New Products and Pharmacological Developments

ISDIN Launches Melatonik Nighttime Serum

ISDIN's Melatonik nighttime serum formulated with melatonin, bakuchiol (a natural antioxidant with retinol-like properties), and Vitamin C, is now available. It was developed to help skin recover from the day and prepare it to fight the stresses of tomorrow, ISDIN says.

Melatonik stimulates the skin's natural antioxidant defenses, repairing environmental stress and damages and supporting healthy, younger looking skin. Melatonik includes:

• Melatonin: A naturally occurring compound in the body and a well-known ingredient. Within the skin, melatonin is an effective indirect antioxidant that stimulates its natural defenses against free radicals caused by UV radiation, oxidative stress and pollution.
• Bakuchiol: An anti-aging ingredient of natural origin, with retinol-like properties and a gentle profile that helps to restore the skin's elasticity and firmness.
• Vitamin C: A well-established direct antioxidant that reduces free radicals caused by UV radiation, oxidative stress and pollution.

Melatonin retails for $150 and is available through dermatologists or online. ISDIN.com

Neova Launches New Line of Professional Grade Peels

Neova SmartSkinCare has introduced a new range of Professional Treatments developed exclusively for dermatologist use. Backed by solid science and clinical discovery, the professional treatments consider the health of the skin first and foremost, the company says.

Neova REVEAL 3 [10%] Peel is a combination of TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), Resorcinol, and natural fruit enzymes. For all skin types, this light strength peel is excellently suited for first-time TCA patients in need of penetrating action to correct acne, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, they say. It acts on the outermost layers of skin by lifting dead skin cells, removing unwanted epidermal cells, dissolving excess oil, and removing cellular debris.

Neova REVEAL 3 MED [20%] Peel, a medical concentration, is a blend of TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids). For patients that need to address most aging and environmental skin issues and have built up a tolerance to acids, this medium strength peel acts on the outermost layers of skin rapidly on contact to lift dead skin cells, remove unwanted epidermal cells, dissolve excess oil, and remove cellular debris. It is not recommended for darker skin tones, due to an increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Neova INFUSION PEEL AHA [30%] + ANTIOX Peel is a blend of 30% AHA with Vitamin C to soften and remove dead skin cells. It drastically reduces prominent and stubborn UV-induced hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, hormonal acne, and localized age spots with a series of applications. For all skin tones, this medium-light strength peel is most appropriate for a young and/or more sensitive skin with a normal to dry skin type to exfoliate the coarse, outer layer of cells and reveal virgin cells below while suppling antioxidant protection.

Neova TRANSFORM RESURFACER [Salicylic 30 %] Peel offers an effective BHA treatment from salicylic acid that detoxifies stressed skin while unclogging pores, improving the appearance of inflamed bumps and blotchiness and delivering marked improvements in tone, texture and acne scarring. For oily and blemished skin types, salicylic acid works by softening keratin, while helping to control sebum, keeping oil production at a minimum and can improve acne scarring.

REVEAL GLYCOLIC TX [30%] Peel is a comprehensive medical strength peel that effectively corrects the adverse signs of photoaging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and light hyperpigmentation without visible flaking. For the most sensitive skin types, this resurfacing treatment treats photoaging skin symptoms like wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone.

NEOVA Professional In-Office Treatments will be available beginning in November 2018 at more than 2,500 dermatologist offices nationwide. Each peel solution is supplied in 50mL glass bottles, yielding 10-12 full face and décolleté applications and priced for professionals from $55.00 to $75.00. neova.com

Carpe: New Antiperspirant Twice as Effective As “Extra Strength”

Carpe's newly launched underarm antiperspirant has been demonstrated to reduce sweat twice as effectively as the US legal standard for extra strength antiperspirants, the company says. While federal regulation requires that an extra strength antiperspirant demonstrate at least a 30% reduction in sweat, Carpe's clinical data has demonstrated over a 60% median reduction in sweat. The new product is targeted at consumers who need additional sweat protection not offered by existing brands, including the roughly 15 million Americans who suffer from hyperhidrosis.

