The Aesthetic Edge: February 2026

Stay up to date with the latest research and trends in aesthetics to keep patients informed in the February edition of The Aesthetic Edge. Dermatology Times asks our readers to share the latest aesthetic formulas and innovative technologies they’ve been seeing in the clinic. Is there a new skin care product that you’ve recommended to your patients or have conducted research on? Email Dermatology Times Assistant Editor Marie Bosslett ([email protected]) to share your insights and experience with our audience of clinicians, and you may be featured in an upcoming roundup!

Evenly Clear | Neutrogena

Neutrogena’s new Evenly Clear collection was designed by Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, and Muneeb Shah, DO, as the brand’s first product line that simultaneously treats adult acne and post-acne marks. The six-product line includes a cleanser, moisturizer, mask, exfoliant, retinoid, and clarifying spray, all incorporating gentle yet effective ingredients like salicylic acid, polyhydroxy acids, 2% N-acetyl glucosamine, 3.5% benzoyl peroxide, 0.1% adapalene, hypochlorous acid, and 0.5% mandelic acid. In particular, the cleanser with Polymeric Cleansing Technology successfully removed up to 85% of pore-clogging excess oil in as little as 1 wash, and resulted in clearer-looking skin in as little as 1 week without disrupting the skin barrier.¹ Levels of transepidermal water loss, overall irritation, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation were also decreased. Although suitable for patients with all types of acne-prone skin, those with drier, more sensitive skin, including those with early signs of aging, will also greatly benefit. The products can be used altogether or selected individually to be added to patients’ existing routines.

“Adult patients often want results without irritation, and products that fit seamlessly into busy, real-life routines. Our goal with Neutrogena Evenly Clear was to translate what we see in our practices every day into advanced formulas that are effective, gentle, and designed to meet those real-life needs. We are hopeful brands will continue to lead on Derm-expertise and bring better solutions for our patients.” - Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, FAAD board-certified dermatologist and owner of Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City, said to Dermatology Times.

Eczema Precision Hydrogel | Hypothesis

As eczema itch and inflammation severity are strongly correlated with the level of Staphylococcus aureus on the skin, Hypothesis was created with this in mind.² Standard AD products either hydrate the skin barrier or temporarily reduce inflammation, but this first-of-its-kind brand was designed to specifically target S. aureus while preserving the skin microbiome through its patented TPZ-01 precision enzyme. In a 2-week dual-arm clinical trial of 24 adults with moderate to severe eczema, patients using the Hydrogel saw an 85% reduction in S. aureus bacteria on the skin and a 2.5x greater reduction in overall eczema intensity compared to participants using a product containing OTC-levels of colloidal oatmeal. Although specifically made for eczema, other skin conditions, including psoriasis, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatiti,s would also benefit. The hydrogel, along with the Healing Spray and Therapy Cream, have recieved MyMicrobiome’s Microbiome Friendly for Eczema seal and the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, and are EWG Verified for eczema.

“Growing evidence suggests that Staphylococcus aureus plays an important role in eczema for many patients, yet most conventional approaches do not directly address the microbial balance. What I find interesting about Hypothesis is its targeted approach, aiming to reduce S. aureus while preserving the broader skin microbiome. Early data are encouraging, and for appropriate patients, this type of microbiome-conscious strategy may serve as a useful adjunct alongside established eczema therapies.” - Peter Lio, MD, clinical assistant professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Clinical Advisor at Hypothesis, told Dermatology Times.

HALO TRIBRID | Sciton

HALO TRIBRID is the world’s only triple-wavelength fractional resurfacing treatment available on Sciton’s JouleX platform that combines 2940 nm Er:YAG for controlled superficial ablation, 1927 nm for pigment polishing, and 1470 nm for deep dermal renewal.³ The device offers multiple patented treatment modes from higher-power Moxi settings, Halo-style dual wavelength treatments, and full three-wavelength Tribrid. With customized control, providers can combine all 3 wavelengths in 1 handpiece for comprehensive correction in a single session or independently tune the wavelengths allowing them to tailor treatments for each patient’s skin concerns, downtime tolerance, and skin type. It’s an effective treatment for Fitzpatrick I to VI skin types and a wide range of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, scarring, skin resurfacing, signs of aging, sun damage, enlarged pores, discoloration, pigmented lesions, actinic keratosis, and more. Dermatologists interested in learning more about HALO TRIBRID are encouraged to attend UP Xchange, Sciton’s signature 2-day leadership development program. Providers can also contact their local representative for more information.

