A Practical Algorithm for Integrating Skincare to Improve Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction With Energy-Based Dermatologic Procedures
May 2024 | Volume 23 | Issue 5 | 353 | Copyright © May 2024
Published online April 29, 2024
Edward Lain MD FAADa, Andrew F. Alexis MD FAADb, Anneke Andriessen PhDc, Valeria Barreto Campos MDd, Ariel Haus MDe, Jihee Kim MD PhDf, Mark Lupin MDg, Cara McDonald MBBS BMedSci MPH FACDh, Chen Feng Zhang MD PhDi
aAustin Institute for Clinical Research, Austin, TX
bWeill Cornell Medical Medicine, New York, NY
cRadboud UMC Nijmegen, Andriessen Consultants, Malden, NL
dUniversity of Jundiai, Sao Paulo, Brazil
eDr Haus Dermatology, London, England
fDepartment of Dermatology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin 16995, Republic of Korea
gMedSpa Partners Ltd., Victoria, BC, Canada
hSt Vincent's Hospital, Director Complete Skin Specialists, Sunbury, Melbourne, Australia
iDepartment of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Abstract
Background: Medical aesthetic procedures for facial antiaging with laser and energy-based devices (EBDs) are rapidly increasing, but standards integrating skincare before, during, and after these treatments are lacking. The algorithm for integrated skin care for facial antiaging treatment with EBDs aims to stimulate healing, reduce downtime, and improve comfort and treatment outcomes.
Methods: A panel of 8 global physicians employed a modified Delphi method and reached a consensus on the algorithm integrating skincare based on the best available evidence, the panel's clinical experience, and opinions.
Results: The algorithm has a pretreatment (starts 2 - 4 weeks before the procedure) and treatment (day of treatment) section, followed by care after the procedure (0 - 7 days) and follow-up care (1 - 4 weeks after the procedure or ongoing). Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 50 or higher, combined with protective measures such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, is recommended to protect the face from sun exposure. Dyschromia is a significant concern for those with skin of color (SOC). Clinicians may recommend skincare using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer containing vitamins C and E, retinoid, or other ingredients such as niacinamide, kojic acid, licorice root extract, azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid, depending on the patient's facial skin condition.
Conclusion: Medical aesthetic procedures for facial antiaging with EBDs integrating skincare or topical treatments may improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. Topical antioxidants and free radical quenchers can combat photodamage and may offer a safe alternative to topical hydroquinone.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(5):353-359. doi:10.36849/JDD.8092
INTRODUCTION
Medical aesthetic procedures for facial antiaging treatment using laser and energy-based devices (EBDs) are rapidly increasing.
1,2 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reported that in 2020 to 2021 intense pulsed light (IPL) comprised 827,409 procedures and laser skin resurfacing 997,245 procedures (ablative 430,506 and nonablative [Fraxel, etc.] 566,739).
1,2 The EBD segment is projected by many market research groups to grow continuously, by over 5% annually between 2022 and 2027.
Many publications have addressed methods for reducing adverse events related to EBD treatments.3,4 The number of studies on integrating skincare in laser and EBD treatments is growing. However, standards for skincare before, during, and after medical aesthetic procedures are lacking, and few algorithms exist.3-14 As a result, skincare integrated into EBD treatments is highly variable.
Our objective is to highlight the potential utility of EBDs (eg, lasers and fractional radiofrequency microneedling [FRFM]).
