Recent Developments

NRS Celebrates 30 Years

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022.

The past three decades have seen tremendous progress toward fulfilling our mission of improving the lives of people with rosacea through awareness, education and support of medical research.

“Thanks to the efforts of the NRS, its members and researchers studying on the disease, rosacea is both more recognized and better understood than ever before,” says Andrew Huff, executive director of the NRS, in a news release.

When the NRS was formed in 1992, rosacea was considered a rare disease, and the first treatment, topical metronidazole, had been approved as an orphan drug by the FDA because it was believed the disorder affected fewer than 200,000 Americans. It soon became apparent that millions of people suffered from rosacea but didn’t know they had a medical condition that could be treated. Based on subsequent research, the NRS now estimates that more than 16 million Americans, or about one in 20, suffer from rosacea.

As it became evident that rosacea was both highly prevalent and widely misunderstood, the NRS embarked on a public awareness program that has resulted in coverage in countless newspapers and magazines nationwide, as well as on TV, radio and now the web and social media. As a result of our ongoing awareness efforts, today rosacea is routinely covered not just during Rosacea Awareness Month in April but year-round. Thanks to this coverage, rosacea is more commonly known by the public, and millions of sufferers have sought medical help from dermatologists.

Since the cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure, in 2000 the NRS established a grants program dedicated to encouraging and supporting medical research into the potential causes and other key aspects of the disorder. Funded entirely by individual donations, the research grants program has awarded more than $1.6 million to fund more than 75 studies to date, resulting in substantial improvements in the understanding and potentially more effective treatment of the disorder.

To provide a foundation for meaningful scientific investigation, in 2002 the NRS organized a consensus committee and review panel of 21 medical experts to establish a standard definition and classification system for rosacea, followed by a standard grading system in 2004 and standard management options in 2009. Thanks to the substantial advances in the understanding of rosacea gained through scientific investigations in the past 20 years, the NRS convened medical experts to publish an updated classification system and pathophysiology in 2017. While the original classification system designated the most common groupings of primary and secondary features as subtypes, rosacea is now understood as a single disease with a wide variety of potential presentations. Although its clinical features, or phenotypes, may appear at different times and in varying combinations, scientific research indicates they may all be manifestations of the same underlying inflammatory continuum.

Medical understanding of rosacea’s signs and symptoms isn’t the only thing that has changed. There is now a broad range of therapies available to address each phenotype. The NRS Expert Committee published updated standard management options in 2020.

Today the NRS provides education about rosacea to more than 1 million patients each year through informational pamphlets, Rosacea Review, and social media, while the NRS website, rosacea.org, serves as the leading online resource for in-depth information about the disorder. Meanwhile, the NRS has continued its extensive public awareness program at no cost to the public, thanks to the generous support of an increasing number of companies committed to rosacea, reaching a total audience of more than 400 million people annually.

Almirall Campaign Sheds Light on How Psoriasis Affects Mental Health

Almirall and the International Federation of Psoriasis Association launched the second edition of the “Shedding Light on Psoriasis” campaign for World Psoriasis Day 2022 to elevate stories of people living with psoriasis and show how the dark side of psoriasis affects their mental health, quality of life and the stigma they suffer from society. To do this, renowned illustrator Beatriz Ramo (@naranjalidad) created a portrait of two people painting their journey with psoriasis: the struggles and achievements they have made throughout their lives.

“It doesn’t make sense to just treat my pain, treat my flare-ups, I also need to support my mental health because we know that stress and other things are a trigger for those outbreaks. We also must relate the family to that, because lack of confidence related to flare-ups can affect our relationships, careers and finances. A multidisciplinary approach to psoriasis needs to be emphasised,” says Joel Nelson, IFPA ambassador and one of the main protagonists of the campaign, in a news release.

