Optimal cosmetic skin care combinations

When it comes to addressing skincare concerns, some combination therapies work better than others. (Mara Zemgaliete - stock.adobe.com)

Dr. Draelos

Dermatology patients’ skincare challenges often involve several concerns. Patients might want smoother skin, softer skin, smaller pores, less oil and/or less visible fine lines, according to dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D., of High Point, N.C., who is founder of Dermatology Consulting Services, a company that works with cosmeceutical firms to develop formulations and conduct product testing.

“Traditional cosmetic therapies can only offer finite improvement, while creative combination therapies offer additive benefits that enhance results and patient satisfaction,” says Dr. Draelos, who presented “Optimizing Cosmetic Outcomes through Combination Therapy,” during the Cosmetics panel today at the 2019 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.

Some combinations work better than others, according to Dr. Draelos, who offers these tips:

For smooth and soft skin: A particulate scrub to make skin smoother, followed by moisturization. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, butylene or propylene glycol humectants temporarily help skin hold water, which creates a smooth appearance.

For decreased pore size: A silicone scrubbing head in combination with toner pads (salicylic, glycolic or urea). While there isn’t a permanent solution for decreasing pore size, applying a facial foundation with light reflecting particles creates the illusion of smaller pores because the particles lodge in pores and reflect light from the depressions.

For increased sebum control: Use talc and a mattifying cyclopentasiloxane lotion in combination with oil blotting papers. The goal is to decrease the appearance of sebum; not necessarily decrease production.

To decrease fine lines: Combine today’s treatment options, such as fillers, toxins, needling or topicals, with use of a facial app, which helps validate treatment benefits for patients.

Disclosures:

Dr. Draelos has ties to numerous companies in the cosmetic space.