Challenges and real-world solutions for adoption of holistic skincare routine (cleansing, treatment, moisturization, and photoprotection) in acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin: An expert consensus.

BACKGROUND: While treatment is a definitive therapeutic component in the management of inflammatory skin conditions, adjunctive skin care comprising of appropriate cleansing, moisturization, and photoprotection are just as important. Cleansing, treatment, moisturization, and photoprotection (CTMP) constitute the four major components of holistic skincare routine for dermatological conditions. However, inadequate patient understanding of the condition, limited resources for physicians, and insufficient time for patient education during busy dermatological consultations are the main obstacles to establishing a holistic skincare routine in the real world. AIMS: This study aimed to identify key challenges in the implementation of a holistic skincare routine, and offer practical guidance to physicians to improve adoption in the management of acne, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and sensitive skin syndrome. METHODS: An expert panel comprising of nine dermatologists from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand convened to develop consensus statements to stimulate real-world adoption of holistic skincare routine in acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin syndrome using the Delphi approach. RESULTS: Consensus was defined as ≥80% of panel rating statement as ≥8 or median rating of ≥8. The final statements were collated to develop consensus recommendations to encourage adoption of holistic skincare routine. CONCLUSION: Promoting patient education on the skin condition, training support staff in patient counseling, and offering physician training opportunities are the key strategies to encourage real-world adoption of CTMP as a holistic skincare routine. The consensus recommendations presented here should be considered in all dermatology patients to accomplish the ultimate goals of improved treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Expert consensus on holistic skin care routine: Focus on acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Treatment, cleansing, moisturizing, and photoprotection are four major components of holistic skin care for dermatological conditions. While treatment (T) is recognized as a key component in the management of dermatological conditions, there is a lack of practical guidance on the adjunctive role of cleansing, moisturizing, and photoprotection ("CMP"). Limited patient knowledge, confusion over product selection, and lack of guidance on how to choose and use CMP skin care products (in conjunction with pharmacological therapy) are the main barriers to establishing a holistic skin care routine for dermatological conditions. AIMS: This study aimed to review current clinical evidence, identify gaps, and provide practical guidance on conceptualization and implementation of CMP routine in the management of sensitive skin due to underlying acne, atopic dermatitis, or rosacea, including conditions with idiopathic causes referred to as idiopathic sensitive skin syndrome. METHODS: An expert panel comprising of 10 dermatologists from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand convened to develop consensus statements on holistic skin care in acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and idiopathic sensitive skin syndrome using the Delphi approach. RESULTS: Consensus was defined as ≥80% of panel rating statement as ≥8 or median rating of ≥8. The final statements were collated to develop consensus recommendations on holistic skin care. CONCLUSION: A dermatologist-guided holistic skin care routine is essential to improve patient confidence and reduce confusion over product selection. The consensus recommendations presented here highlight the importance of cleansing, moisturization, and photoprotection in holistic skin care and how it can be utilized as a communication tool for physicians and patients to achieve overall better patient compliance, satisfaction, and treatment outcomes.