“The goal for World Psoriasis Day 2022 is to raise awareness between psoriatic disease and mental health. We need to support the unloading of the burden for people living with psoriatic disease and increase the wellbeing of those affected. Thank you, Almirall, for supporting IFPA in this journey and for giving the space for people living with the disease to speak up and share their stories,” adds Frida Dunger, IFPA’s Executive Director.

USPS Task Force: More Research Needed to Recommend Screening without Skin Cancer Symptoms

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force determined that there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening people without symptoms for skin cancer.

This is an I statement, meaning that the balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined. For this recommendation, screening is defined as a visual skin exam by a primary care professional. The recommendation does not apply to people with a family history of skin cancer or those with signs or symptoms, such as irregular moles. “In updating our recommendation, the Task Force looked to see if there was any new evidence about the effectiveness of primary care professionals screening for skin cancer,” says Task Force member Katrina Donahue, MD, MPH, in a news release. “Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence to know whether or not screening adolescents and adults without symptoms reduces complications or death, so we are calling for more research.”

People at increased risk for developing skin cancer include people who have had many sunburns, males, and older people. Use of indoor tanning beds is also a risk factor. For melanoma, people at increased risk include those with fair skin, light colored eyes, red or blond hair, and people who have a large number of moles, or a family or personal history of skin cancer.

It is important to note that this recommendation does not apply to people with a personal or family history of skin cancer or with symptoms, such as irregular moles. “We recognize that skin cancer is a common cancer, however we need more research on the effectiveness of visual skin exams by a primary care professional to screen people without symptoms,” says Task Force member Martha Kubik, Ph.D., R.N. “In the absence of evidence, we encourage healthcare professionals to use their judgment when deciding whether to screen individual patients.”

While evidence is limited in all people, the Task Force is using this recommendation to draw attention to the need for future research to be reflective of the US, in terms of including study populations with a diversity of skin tones and settings where access to health care varies. People who have noticed changes to their skin or have concerns about skin cancer should talk to their health care professional so that they can get the care they need. It is important that people take actions to protect their skin.

The Task Force has a separate, related recommendation on counseling to prevent skin cancer that provides additional guidance to primary care professionals and patients.

The Task Force’s draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review have been posted for public comment on the Task Force website at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org. Comments can be submitted from October 25, 2022, to November 21, 2022.

We also want to know what you think about this new recommendation. Email us your thoughts at editor@bmctoday.com.

La Roche-Posay and the Women’s Dermatologic Society Partner for Inaugural Diversity in Dermatology Fellowship at Howard University

La Roche-Posay is partnering with the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) to sponsor a Fellowship in the Department of Dermatology at Howard University’s College of Medicine for UIM medical students. The fellowship was created to support UIM candidates who are seeking additional clinical or research experience in dermatology prior to applying to residency.

Dermatology is one of the most competitive medical specialties. It is also one of the least diverse, only second to orthopedic surgery, where only 3% of dermatologists are Black. Medical students must match with a program to move forward into residency. This Fellowship hopes to increase representation in Dermatology by providing an opportunity to support those students whose application may need to be strengthened. A fellowship of this nature can be a step in securing a spot in dermatology residency programs.

During this year-long fellowship, the fellow will conduct translational and clinical research in addition to participating in Howard University’s dermatology clinics and community outreach events. Many Dermatology Fellowship programs are unfunded, which limits the number of people that can participate in them. Even if the candidate has the grades, talent, and drive to become a fellow, they may not have the financial means to support themselves.

The Diversity in Dermatology Fellowship was designed by a committee from the Women’s Dermatologic Society, La Roche-Posay, and Howard University to include the following:

• A livable salary that includes a stipend for health insurance
• A grant for the fellow to conduct research in dermatology
• Funding for Howard University’s dermatology professors to support the fellow’s learning
• A travel stipend for the Fellow to attend match interviews as well as two family visits during the fellowship

This year’s Diversity in Dermatology fellow is Chidubem Okeke. Ms. Okeke (pictured above) is a third-year medical student at Howard University College of Medicine and Co-President of its Student Dermatology Society. She graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences and a Minor in Inequality Studies. She is primarily interested in understanding skin diseases that disproportionately affect skin of color patients to help reduce health disparities. Additional research interests include contact dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and diversity and inclusion in medical education. She is co-chair of the Scarring Alopecia Foundation’smedical student working group, which offers support resources for those affected by scarring hair loss. As the WDS-La Roche-Posay Dermatology fellow, she is excited to continue pursuing her passions for dermatology research as well as patient education and outreach.

