and progression of various skin disorders and diseases (eg, pigmentary disorders, atopic eczema, photocarcinogenesis) are well-established consequences of chronic exposure of the skin to aspects of the exposome. Many factors have been implicated in the conceptual model of the exposome, such as solar radiation, climate, pollution, stress, psychological factors, hormonal variations, lack of sleep, drugs, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and diet and nutrition (Figure 2).
Epidemiological and mechanistic evidence suggests various harmful and damaging effects of the exposome.13 Among these factors: i) solar radiation induces oxidative stress and modulates the immune response, inducing direct deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage on keratinocytes and melanocytes and stimulating dyspigmentation;14-16 ii) air pollution (eg, particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide) induces melanin synthesis, potentially leading to dyspigmentation, and promotes wrinkle formation;14-17 iii) being an endocrine organ, all components of the skin are constantly regulated by hormones that can affect cellular senescence, free radicals, sebum production, and inflammation, and thus, participate in skin aging and modulate skin dermatoses; iv) nutrition and smoking have a wide-ranging impact on skin processes and conditions that may modify the process of skin aging, affect skin tumorigenesis, or impact the clinical course of multiple skin diseases;17,18 v) stress and psychological factors contribute to a pro-inflammatory state that can degrade aspects of the extracellular matrix or modulate the course of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, or rosacea;17,19 and vi) prolonged sleep deprivation can alter the healing processes of the skin and the immune response, and promote matrix degradation (Figure 3).20
Benefits of Topical Mineral Supplementation
In their reviews, Krutmann et al11 and Passeron et al12 recommended using cosmetic products or facial skincare to improve skin barrier function, reduce harmful effects of solar radiation, and repair signs of aging. Thermal mineral waters in some non-prescription products have diverse physicochemical characteristics, such as pH and composition, which provide them with unique biological effects. MVW (Minéral 89 Booster Serum, M89, Vichy Laboratoires) contains 89% volcanic mineralizing water and 0.4% hyaluronic acid. MVW sourced from the depths of the Auvergne volcanic region contains fifteen concentrated minerals.13 The serum contains over 70% (5/7) of the essential macrominerals and six microminerals, which may exert beneficial effects on the skin (Table 3).
A recent clinical study demonstrated that MVW serum was well-tolerated as an adjunct treatment for promoting a healthy skin barrier function in dry skin-related inflammatory dermatoses (eg, acne, dryness, rosacea, redness, or reactive/ sensitive skin) and for post-procedure skincare.21 The study included 47 adult subjects who had either i) recently undergone a facial aesthetic procedure or ii) required treatment for facial dermatoses. Subjects were instructed to apply MVW serum once or twice daily for 4 weeks. Information on clinical signs