The antiperspirant, which is scented with natural eucalyptus oil, is applied via a soft-foam applicator housed in a plastic casing that resembles a traditional underarm antiperspirant. For best results, it should be applied twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed—the company says. Carpe underarm antiperspirant is currently available for purchase at CarpeLotion.com and Amazon.com for $19.95. CarpeLotion.com

Topix Pharmaceuticals Launches Replenix Bightening Boost Pigment Corrector

Topix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. introduced Replenix Brightening Boost Pigment Correcting Cream, a non-hydroquinone brightening treatment that corrects visible discoloration for a brighter, more even and luminous complexion. The natural skin brighteners and botanical tone enhancing ingredients combine in this drug-free formulation to exfoliate skin and minimize the appearance of dark spots. For all skin types, this correcting cream is developed to work as a lotion or as a treatment mask, with soothing moisturization to optimize results of hydroquinone and retinol therapies. Key ingredients include Arbutin, a natural skin brightener proven to condition skin and promote an even skin tone; Botanical Extract Blend, natural extracts rich in antioxidants help to tone and brighten while soothing and calming skin; Hexylresorcinol, which helps correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation and brighten skin in combination with topical exfoliants; and Hexanoyl dipeptide-3, an exfoliating peptide helping to shed damaged and pigmented skin, to reveal a fresher, brighter complexion.

With regular use, Replenix Brightening Boost Pigment Correcting Cream improves visible discoloration, skin health and hydration and helps to prevent future damage for enhanced complexion confidence—with or without makeup. topixpharm.com

Introducing brandMD Skin Care's Newest Retinol Product

brandMD Skin Care introduced a new anhydrous Retinol product, Tretinol Serum 1.0%, which features a patented Retinoid Complex (Tretinol), as well as Vitamins C and E encapsulated with a proprietary Trans-Epidermal Carrier to maximize the effectiveness. According to the company, this synergistic formula dramatically reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and deep creases, as well as brightens the skin.

According to brandMD, this exclusive formula stimulates cellular regeneration, as well as collagen and elastin production, improving skin tone. Continued use helps sustain a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and helps to normalize the physiology of the skin. Tretinol Serum 1.0% is also antioxidant-rich, providing protection against environmental stressors such as free radicals and sun damage. Vitamins C & E utilized in this formulation work to actively fight against free radicals, sun damage, and other environmental stressors. Because the Tretinol Serum 1.0% is anhydrous, this product is only manufactured with silicones, waxes, and oils, allowing it to further enhance the elegance of this product, the company says.

The Tretinol Serum 1.0% is packaged in a pearlized airless pump to ensure to correct dosing and preservation of the product. This 1.8 oz. product wholesales for $39 to medically licensed physicians and makes a great alternative to prescription Tretinoin. This Retinol-based product is available to private label. sales@brandMD.com

Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum from Dr. Dennis Gross

Dr. Dennis Gross's newest product—Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum—is launching in January 2019. Loaded with the proven concentration of 10% L-ascorbic acid, lactic acid, kojic acid, and arbutin, this professional formula rivals prescription strength hydroquinone at 4% concentration and is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of sun spots, age spots, and dark patches in as little as two weeks, according to the company. It is the first product in a brand-new category: Clinical Grade. This and other products that will launch in this category focus on the maximum concentrations of medical-grade ingredients combined in formulations derived straight from Dr. Gross's office. drdennisgross.com

Therapeutics Update: OTC Skincare

Study Shows Burt's Bees Nature-Based Sensitive Skin Care is Effective

Recently published clinical data supports the efficacy of Burt's Bees nature-based sensitive skin regimen at maintaining healthy skin barrier function.

Burt's Bees' nature-based regimen, consisting of Sensitive Facial Cleanser, Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream and Sensitive Night Cream, was shown to be well-tolerated, as well as clinically, and statistically, superior to the control, a leading dermatologist-recommended synthetic regimen, in the study, which was published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

“The data suggest that nature-based products can be effective for patients who seek alternatives to conventional, synthetic skin care products,” says Zoe Draelos, MD, Dermatology Consulting Services, High Point, NC, the study's principal investigator. “Patients with sensitive skin saw a clinical improvement in overall skin appearance, specifically in visual and tactile smoothness, clarity, and radiance.”

This 4-week, double-blind, randomized study was conducted in 120 women with sensitive skin who suffer from clinically diagnosed rosacea, atopic dermatitis/eczema, or cosmetic intolerance. Results demonstrated that Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Regimen clinically and statistically improved physician-rated overall skin appearance by 34 percent with similar improvements in visual and tactile smoothness, clarity and radiance. In contrast, the maximum improvement in women using the synthetic regimen was four percent.

No clinically significant tolerability issues were reported in either regimen after four weeks of daily administration. Both regimens improved epidermal barrier function as measured by transepidermal water loss. The Burt's Bees regimen optimized skin hydration to improve and maintain skin health. The synthetic regimen was associated with over hydration possibly resulting from the occlusive barrier it provides.

For more on the study, be sure to read Dr. Draelos' comments in the “Close UP” interview in this edition's news section.