“This inaugural first of its kind, collaborative fellowship is a three-year commitment which promises to prioritize DEI in dermatology. Change comes in the form of action, and that is precisely what this partnership is aiming to accomplish,” says Mona Gohara, MD, President, Women’s Dermatologic Society and Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine.

The partnership with WDS and La Roche-Posay with Howard University, a historically Black research university, brings together three separate institutions in the industries of academia and organized medicine for a visionary and first-of-its-kind collaboration.

“I was fortunate enough to receive an academic scholarship to college, which was not something my family could have afforded otherwise. Being able to support funding for an incremental opportunity for a DEI candidate is something I am proud to pay forward. As someone who came from an economically challenged family, it was important for me to include the travel stipend so that this fellow would not have to choose between interviewing at a residency program or flying home to spend the holidays with their family. I have every confidence this program will allow a bright medical student to become an incredible dermatologist,” says Tyler Steele, Vice President, Medical & Media Relations, La Roche-Posay.

“I am grateful to the WDS and La Roche-Posay for funding this fellowship. It provides an accessible opportunity for UIM students to obtain research experience, mentorship and networking opportunities at the only dermatology department at an Historically Black University. Although mentoring a fellow is rewarding and enjoyable, the time commitment is often under-appreciated. The structure of this fellowship acknowledges this, and provides funds for protected time for faculty who invest time into the fellow’s development,” says Ginette A. Okoye, MD FAAD.

Quantificare Launches LifeViz Pro Series

At the 2022 AMWC Congress, QuantifiCare’s approach to 3D photographic technology was awarded the Best Aesthetic Device for the LifeViz Infinity Pro. Aesthetic experts based their selection on criteria such as creativity, innovation, targeted research, performance and value. QuantifiCare’s 3D photography range has previously been honored for the LifeViz Infinity, LifeViz Mini and LifeViz Micro.

QuantifiCare says it has strived to streamline the daily workflow for practitioners and foster greater understanding, trust and loyalty with their patients. Proposing aesthetic treatment options and monitoring facial and body changes over time are critical to managing their patient’s expectations. The easy-to-use and portable systems not only save time but provide remarkable 3D Before and After images for photo-documentation, in-depth skin quality evaluation and quantifiable data.

Designed for face, breast, and body, the LifeViz Infinity Pro heralds a new era for 3D aesthetic photography. The wireless LifeViz Infinity Pro integrates Artificial Intelligence to streamline the consultation workload and save staff time. Using the latest hybrid camera and automatic detection and classification of image sets, the company says it offers superior image quality and real time image transfer.

Incorporating the same AI technology as in the LifeViz Infinity Pro, the company expanded their premium range by adding the LifeViz Mini Pro designed specifically for the face.

Take 5 with Joanna Zucker, CEO, US Skin Health, Colgate-Palmolive

It’s been more than 3.5 years since Joanna Zucker made a return to the beauty business as CEO of US Skin Health at Colgate-Palmolive. She came on board to manage PCA Skin, then took on EltaMD Skin Care, and this year added Filorga in the US.

Professional Remain a Focus

“PCA Skin, EltaMD, and Filorga continue on a strong growth trajectory. We are maintaining our professional focus, and are proud to be the only company with 2 of the top 10 brands in the professional space. We’re also proud that EltaMD is the number one dermatologist- recommended, used, and trusted professional sun care brand.

