New in My Practice: OTC

With Raja Sivamani, MD

In each issue, Practical Dermatology® magazine spotlights a new product that dermatologists are recommending to patients. Here, Raja Sivamani, MD, a Sacramento, CA-based dermatologist and senior medical editor for LearnSkin, shares his enthusiasm for Burt’s Bees Renewal Dark Spot Corrector, which contains the natural retinol alternative bakuchiol

What is Burt’s Bees Renewal Dark Spot Corrector?

Raja Sivamani, MD: The Renewal Dark Spot Corrector is a targeted treatment that helps fade the appearance of dark spots and reduce uneven skin tone. The main active ingredient in the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector is bakuchiol, an extract from Psoralea corylifolia, or the “babchi” plant, and a natural retinol alternative. In clinical studies, bakuchiol has been shown to improve signs of photoaging without the irritating effects of retinol, such as dry or peeling skin. The Renewal Dark Spot Corrector pairs bakuchiol with antioxidant-rich Vitamin C, which can help boost skin radiance and brighten complexion.

How do you suggest your patients use the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector?

Dr. Sivamani: I have patients use the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector by gently smoothing it all over their face and neck. For best results, patients can apply it daily in the morning and evening after washing their face. Since the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector contains bakuchiol as opposed to traditional retinoids—which have a risk of phototoxicity or photosensitization with sun exposure—the product can be used in the morning as well as the evening.

How does the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector compare with other products in this category?

Dr. Sivamani: For my patients seeking natural anti-aging solutions supported with clinical science, the Burt’s Bees Renewal line is always at the top of my list. Like all Burt’s Bees products, this product has ingredients sourced from nature and is free from parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and sodium lauryl sulfate. When looking at active ingredients, the bakuchiol in Burt’s Bees Renewal line is shown to be comparable to retinol—the long-held gold standard for anti-aging. The most recent data shows bakuchiol has multi-targeted effects on skin through several pathways, demonstrating that it may actually exert synergistic anti-aging benefits.

What types of results are your patients seeing?

Dr. Sivamani: My patients find the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector to be gentle on their skin, and they like the way that it feels—especially with the sunflower oil included in there. Like many dermatologists, a lot of my patients have sensitive skin—more than 60 percent of women and 50 percent of men report some degree of skin sensitivity—and are searching for products that don’t utilize harsh retinol. They like that the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector helps them without as much skin irritation. I like using it with my acne patients to help with any dark blemishes, especially in my patients with darker skin, to give them a healthy glow.

What other products complement these results?

Dr. Sivamani: The Renewal Dark Spot Corrector is part of a broader Burt’s Bees Renewal regimen with a cleanser, serum and several creams/lotions. The entire line is powered by bakuchiol to reduce signs of photoaging. I recommend you follow the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector with the Renewal Fragrance-Free Firming Moisturizing Cream at night or the Renewal Firming Day Lotion with SPF for day use. Patients should always apply sunscreen after their morning skincare regimen to protect their skin and prevent premature aging. I recommend an SPF of at least 30.

New Products

Olay Dermatologist Designed Collection, Olay Body

Olay Body leveraged its more than 60 years of beauty science and partnered with dermatologists to design a body care collection infused with the dermatologist-recommended moisturizing ingredient petrolatum, Vitamin B3 Complex, and natural ingredients like aloe vera, cocoa butter, and oat extract. Soothing Body Wash + Oat Extract for Eczema Prone Skin delivers soothing hydration leaving dry skin with long-lasting relief. Instant Relief Body Wash + Aloe Vera for Itchy Dry Skin gently cleanses itchy, dry skin with calming moisture to leave skin strong and visibly healthy. Total Moisture Body Wash + Cocoa Butter for Rough Dry Skin delivers fast, lasting hydration to transform rough, dry skin to so and smooth. Total Moisture Rinse O Body Conditioner +Cocoa Butter for Rough Dry Skin helps stop rough, dry skin before it starts. Olay Dermatologist Designed Body Washes are accredited by the Skin Health Alliance, an organization of independent dermatologists and skin scientists who have verified the products as safe and effective. olay.com

Reef-Friendly Sunscreen and Daily Repair Oil, Brush on Block

With more states, countries, and municipalities banning certain chemical sunscreen actives, Brush On Block expanded its reef-friendly, cruelty-free lineup to include an SPF 30 sunscreen lotion. Brush On Block SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen lotion is made with non-nano zinc oxide to provide gentle broad-spectrum protection. The non-greasy formula contains a hydrating blend of natural coconut, safflower, and jojoba oils to nourish dry skin and make the lotion easy to apply. It is water-resistant for 80 minutes, and provides broad-spectrum coverage. In addition, the company introduced Nobody’s Perfect Daily Repair Oil. This product is for patients who may have gotten more sun exposure than they planned or wanted. Nobody’s Perfect Daily Repair Oil is formulated with vital oils including hemp seed oil, buruti fruit oil and meadowfoam seed oil to reduce signs of inflammation and help promote elasticity and suppleness. Precious extracts enhance the skin’s ability to fight off oxidative stress. brushonblock.com

