An open-label trial examining the efficacy and safety of a pre- and postprocedure topical five-product system (Clinique Medical Optimizing Regimen) specifically formulated to complement laser/light-based facial cosmetic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Specialized skin care regimens may help to minimize adverse events (AEs) following non-ablative facial procedures. METHODS: A 14-week, open-label, three-center study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a topical five-product system (Clinique Medical Optimizing Regimen; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) for minimizing localized AEs during two 6-week procedure cycles with fractionated laser (FL) or intense pulsed light (IPL). The skin care regimen consisted of a 2-week preprocedure phase, a 1-week postprocedure phase, and a 3-week maintenance phase. Investigators and patients rated the presence and severity of erythema, itching, stinging/burning, edema, pain, pruritus, swelling, crusts/erosion, and photodamage. RESULTS: Two days after the FL/IPL treatment (IPL: n = 27; FL: n = 21), most assessments, including erythema, were near baseline values; at 4 weeks postprocedure, all investigator scores were comparable to baseline. Patients missed work or avoided social situations a mean of only 0.8 days. Mean subject ratings for itching, stinging/burning, pain, swelling, and redness for 2 weeks postprocedure were 'none' to 'mild'. Treatment-related AEs (acne, facial rash) occurred in four patients. All investigators stated they would recommend this topical over-the-counter regimen again in conjunction with non-ablative FL/IPL treatments. CONCLUSIONS: This topical five-product skin care system was safe and effective in conjunction with non-ablative FL/IPL procedures.

Nonablative fractional resurfacing in the male patient.

Skin resurfacing can be divided into nonablative, nonablative fractional, ablative fractional, and traditional ablative categories. Nonablative technologies have yielded inconsistent and unimpressive results, whereas ablative technologies, although generally clinically effective, are losing momentum as a result of prolonged recovery times, risks for hypopigmentation, limitation in lighter skin types, and the production of unnatural sheen and texture to the skin. Fractional resurfacing can produce the safety of nonablative technologies and the efficacy of traditional ablative resurfacing. Nonablative fractional resurfacing is the most widely studied of fractional technologies allowing for nonablative tissue coagulation, creation of microthermal zones, and resurfacing with extrusion and replacement of damaged tissue with rapid re-epithelialization. This article will review nonablative fractional resurfacing with 1550-nm laser in the male patient.

Skin rejuvenation with microthermal fractional photothermolysis.

Fractional resurfacing is gaining acceptance as a preferred method for skin resurfacing. Experience in treating photoaging, acne scars, and melasma is reviewed.