Skin phototype of participants in laser and light treatments of cosmetic dermatologic conditions: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In cosmetic dermatology, lasers and lights treat a variety of hair and skin conditions, including some that disproportionately affect people of color. AIMS: Our systematic review aims to understand the representation of participants with skin phototypes 4-6 in cosmetic dermatologic trials studying laser and light devices. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using search terms "laser," "light," and multiple laser and light subtypes in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 1, 2010 and October 14, 2021 that studied laser or light devices for cosmetic dermatologic conditions were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: Our systematic review included 461 RCTs representing 14 763 participants. Of 345 studies that reported skin phototype, 81.7% (n = 282) included participants of skin phototypes 4-6, but only 27.5% (n = 95) included participants of skin phototypes 5 or 6. This trend of excluding darker skin phototypes persisted when results were stratified by condition, laser of study, study location, journal type, and funding source. CONCLUSIONS: Trials studying lasers and lights for the treatment of cosmetic dermatologic conditions need better representation of skin phototypes 5 and 6.

The lipstick effect during COVID-19 lockdown.

Although consumer spending typically declines during times of crisis, some observers have noted the tendency of consumers to spend more on less costly luxury goods instead, calling it the "lipstick effect." E-commerce sales in beauty and personal care categories, compared to pre-COVID-19, saw an increase. The mass lockdowns across many states in the United States resulted in hospitals and cosmetic clinics suspending many services. We present several patients who developed complications following home-administered cosmetic procedures and presented via telemedicine clinic at the Department of Dermatology at Boston Medical Center in May 2020. The first case follows a patient who had platelet-rich plasma concentrate injected into her face by an unauthorized, presumed aesthetician in training. The second and third cases follow patients purchasing products from unregulated e-commerce retailers to self-administer injectable fillers and perform trichloroacetic acid chemical peels, respectively. We discuss the impact of social media in conjunction with extensive misinformation along with easily accessible products available on the Internet, and how this combination has encouraged self-injurious behavior and its consequences while lacking any means of accountability. This paper aims to encourage the spread of patient education and limit personal harm from self-administration of potentially injurious procedures.