Cosmeceuticals for men.

The demand for topical products capable of preventing aging or delivering cosmetic improvement to the male skin is growing. Companies are marketing products that are labeled "for men." Nevertheless, there is no consensus on which properties these products should possess. This article aims to develop a rational approach to men's cosmeceuticals based on anatomic and physiologic features of the male skin without neglecting behavioral idiosyncrasies when relevant. A review of the literature for skin gender singularities was used to determine the needs of male skin and subsequently to postulate how cosmeceuticals could fulfill these needs. Cosmeceutical ingredients capable of reversing sun-induced alteration are of particular benefit for men. Adapting cosmetic treatment to male grooming routines increases compliance. Shaving presents an opportunity to deliver cosmeceuticals for men. The marketing of skin care products for men is evolving and becoming seemingly complex; further research is warranted.

Assessment of the clinical efficacy of a hyaluronic acid-based deep wrinkle filler using new instrumental methods.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of numerous hyaluronic acid (HA)-based fillers has been demonstrated by semi-quantitative and qualitative methods, useful in clinical practice, but poorly reliable. OBJECTIVE: To objectively evaluate the efficacy of a HA gel in treating nasolabial folds (NLFs) over a 9-12-month follow-up period. METHODS: A total of 47 adult patients with moderate to severe NLFs received one or two injections of HA gel. Efficacy was assessed by measuring NLF depth at time intervals up to 12 months subjectively by blind and open clinical scoring using the Lemperle scale, and objectively using skin replicas and in vivo 3D imaging methods. Tissue characterization and dermal thickness were also assessed using radiofrequency ultrasonography and high-resolution ultrasound imaging, respectively. RESULTS: The filler injection highly significantly decreased the depth of NLFs (p < 0.0001) at all time points, with an improvement of at least 1 grade in the Lemperle score in 77% and 89% of the subjects at 9 and 12 months, respectively. NLF volume measured on replicas and 3D images significantly decreased after injection and this improvement was maintained over 12 months. CONCLUSION: This HA gel is well tolerated and provides a significant and long-lasting correction of moderate to severe NLFs, as objectively demonstrated by instrumental methods.

Non-hyaluronic acid fillers.

Fillers are numerous, and the products currently available have effects that may last from a few months to many years. These are used to treat facial wrinkles, and some of the new fillers exert a stimulatory effect, restoring volume in focal areas of the face by inducing collagen fibers. The dermasurgeon should thoroughly understand the indications and uses of these fillers to meet fully a patient's expectations. Some fillers are biodegradable (12-18 months), others slowly biodegradable (2-5 years), whereas others are permanent implants. The disadvantage of the traditional biodegradable fillers is their short duration (6-12 months). Over the past decade, semipermanent fillers (polylactic acid and ceramics) have been used: they do have a longer effect, but they might induce granulomas especially on the lips. Also, permanent fillers are traditionally linked to a higher incidence of granulomas and extrusions, although with the new formulations, the adverse events are decreased.