At CP Skin Health, we believe the best skincare starts with a skincare professional, whether that’s a medical doctor or a licensed aesthetician. Our job as partners of the skincare professionals is to provide them the products, content, and education they need to grow their business and in return, we keep growing our business.”

Partnerships are multi-pronged

“We have a multi-layer approach to how we partner. We have dermatology advisory boards for EltaMD and PCA SKIN. Our boards provide strategic direction and feedback on our research, innovation plans, and marketing communication. We partner with KOL dermatologists to create content on our websites and social channels so consumers can find answers they need as it relates to skincare.

Professional Education has been a key pillar of our company. PCA has had an education department for 30 years and we have now broadened that to EltaMD. We have courses around EltaMD for sun protection, skin barrier renewal, and post-treatment skincare.

Finally, we have corporate social responsibility efforts. EltaMD does a lot of sponsorship around the prevention of skin cancer. We sponsor the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Destination Healthy Skin RV. We sponsor the Sun Bus, which is in partnership with Epiphany Dermatology and the Colorado Melanoma Foundation. With the help of volunteer dermatologists, the programs deliver free skin cancer screenings, education, and sunscreen to the public.”

Home Care Amplifies Results

“The average person touches their face at least 60 times a month—or twice a day. At most an aesthetician sees someone monthly, and the dermatologist would touch a person’s face maybe once a quarter. As a result, at-home care is crucial. Hence, we believe every dermatologist should be dispensing, because the consumer can get significantly more benefits at home versus only coming to the office. We believe 1+1=100 in that case. Thankfully, dermatologists also know this, and trust us as a partner to bring them cutting edge technology and innovation so that whatever they’re doing—whether it’s an injectable, a laser, a peel, heat, or light—they can then amplify that with what they’re sending home.

EltaMD is the #1 dermatologist-recommended professional sunscreen brand because of its combination of efficacy with cosmetic elegance. We are easy to use, easy to apply, and easy to blend in, which means people use it daily as instructed and protect their skin. Our brand overall is the best seller because we deliver amazing cosmetic elegance with the sun care protection that you need.

For PCA, our best sellers are our advanced correctives, the true breakthrough science for your skin concerns; ExLinea Pro for fine lines and wrinkles, C&E Advanced for antioxidants, our Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum for fullness/moisturization. I’m very excited about our latest corrective Pigment Gel Pro, which shows drastic reduction in pigment and prevents new pigment from forming in as little as 4 weeks from our clinical study. It’s about the right combination of ingredients with really deep penetration into the skin.”

Developments Are Coming

Hydroquinone has been banned in cosmetic products and all the forever chemicals are being banned. The EU is reviewing a lot of ingredients that many companies use, like kojic acid. As a result, we are proactively experimenting to make sure that we are coming up with breakthrough cocktails to deliver results comparable to or better than what those other ingredients provided. Our Pigment Gel took us 2 years, but we cracked an amazing cocktail that delivers results many thought impossible without HQ.

It is a very exciting time in the aesthetic industry. Consumers continue to view, as they should, that their skincare is part of their physical and mental health and wellbeing, and they’re investing in it. More people are coming in for peels because they’re realizing the benefits. Last year PCA Skin launched the No-Peel Peel, a breakthrough formula that gets amazing results; tone, clarity, and texture, with no peeling, and almost no sensation when it goes on. As the peel leader, we felt it was important to have an “entry” peel to introduce those nervous about the “downtime” associated with peels. Our line-up can address all skin types, Fitzpatricks, and skin concerns, and they are all self-neutralizing for ease of use.

Each day our employees are driven by our brand’s purposes; for PCA skin, we want everyone to be comfortable in their own skin; for EltaMD, we believe that everybody under the sun should be able to live freely, and be protected from the sun and how it compromises your skin. We will continue to work hard to deliver against our purposes, to help our professional customers meet the needs of their clients while growing their practices, and to provide products to help consumers achieve their skincare and beauty goals.