Cosmeceuticals unplugged

Mary Lupo, MDThere are some tricks of the dermatologists’ trade when it comes to optimizing cosmeceutical use by complementing procedures with products, according to New Orleans, La., dermatologist Mary P. Lupo, M.D.

Dr. Lupo presented “Optimizing Cosmeceuticals” today at the 2016 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) annual meeting in New Orleans, as part of a larger panel discussion, “ASDS Unplugged – Straight Talk about Devices and More.”

Her unplugged advice for dermatologists

Sunscreen use can’t be emphasized enough. Sunscreen use improves cosmetic procedure results, makes results last longer and prevents unwanted post-procedure pigmentation.

For patients who can’t tolerate retinoids, the new Restorsea Pro Serum (Restorsea) gets Dr. Lupo’s thumbs-up as an alternative cosmeceutical.

Some of the dermatologist’s favorite procedure-product pairs:

Neck tightening: Nectifirm (Revision Skincare)

IPL or Excel V laser (Cutera): Avene Antirougeurs line (Pierre Fabre Laboratories) for redness and Revision Skincare’s Vitamin C 30% for pigment.

Pre-resurfacing: The Alastin Skincare line helps clean up old dermal ground substances.

Post resurfacing: Provoque Facial Serum (Alphaeon) for enhanced collagen deposition.

Dr. Lupo’s dos and don’ts of cosmeceutical use:

Do use inorganic sunscreens for those with sensitive skin, redness, rosacea.

Don’t forget to discontinue retinoids prior to resurfacing and all mid- deep peels.

Do remember that daytime products need to protect and nighttime products need to repair and regenerate.

And don’t forget barrier repair!

Finally, to optimize patients’ cosmeceutical compliance, Dr. Lupo says that dermatologists “should prioritize needs, so as to not overwhelm patients with lots of steps.”

Disclosure: Dr. Lupo is an investor in Alphaeon’s Provoque and does research on the product.