"In my practice, everything comes back to two priorities: investing in the highest-performing technology that delivers precise results with a patient-friendly recovery, and designing truly personalized treatment plans around each individual’s needs and goals. The TRIBRID platform fits both of these priorities... There are very few limitations to what this device can do for our patient’s skin. It’s a platform that supports true customization rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.” - Tom Griffin Jr, MD, Department Chair of the Laser and Aesthetics Surgery Center at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, said to Dermatology Times.

The Full System | Skin at Peace

This preservative-free skin care system was designed to support barrier health while minimizing common irritants and disruption to the skin’s natural flora. The non-comedogenic, fragrance-free products are uniquely made to order and shipped directly from the lab with a defined use window of 60 days, preserving ingredient integrity without conventional preservatives. This approach is especially relevant for patients who struggle with stinging, barrier breakdown, or inflammatory flares, where a simplified, low-irritant routine could enable consistency and visible improvement.⁴ Comprised of a cleansing oil and toner along with day and night moisturizers, this system is well-suited for pregnancy- and breastfeeding-conscious patients who want a simplified routine and prefer avoiding prescription retinoids and higher-irritancy regimens. It’s also great for patients with inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, atopic dermatitis, acne, and post-procedure reactive skin, who are looking to support their barrier function.

"Most skin care is engineered for long shelf life and depends on conventional preservative/stabilizer strategies; Skin at Peace is structurally different because it is built as a fresh-made, short-dated system that prioritizes peak ingredient integrity at time of use with minimal additive burden...The system pairs a non-stripping cleansing oil with a pH-conscious toner, antioxidant/mineral day support, and a retinol-alternative night formula for sensitive, inflammatory, pregnancy-conscious, and clean-ingredient focused patients.” - Rodrigo Garcia, MD, microbiologist and co-founder of Skin at Peace, told Dermatology Times.

The Golden Routine | Golden Child Beauty

This three-step simplified regimen is intended to complement medical treatment plans by reducing irritation, improving tolerability, and supporting long-term skin resilience in sensitive or treatment-compromised patients. It’s perfect for patients who are experiencing sensitivity and looking for comfort after being treated with in-office procedures, retinoids, prescription topicals, and/or oral therapies. It’s also great for acne-prone patients looking for clearer skin but do not want to use more aggressive actives. For tone, texture, and firmness, most users reported visible improvements within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use.⁵ Nutrient-dense ingredients such as niacinamide, ceramides, ectoin, and colloidal oatmeal support barrier function, while reishi mushroom–derived compounds, probiotic ferments, and fruit enzymes help maintain skin balance, hydration, and clarity. Dermatology practices can obtain Golden Child Beauty via direct wholesale partnerships for in-office retail and patient dispensing.

"The formulations are intentionally gentle and non-stripping, so they pair well with retinoids, exfoliants, and in-office treatments by helping minimize irritation and support recovery. saIt’s best for sensitive, acne-prone, or over-treated skin that needs barrier support, calming, and hydration rather than aggressive correction. It focuses on calming and repairing the skin barrier instead of pushing aggressive actives—using anti-inflammatory, microbiome-supporting ingredients to stabilize stressed or over-treated skin." - Jenna Ellgood, owner of The Face Space in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, said in a statement to Dermatology Times.

References

1. Hussain R, Miller D, Shyr T, et al. Novel 2% salicylic acid cleanser with polymeric cleansing technology treats acne without compromising skin barrier. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(6):570-578. doi:10.36849/JDD.9019

2. Schachner LA, Andriessen A, Benjamin L, et al. SAIGE II: The Role of Staphylococcus aureus in Skin Barrier Dysfunction and the Development and Severity of Atopic Dermatitis in Young Children. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(8):810-816. doi:10.36849/JDD.8968

3. Waibel S, Pozner J, Robb C, Tanzi E. Hybrid Fractional Laser: A Multi-Center Trial on the Safety and Efficacy for Photorejuvenation. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(11):1164-1168.

4. Nasrollahi SA, Fattahi M, Khamesipoor A, et al. Effects of Cosmetic Preservatives on Healthy Facial Skin Microflora. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022;15(8):34-37.

5. Golden Child Skin. Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.goldenchildskin.com/pages/faqs