Journal Digest: October 8, 2025

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology | Relative Efficacy of Conventional Monotherapies and Select Nonconventional, Over-the-Counter Products for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis Study

This network meta-analysis compared the efficacy of FDA-approved conventional treatments and selected nonconventional, over-the-counter (OTC) products for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study included 24 randomized controlled trials assessing changes in total hair density at 24 weeks. Eight conventional monotherapies (e.g., oral dutasteride, oral/topical finasteride, topical/oral minoxidil) and seven OTC alternatives (e.g., topical melatonin, rosemary oil, saw palmetto) were evaluated. Oral dutasteride (0.5 mg) emerged as the most effective treatment (SUCRA = 95.8%). While conventional therapies remain the most efficacious, certain OTC products, such as topical melatonin and rosemary oil, showed modest benefits.¹

Pediatric Dermatology | How Congenital Skin Lesions Are Perceived by Health Professionals in the Delivery Room—The Reconnaissance Study

This cross-sectional study explored how health professionals in the delivery room (HPDR) perceive and manage congenital skin lesions (CSLs) in newborns. Conducted at Angers University Hospital in France, 88 HPDR staff completed a semiquantitative survey assessing their knowledge, emotional responses, and perceived training needs. Results revealed that 46% incorrectly defined CSLs, and the average self-assessed knowledge score was only 2.4/10. While 66% had received some training, many felt unprepared to explain CSLs to parents or offer psychological support. Emotional reactions included interest (34%) but also unease or shock (11%). Most participants acknowledged that their responses could influence parents and expressed a strong desire for more training in both CSL recognition and communication.²

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology | Evaluating the Efficacy of Soothing Agents in Mitigating 0.1% Retinol-Induced Skin Irritation: A Patch Test

This randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study evaluated the ability of 15 soothing agents to reduce skin irritation caused by 0.1% retinol—a common yet often irritating skincare ingredient. Using a 5-day patch test on 21 healthy Chinese adults, researchers assessed erythema and irritation via the mean cumulative irritancy index (MCII) and grade 2 (+) reaction counts. Six treatments—2% PLG, 5% ceramides, 3% acetyl glucosamine, 2% panthenol, 0.2% TECA, and 0.5% Centella asiatica—were most effective, showing significantly reduced irritation without severe reactions. PLG at 2% yielded the lowest irritation (MCII = 0.26), suggesting a dose-dependent soothing effect. Ingredients that support the skin barrier and reduce inflammation were key in mitigating retinol-induced adverse effects.³

Oral Diseases | Adverse Events in Nonsurgical Facial Aesthetic Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) associated with three common nonsurgical facial aesthetic procedures: botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) in the upper face, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers in the lower face and nasolabial folds, and nonsurgical facelifts using absorbable threads. Across 42 studies and 8,853 patients, TRAEs were reported in 34.8% of cases. HA fillers had the highest prevalence of adverse events (63%), followed by thread lifts (20%) and BoNT-A (18%). Most TRAEs were mild and self-limiting, such as swelling, pain, and bruising. Serious complications were rare but included ptosis and thread migration. Evidence certainty was rated very low due to high heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting.⁴

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology | A New Hope for Melasma: Long-Term Clearance With 755-nm Picosecond Alexandrite Laser and Topical JAK Inhibition

This study presents a novel treatment approach for refractory melasma in darker skin types using a combination of a 755-nm picosecond alexandrite laser, topical JAK inhibition, and visible light (VL) photoprotection. A 31-year-old woman with Fitzpatrick type IV skin and a 4-year history of melasma unresponsive to conventional therapies showed marked improvement after a single laser session, followed by topical tofacitinib 2% cream and an iron oxide–tinted sunscreen. The treatment led to sustained pigment clearance for 9 months without adverse effects or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This strategy targets melanin disruption, inflammatory pathways, and VL-induced melanogenesis, offering a comprehensive solution for a condition known for relapse and limited treatment options in darker phototypes. Importantly, the regimen excluded hydroquinone, minimizing irritation risks.⁵

References

1. Gupta AK, Bamimore MA, Talukder M. Relative Efficacy of Conventional Monotherapies and Select Nonconventional, Over-the-Counter Products for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis Study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(10):e70483. doi:10.1111/jocd.70483

2. Berthelot B, Prémel J, Pichereau M, Moulinier E, Vabres P, Martin L. How Congenital Skin Lesions Are Perceived by Health Professionals in the Delivery Room-The Reconnaissance Study. Pediatr Dermatol. Published online October 6, 2025. doi:10.1111/pde.16046

3. Ying Y, Fang Y, Chenlan X, et al. Evaluating the Efficacy of Soothing Agents in Mitigating 0.1% Retinol-Induced Skin Irritation: A Patch Test. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(10):e70488. doi:10.1111/jocd.70488

4. Cruz VMS, Sousa-Neto SS, Pedroso CM, et al. Adverse Events in Nonsurgical Facial Aesthetic Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Oral Dis. Published online October 5, 2025. doi:10.1111/odi.70109

5. Al-Mamoori A, Al-Badri SG, Khalil I, Al-Daraji W. A New Hope for Melasma: Long-Term Clearance With 755-nm Picosecond Alexandrite Laser and Topical JAK Inhibition. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(10):e70495. doi:10.1111/jocd.70495