Actinic Keratoses: Reconciling the Biology of Field Cancerization with Treatment Paradigms.

This Perspective briefly reviews the relationship between UV-induced mutations in habitually sun-exposed human skin and subsequent development of actinic keratoses (AKs) and skin cancers. It argues that field therapy rather than AK-selective therapy is the more logical approach to cancer prevention and hypothesizes that treatment early in the process of field cancerization, even prior to the appearance of AKs, may be more effective in preventing cancer as well as more beneficial for and better tolerated by at-risk individuals. Finally, the Perspective encourages use of rapidly advancing DNA analysis techniques to quantify mutational burden in sun-damaged skin and its reduction by various therapies.

Chemical Peels: Role of Chemical Peels in Facial Rejuvenation Today.

The practice of chemical peeling remains an important aspect of the nonsurgical techniques available to the aesthetic surgeon when approaching skin rejuvenation. Despite past predictions of their disappearance in favor of lasers, the overall use of chemical peels by plastic surgeons continues to grow. In the past two decades, the techniques available to the clinician have evolved in safety and efficacy based on the dermatologic investigations of various individuals, including Obagi, Hetter, and Stone. The versatility, clinical endpoint-directed predictability, and favorable risk profile of chemical peels proffered by these latest advancements affirm that this modality is essential to the practice of the plastic surgeon treating patients with rhytides and dyschromias. This review presents the current role of chemical peels in skin rejuvenation, emphasizing the significant clinical advancements and their modern day applications and practice.

The Evolution of Chemical Peeling and Modern-Day Applications.

Despite the growth of technically more sophisticated skin resurfacing modalities, such as those based on light, radiofrequency, and ultrasound, chemical peel procedures have risen 5 to 25 percent over the past year alone. Chemexfoliation carries historical significance and has markedly evolved since its inception in ancient times. As a result of plastic surgery and dermatologic advancements, modern-day chemexfoliation offers plastic surgeons additional safe and effective options for patients with rhytides, dyschromias, and other signs of light- and environment-induced skin damage. This review discusses the historical evolution of chemexfoliation procedures, highlights modern-day practice habits, and touches on the clinically relevant applications of chemical peels.

The Effects of a Daily Skincare Regimen on Maintaining the Benefits Obtained from Previous Chemical Resurfacing Treatments.

BACKGROUND: Chemical peels are versatile treatments that involve chemical exfoliation of the skin for cosmetic improvement. Deeper peels produce more significant results, but can be associated with longer healing time and potential complications. Novel chemical resurfacing treatments (AGE and MELA) were developed in Europe to produce skin resurfacing via controlled inflammation to promote cell regeneration with minimum negative effects associated with conventional peelings. The AGE Resurfacing regimen is indicated for the treatment of photoaging, and consists of multi-ingredient peeling solution with trichloroacetic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and lactobionic acid. The MELA Resurfacing regimen addresses hyperpigmentation concerns and contains mandelic acid, potassium azeloyl diglycinate, retinol, salicylic acid, phytic acid, lactobionic acid, and lactic acid. Results of previously conducted US clinical experience trial of AGE and MELA resurfacing protocols rated 81% of subjects with some level of improvement according to physician assessment.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether a daily skin care regimen used for 12 weeks could maintain the benefits achieved with AGE and MELA chemical resurfacing treatments.
METHODS: Subjects who completed participation in the AGE and MELA skin resurfacing clinical trial were recruited to participate in a continuation trial and used a daily regimen of MDRejuvena facial products for 12 weeks. No other facial products were permitted. Physicians assessed the severity of individual skin parameters at baseline and week 12 and provided global assessment. Subjects assessed improvement of individual skin parameters at week 12 and provided an overall assessment.
RESULTS: Thirteen subjects participated in the 12-week continuation trial. According to the physician's global assessment, all subjects demonstrated some level of improvement at week 12 compared to baseline. Physician assessment showed a decrease in severity of all skin parameters assessed at week 12 compared to baseline. According to the subject overall assessment at week 12, 11 of 12 subjects noted some level of improvement, 1 subject saw no improvement, and 1 subject did not provide an overall assessment. Mild to moderate improvement was observed by subjects in all individual skin parameters assessed except for skin discoloration.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of the continuation study demonstrate that use of a daily skin care regimen, which include combination of 2 various strengths of MDRejuvena Rejuvaphyl® Rejuvenating Complex: low strength (LS) and high strength (HS), not only maintains but can enhance the beneficial effects of skin resurfacing treatments for at least 12 weeks.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(9):1145-1150.

Advancing the Care of Post-Acne Scarring: Expert Insights Into New Treatment Options.

Most patients with acne have some degree of facial scarring even after their acne resolves, extending the period of psychosocial distress. Unfortunately, management of acne scars remains challenging. Many treatments for post-acne scarring including chemical peels, skin needling, laser resurfacing, surgical repair, subcision lifting, and punch elevation lifting, are limited by moderate and unpredictable results, significant morbidity, and substantial patient investments in time and money. The most recent addition to the armamentarium is tissue augmentation with soft tissue fillers, including a recently approved polymethylmethacrylate-collagen filler. Matching individual patient needs to the appropriate treatment is crucial. While many patients with acne scars have unrealistic expectations about treatment outcomes, open, honest, and realistic dialogue regarding their treatment options and concerns can facilitate realistic expectations. This article is based on a consensus discussion by the authors, who all have experience managing post-acne scarring, as well as the content of a series of live CME-accredited symposia in connection with major dermatology meetings.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(5):518-525.

Chemical peels: panel discussion.

Edwin Cortez, Fred Fedok, and Devinder Mangat address questions for discussion and debate. Do you agree or disagree, and why, with the following: "The best method to improve moderate to deep rhytids is the croton oil-phenol peel." "There are no problems with cardiotoxicity with croton oil-phenol peels if done appropriately." "Do not do spot testing with chemical peel agents." How do you handle peels in advanced Fitzpatrick skin types III, IV, V? What is the main factor for rate of reepithelialization: (1) depth of peel, (2) depth of laser, (3) depth of dermabrasion? How has your approach to or technique in chemical peels evolved over the past several years?

Recent advances in chemical peeling in Japan.

Chemical peeling is one of the dermatological treatments available for certain cutaneous diseases and conditions or aesthetic improvement. This treatment consists of the application of one or more chemical agents to the skin. Recently in Japan, chemical peeling has been very popular for medical as well as aesthetic treatment. Because the scientific background and an adequate approach have not been completely established, medical and social problems have been reported. To address these issues, the Japanese Dermatological Association has established standard guidelines for chemical peeling, and the scientific background and validity of chemical peeling has been assessed. In this review, a set of guidelines for chemical peeling is introduced, and we will discuss several clinical and histological studies including the effects of glycolic acid, and the application of deer peeling to skin tumors in our department.

Advances in deep chemical peels.

Deep chemical peels have been used in dermatology for more than a century and their popularity increased dramatically during the past decade. The main indications for this procedure include photoaging, perioral wrinkling, acne scars, and precancerous skin lesions. Deep chemical peel is a nonsurgical procedure that compares favorably with other surgical and nonsurgical procedures for skin rejuvenation, such as surgical face-lifting, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing. It is a safe and cost-effective method that provides significant results and a high degree of patient satisfaction.