Andrei I. Metelitsa

Guest Editor for the following articles:

Sep
2011
Vol. 30. No. 3

Cosmeceuticals: Current Trends and Market Analysis

Fredric S. Brandt, MD | Alex Cazzaniga, MBA
The desire to maintain a youthful image combined with an emerging global market with disposable income has driven the development of many new industries. The cosmeceutical industry is based on the development and marketing of products that lie between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Today, there are over 400 suppliers and manufacturers of cosmeceutical products, and the industry is estimated to grow by 7.4% by 2012. Although a number of products advertise predictable outcomes, the industry is largely unregulated and any consumers of cosmeceutical products should consult a dermatologist prior to use. This review will provide a snapshot of the current trends of this industry and provide an analysis of this multi-billion dollar market. Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:141-143 © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Sep
2011
Vol. 30. No. 3

Home-Use Laser and Light Devices for the Skin—An Update

Jeremy B Green, MD
Over the past several years, a number of home-use laser and light skin devices have been introduced for various indications, including photorejuvenation, hair growth, hair removal and acne treatment. Although these devices allow for privacy and a significant cost advantage, they are typically underpowered and afford lower efficacy than their in-office counterparts. A number of these devices have recently received FDA clearance. Although large clinical trials are lacking, dermatologists should familiarize themselves with the various options to help patients assess their clinical value. Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:144-147 © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Sep
2011
Vol. 30. No. 3

Botanicals and Anti-Inflammatories: Natural Ingredients for Rosacea

Jason Emer, MD | Heidi Waldorf, MD
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by cutaneous hypersensitivity. There are many therapeutic options available for the treatment of rosacea, but none are curative. Since the pathogenesis of rosacea remains elusive, it is not surprising that no single treatment is paramount and that many patients find therapies unsatisfactory or even exacerbating. Treatments are prescribed to work in concert with each other in order to ameliorate the common clinical manifestations, which include: papules and pustules, telangiectasias, erythema, gland hypertrophy, and ocular disease. The most validated topical therapies include metronidazole, azelaic acid, and sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur. Many other topical therapies, such as calcineurin inhibitors, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, retinoids, topical corticosteroids, and permethrin have demonstrated varying degrees of success. Due to the inconsistent results of the aforementioned therapies patients are increasingly turning to alternative products containing natural ingredients or botanicals to ease inflammation and remit disease. Additional research is needed to elucidate the benefits of these ingredients in the management of rosacea, but some important considerations regarding the natural ingredients with clinical data will be discussed here. Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:148-155 © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Sep
2011
Vol. 30. No. 3

Cosmeceuticals Used in Conjunction with Laser Resurfacing

Mary Lupo, MD
The use of laser resurfacing for cutaneous rejuvenation has become an important tool in the modern dermatologist’s armamentarium. To ensure a successful outcome, proper preoperative and postoperative skin care is essential. Incorporating cosmeceuticals into the perioperative skin care regimen can promote a better overall patient experience by hastening postoperative healing, reducing common side effects, and enhancing overall rejuvenation. This article aims to explore the use of various cosmeceuticals in conjunction with laser resurfacing procedures. In particular, the overall mechanisms of action behind each selected therapy will be discussed, followed by a brief discussion of the existing literature on each agent’s use with laser resurfacing. Theoretical considerations and a limited body of evidence suggest a potential benefit for the use of these agents in conjunction with laser resurfacing procedures; however, further placebo-controlled studies are needed to truly confirm these benefits. Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:156-162 © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Sep
2011
Vol. 30. No. 3

Innovative Cosmeceuticals: Sirtuin Activators and Anti-Glycation Compounds

Patricia K. Farris, MD
Skin aging is a combination of natural aging with superimposed photoaging. Naturally aged skin is thin, fragile and finely wrinkled whereas photoaged skin is rough and thickened with deep coarse wrinkles. In addition photoaging is characterized by mottled pigmentation, solar lentigines, telangectasias and a loss of elasticity. The science behind skin aging has exploded in the past decade. Skin aging has now been defined on both a cellular and molecular level. The study of genomics in aging skin provides us with potential targets as points for intervention. In this regard, the science behind skin aging becomes a platform for the development of new anti-aging strategies and products. In this paper two new and emerging approaches to treat aging skin will be discussed. Sirtuin activating and antiglycation products are already being marketed by cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. These anti-aging approaches are backed by basic science research and the ingredients used are supported by proof of concept studies although clinical trials are often lacking. It is this bench to beauty counter approach to cosmeceuticals that remains an industry standard today. Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:163-166 © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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