Kuleana Debuts Natural, Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Amid growing concerns that certain sunscreen ingredients are harming coral reefs and marine life, Hawaiian company Kuleana is rolling out a natural sunscreen that is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate—two chemicals suggested to be toxic to corals and other marine life that were recently banned in Hawaii.

Kuleana Sunscreen is made with such natural reef-safe ingredients as macadamia nut oil, sunflower oil, aloe extract, jojoba oil, shea butter, coconut oil and pineapple fruit extract. Kuleana Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 protection, remains water resistant for 80 minutes, and works well on all skin types. The new sunscreen contains a sheer, non-whitening zinc oxide that rubs in clear.

“We are proud to offer consumers another natural product that aligns with our state's environmental goals to protect and preserve fragile marine ecosystems, including coral reefs,” says Joy Galatro, marketing director at Kuleana's parent company Pacific Biodiesel, in a news release.

Through its new 1% for the Planet membership, Kuleana Sunscreen will support the Sierra Club of Hawaii beginning September 2018. The Sierra Club of Hawaii works throughout the islands to protect and preserve Hawaii's natural resources.

Kuleana Sunscreen is available in 3-ounce tubes and retails for $18 in retail locations beginning this month and is currently for sale on the company's website.

Allergan's SkinMedica Tackles Blue Light and More with New LUMIVIVE System

Allergan is launching the SkinMedica LUMIVIVE System, with two distinct formulas—one to shield skin from blue light and environmental aggressors during the day and another to recharge the skin's repair process at night for 24-hour protection and revitalization.

“Skin today is under attack from multiple invisible threats,” says San Diego-based dermatologist Sabrina Fabi, MD, in a news release. “Visible light, including blue light like that emitted by phones and devices, is particularly insidious, because it penetrates deeper than some forms of ultraviolet light, down into the third layer of the skin, accelerating the visible signs of aging, such as dark spots, wrinkles, and saggy or loose skin.”

In clinical studies conducted in some of the most polluted cities in the world, LUMIVIVE improved the appearance of skin tone, evenness and restored stressed skin for a more luminous complexion. Fully 85 percent of patients agreed that LUMIVIVE reduced the effects of environmental damage on their skin and kept their skin looking radiant throughout the day.

“People around the world, spend an average of two hours per day on social media, while the average American looks at their phone 47 times a day and spends about ten hours a day in front of a screen,” says Carrie Strom, Senior Vice President, U.S. Medical Aesthetics at Allergan. “We know that blue light and pollution are all around us and can't be avoided. We felt it was important to address an unmet need by creating a system that not only protects the skin from environmental damage during the day, but also enhances the skin's ability to restore and repair skin during the sleep-repair cycle as well.”

SkinMedica LUMIVIVE System is available through licensed healthcare providers.

Is Teen Acne a Sign of Future Financial Success?

The OTC acne care market is large and growing. But affected patients may find the investment in skincare is minimal, at least relative to future earnings. That's because a Ball State University researcher suggests that teen acne may be on the list of traits—such as love of books, the need for glasses, and high intelligence—common among top earners in various fields.

In his study, “Do Pimples Pay? Acne, Human Capital, and the Labor Market Abstract,” Erik Nesson, an economics professor, found that having acne is positively associated with overall grade point average in high school, grades in high-school English, history, math and science, and the completion of a college degree.

The study also found evidence that acne is associated with higher personal labor market earnings for women, said Mr. Nesson, who conducted the study with Hugo M. Mialon, an economics professor at Emory University. Their work is forthcoming in the Journal of Human Capital.

“Acne has been the scourge of teenage boys and girls as long as there have been teenagers,” Mr. Nesson says in a news release. “Our study finds evidence for the theory that having acne leads teens to be less social and to focus more on studying or brainwork, which may increase their educational attainment.

“Specifically, we find that having acne is associated with feeling less socially accepted and is associated with participating less in sports clubs and more in non-sports clubs, suggesting a possible shift from physical to intellectual pursuits.”

Acne is also strongly associated with depression and suicidal ideation among teenagers, but Mr. Nesson said some teenagers could be comforted if they knew the positive association between having acne and educational attainment and getting better jobs. While acne in adolescence is likely to subside, the benefits of higher educational attainment persist.

The researchers used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to analyze the effects of acne on educational outcomes and labor market earnings. In the sample, nearly 50 percent of high school students reported having pimples occasionally, often, or every day.

Students reporting skin problems:

• have lower levels of self-esteem and social acceptance
• are less likely to be in sports clubs but more likely to be in non-sports clubs
• earn higher grades in classes (about 2 percentage points more likely to receive an A) and an overall higher GPA (about a 0.10-point boost in GPA)
• are more likely to complete at least some college and more likely to complete college.