We’re shifting gears for this one!

When considering the evidence basis for topical skincare, a frequent challenge presents. Although there is a vast amount of research into various skin care ingredients, there is often a sense of perpetually waiting for more research to be performed to solidify and better confirm an ingredients’ profile.  Contrast to standard preclinical & clinical research, consensus studies are well known to help supplement clinical information and guidelines in the context where the initial level of evidence is limited or scarce. Many cosmeceuticals sit in this very grey zone. Consensus studies can also provide a window into how experts in a field are clinically using and/or relying on a given agent, which is not typically captured in traditional studies. Previous courses on this website have explored the available evidence for various topical skincare ingredients. Now we’re opening the door to a whole new approach via a set of consensus-focused courses, with this course launching the series!

This course provides the unique approach of being based nearly entirely on consensus and expert panel-based research. For aesthetic concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, dry skin, uneven skin tone and other hyperpigmentation concerns, we are not as much examining the question of ‘What evidence is there for a given agent?’, but rather ‘What do experts in the field of aesthetics collectively agree is best to consider using in this situation?’. It’s a subtle shift, but clinically, a powerful one.       

Course structure:

The first 2/3 of the course is designed to establish where consensus resides regarding topical skincare and cosmeceuticals for various aesthetic concerns and specific clinical situations. This includes updated consensus for individualizing sunscreen recommendations as well as pre- and post-aesthetic procedure skincare as adjunctive care for noninvasive treatment.

The final 1/3 of the course will shift to providing additional review and more detailed information pertaining to a selection of the very topicals and cosmeceuticals achieving consensus from the earlier portion of the course.

Key aspects reviewed include:

·       Where consensus exists for selecting specific cosmeceutical ingredients in skincare directed toward managing fine lines and wrinkles, skin dryness, facial erythema, hyperpigmentation concerns, as well as according to specific scenarios encountered clinically

·       Where expert agreement exists regarding sun protection and sunscreen recommendations, including updated guidance for mitigating the effects of visible light on hyperpigmentation concerns; personalizing sunscreen recommendations; and selection of cosmeceutical adjuncts according to clinical needs, such as photodamage, oily skin, and hyperpigmentation

·       Where consensus is achieved relating to skincare approaches around the time of non-invasive aesthetic procedures, including for patients with skin of colour and according to primary concerns like skin aging or hyperpigmentation

·       An in-depth snapshot for many of the topicals and cosmeceuticals achieving consensus, to provide information such as mechanisms of action, common forms and concentration levels, sample research and review of its clinical uses

Who might benefit from this course?

Any healthcare provider who:

o Is seeking an well-based starting point in terms of better knowing which topical agents to consider for managing common skin issues

o   Is interested to explore where consensus has been achieved for the use of various topicals and cosmeceutical ingredients in managing a range of aesthetic skin concerns and clinical situations

Learning Objectives

·       Identify the benefits and limitation of consensus-based research

·       Understand the basic Delphi method approach toward achieving consensus

·       Recognize those cosmeceuticals ingredients and topical products achieving consensus agreement for various skin concerns and clinical scenarios

·       Understand various clinical tools used to help guide selection of cosmeceuticals and topical skincare

·       Explore the research supporting those cosmeceuticals achieving consensus for various skin concerns

·       Explore and recognize where consensus agreement was achieved regarding sunscreen and sun protection guidelines

·       Identify cosmeceuticals offering adjunctive and non-UV filter-based photoprotection as based on properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or DNA-repair activities

·       Recognize where consensus was not achieved as a means of understanding where confidence and data gaps remain

·       Understand how to tailor sunscreen recommendations according to unique patient needs and clinical situations

·       Identify cosmeceuticals achieving consensus for use alongside sunscreens in the context of various skin concerns and goals

·       Identify the four skin quality categories achieved through consensus

·       Understand how to construct an adjunctive skincare regimen as part of peri-procedural skincare, including what to look for in a cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen selection, and cosmeceutical considerations for specific skin concerns

·       Recognize the key mechanisms underlying the photoaging process    

·       Identify the general and aesthetic skin concerns affected by the UVA, UVB, and visible light spectrums

·       Recognize and identify chemical and mineral UV filters, and their relative UV and visible light protective abilities

·       Understand the role and effects of over-the-counter topical Retinoids, including basic metabolism; forms available; sample of clinical research; side effects; and mechanism of action

·       Explore the role and effects of topical Vitamin C, including its water and lipid-soluble derivative forms; supportive research; clinical uses and mechanisms of action

·       Explore the role and effects of topical niacinamide, including the key mechanisms by which topical niacinamide is believed to exert its biological effects; the concentration range of topical niacinamide used most often in clinical research; and its role in managing hyperpigmentation, skin aging, rosacea, other causes of facial erythema

·       Explore the role and effects of topical Ceramides, including a review of the epidermal skin barrier; its role in the lipid matrix; common forms/nomenclature of ceramides; effects of various types of skin cleansers on the skin barrier; and the role of ceramides in moisturizers

·       Explore the role and effects of topical alpha-hydroxy acids and glycolic acid, including common forms; an understanding of its clinical uses and mechanisms of action

·       Explore the role and effects of topical peptides, including common peptide categories and their representative peptides, an understanding of supportive clinical research; and a review of their clinical uses and mechanisms of action

·       Understand approaches to help integrate cosmeceuticals consensus information into clinical practice