necessary which are safe and well tolerated. The aim of the study was to investigate the...

In dermatology the use of magistral prescriptions is well established. In contrast to commercial preparations, these inofficial prescriptions are hardly subject to regulations regarding proof of efficacy. Safety and efficacy of the prescriptions are usually based on practical experience. In a controlled clinical trial the efficacy of magistral form...

Persons whose hands are frequently exposed to water, soaps, tensides, cleansers, detergents, and solvents as well as patients with atopic eczema have a higher risk of developing an irritant hand eczema. Therefore, these persons need especially mild cleansing agents and effective care for their hands. The protective and conditioning properties of a...

The water binding capacity and hydration of the horny layer can be improved by the topical application of urea. Due to its favorable action, urea is especially suitable for the treatment of all dermatoses with the symptom dry skin. The penetration kinetic is strongly dependent of the nature of the vehicle, especially on the type of the emulsion. La...

Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the most common photodermatosis, with a prevalence of 10-20% in Western European countries and in the USA. Only few preventive measures for PLE exist, while its etiology and pathogenesis are still elusive. Recent theories on pathogenesis discuss the possible influence of oxidative stress. The presented randomize...

In atopic dermatitis a deficiency of γ-linoleic acid is supposed. Therefore a treatment with evening primrose oil is recommended. In an open uncontrolled study, 10 patients (8 men and 2 women) were treated for 12 weeks with daily 5,6-6,4 g evening primrose oil, which is equivalent to 480 mg γ-linolenic acid. Every four weeks clinical and serologica...

Twenty adults with atopic disposition and dry skin but without manifest atopic eczema were treated for 8 weeks with evening primrose oil cream applied twice daily to the right lower leg. The left leg served as untreated control. The parameters transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sebum content (SC) of the skin were weekly determined on the treated...

Two highly potent sunscreens with sun protection factors 25 and 15 were applied to 30 children with the average age of 10.3, hospitalized with chronic relapsing atopic dermatitis, successively for the duration of 4 weeks in the course of a complex high-mountain climate therapy in Davos/Switzerland. By that means relevant erythematous reactions agai...