Aesthetics

Soap has probably done more to improve world health than any prescription medication, says Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos in her monthly Dermatology Times column, "Cosmetic Conundrums."

With the internet being available at everyone's fingertips and seemingly endless advertising for a variety of skincare and cosmetic products, the average patient may come to an appointment with misinformation and questions.

Cosmetic safety is very important since these products are used by millions of people worldwide. Think of all the cosmetic products in your bathroom and how many of them have caused problems through years of repeated use.

Another way cosmetics insure their safety is by adhering to a list of substances known as GRAS ingredients. GRAS stands for “Generally Recognized as Safe” and indicates ingredients that are currently widely used in the marketplace without safety issues.

Cleansers are routinely tested prior to commercial release for mildness with the Forearm Controlled Application Technique (FCAT).

Hypoallergenic fragrance is a term that may actually have some dermatologic relevance. Since the term literally means reduced allergy, not the absence of allergy, it can be used loosely.

While there is an increasing interest among men in cosmetic procedures, there is little research in this area to guide physicians. Experts say that customization is best for tough cases.

Many facial serum formulations claim to nourish the skin; however, the term has no scientific meaning.

One of the most commonly used terms is “sensitive skin.” It is important for the dermatologist to understand the value of such terminology and the associated implications.

BPA is found in food containers, dental fillings and vitamin gel capsules. It also is found in milk, butter and meats, just like phthalates, and is also considered a hormone disruptor.

Dermal fillers that include physicochemical properties proved to be effective in reducing acne scarring without compromising natural facial dynamics, researchers reported ASDS 2017.

The HARMONY study puts objective data behind the aesthetic and psychological improvements delivered by a panfacial approach to facial rejuvenation. It’s also the first study to use video analysis, and online photo ratings from a representative sample of Americans, as outcome measures.

The consult can make or break your success. Listen to and question concerns. Show you care.

One of the most concerning group of chemicals are phthalates, which are used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility, transparency, durability and longevity of plastics

Increased firmness is commonly used to describe the beneficial effects of moisturizers. This is confusing to the dermatologist who considers firm skin indicative of scleroderma.

Many of the newer facial serums claim to improve radiance immediately after application. How is this claim substantiated?

“Luminosity,” is often used to describe facial appearance after applying facial foundation. What is luminosity?

Resurfacing lasers pose a threat to the cornea and ocular surface. Ocular injuries associated with lasers include misshapen pupils, iritis and vision loss. Expert suggests against performing micro-focused ultrasound treatments within the orbital rim. Standard ocular shields do not provide effective protection against focused ultrasound.

Conduct evidence-based pretreatment assessments prior to procedures to identify vulnerable patients. Vulnerable patients are at risk for ill-advised or opportunistic treatment from undereducated aesthetic providers.

A recent study found that cosmetic treatments performed on presumed benign pigmented lesions later found to be lentigo maligna (LM) is not an uncommon occurrence, underscoring the need for individuals performing cosmetic procedures to be more vigilant in thoroughly investigating suspicious lesions.

Microneedling may provide a viable alternative to lasers in certain clinical situations. Dr. Mara Weinstein Velez discusses which indications have promising data behind them and where further research needs to focus.

In this slideshow, we feature Dr. Eliot Battle who offers recommendations for laser treatment in non-white patients. Lasers are as diverse as the patients and conditions they are designed to treat, he says.

Dr. Ron Wheeland reviews the past, present and future of laser and light-based technologies.

A new application of cyolipolysis proves to be an effective non-invasive option in the treatment of pseudogynecomastia, according to study.

An old anti-aging concept was rediscovered with the renewed popularity of facial patches.