Expert Interviews



Panelists discuss how the current topical standard of care has evolved from traditional topical steroids developed in the 1960s to include newer nonsteroidal options like ruxolitinib (Janus kinase [JAK] inhibitor), roflumilast (phosphodiesterase-4 [PDE4] inhibitor), and tapinarof (aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist), with steroids now serving as bridge treatments rather than long-term maintenance therapy.

Panelists discuss how atopic dermatitis presents differently across pediatric age groups. Infants show lesions on cheeks and extensor surfaces, whereas older children develop more typical flexural patterns. They also discuss how the condition significantly impacts the quality of life for patients and caregivers through sleep disruption, school performance issues, and ongoing parental stress.

2 experts are featured in this series.

Panelists discuss how nonhydroquinone agents, such as thiamidol, demonstrate excellent tolerability profiles in data from head-to-head studies and how combination therapies including chemical peels, picosecond lasers, microneedling with transdermal delivery, and oral tranexamic acid can be used as adjunctive treatments for stubborn melasma cases that plateau with topical therapy alone.

Panelists discuss how dermatologists play a vital role in helping patients navigate the overwhelming variety of skin care products by emphasizing simple, gentle, and fragrance-free routines focused on cleansing, moisturizing, and protection—highlighting that consistency and patience are key to restoring skin barrier health, especially in sensitive skin. They also stress that effective skin care does not require expensive products, and tailoring regimens with evidence-supported ingredients like polymeric surfactants and lipid-based moisturizers improves adherence and outcomes.

Panelists discuss a recent study showing that once-daily application of a moisturizer over 4 weeks significantly improved skin hydration, texture, and radiance, with benefits persisting even after discontinuation—highlighting the lasting impact of well-formulated products on skin barrier health. They also emphasize the importance of tailoring moisturizer types, such as lighter gels for acne-prone skin and richer creams for dry or compromised skin, to address specific patient needs and sensitivities for optimal outcomes.

Panelists discuss recent studies on advanced moisturizers that not only provide immediate hydration but also stimulate the skin’s natural production of key proteins and lipids, such as aquaporin-3 and filaggrin, leading to sustained improvements in barrier function and skin health—benefits that are particularly important for individuals with sensitive or compromised skin and support the need for consistent, targeted moisturizing in clinical care.

2 experts in this video

Panelists discuss how the OX40-OX40L costimulatory pathway represents a promising upstream target for atopic dermatitis treatment by modulating T-cell survival, expansion, and memory formation rather than targeting downstream cytokines. Panelists discuss how targeting the OX40-OX40L pathway could potentially provide broader therapeutic effects across multiple T-cell subsets and offer more durable responses than current cytokine-specific or JAK inhibitor approaches.

Panelists discuss recent research highlighting the benefits of polymeric surfactant–based cleansers, which preserve key skin barrier functions and the microbiome while providing a gentle yet effective cleansing experience that supports patient adherence—especially important for sensitive skin conditions like eczema and rosacea—and emphasize the complementary role of moisturizers rich in lipids and humectants to restore and maintain barrier health across diverse patient needs.