Follicle Cleanse and Follicle Sustenance Hair Support System, Dr. Craig Ziering

Dr. Craig Ziering, hair transplant surgeon and restoration expert, launched Follicle Cleanse and Follicle Sustenance, a medical grade cleansing and conditioning system focused on improving both scalp and hair for optimal follicle fertility.

Used daily as a treatment, Follicle Cleanse and Follicle Sustenance provide early intervention support that will promote optimal luster, density, shine, growth, and hair health. A sterile, acellular endotoxin form of the super protein colostrum with its high levels of antibodies serves to protect the follicle. Nutrient dense with vitamins, biotin, calcium, amino acids, protein, and proline-rich polypeptides, it is integral to the synergistic blend of actives delivered in Dr. Ziering’s formulas. Simultaneously promoting desquamation, it allows for better penetration of the actives within the skin matrix where the keratinocytes develop. Gentle enough for newly transplanted hair or telogen effluvium recovery it reduces inflammation, supports the moisture barrier, nourishing and reinforcing overall polypeptide strength of hair. zieringshop.com

EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream, skinbetter science

EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream is Skinbetter Science’s newest product. Formulated with niacinamide and additional hydrating, firming ingredients, the product deeply hydrates, revitalizes, and smooths the appearance of the skin around the eye area. It’s ideal for those wishing to maintain their youthful-looking complexion, while addressing dryness, crepiness, puffiness, darkness, lines, and wrinkles around the eyes. Skinbetter’s EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream includes AlphaRet: a unique combination of a retinoid and an AHA (lactic acid); Niacinamide: a form of Vitamin B3 to improve moisture; Acetyl Hexapeptide-37: hydrating peptide comprised of amino acids to enhance moisture, improving the appearance of firmness; Hydrating Blend: sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and jojoba esters work synergistically to deliver deep hydration and support to the skin; and Glyceryl Glucoside: mimics water retention properties of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, helping to smooth the appearance of skin. skinbetter.com

Hair Care Line, Seen

Seen has introduced a line of dermatologist-developed hair products that promote optimal skin and hair health, without clogging pores or irritating skin. SEEN Shampoo is a non-comedogenic shampoo that replaces hidden irritants and pore-clogging ingredients with skin-caring actives. Formulated without stripping sulfates, the shampoo features a mild surfactant derived from coconut to create great lather and texture, leaving hair feeling clean, shiny and nourished. Good for all skin and hair types, including color-treated hair. It’s also available in a fragrance-free formulation. The full line includes a variety of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. helloseen.com

VOSS+ Enhanced Waters, VOSS Water

VOSS water introduced a new line, which features three enhanced waters. The VOSS+ range includes VOSS + Collagen, VOSS + Vitamin D, and VOSS + Aquamin. VOSS + Collagen is “Radiance In A Bottle” with a berry essence taste. This refreshing water is infused with 10 grams of collagen protein and perfect for anyone on a quest for more hydrated and youthful skin. VOSS + Vitamin D offers 50 percent of an average adult’s recommended daily intake in a natural citrus fruit flavor for a delicious hydrating experience. VOSS + Vitamin D is a zero calorie, zero sugar functional water. VOSS + Aquamin is perfect for the physically active and on-the-go consumer. Through a unique blend of 74 trace minerals and electrolytes, this offering supports optimal hydration with sustainably sourced ingredients from the coastal seas of Iceland. vosswater.com

Ferulic Brew Antioxidant Facial Treatment, Kiehl’s

Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Antioxidant Facial Treatment with Lactic Acid is a fast absorbing formula that helps visibly reduce fine lines while rejuvenating the feel of skin’s texture, unveiling healthier looking, more visibly radiant skin. Through research, Kiehl’s chemists discovered a specialized 120-hour phyto-brewing process using enzymes from germinated brassica seeds. The result is a treatment with a unique natural scent that visibly boosts skin’s radiance, reduces the appearance of fine lines and visibly improves texture. The ferulic acid in Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew can help skin defend against free radicals from internal and external stressors, such as pollution and stress, which can lead to visible signs of aging. Ferulic Brew also includes skin-boosting lactic acid and squalane. This trio of ingredients work together in this new essence to address early signs of aging through their skin refining and barrier replenishing properties. Within the formula, lactic acid and squalane help refine skin texture, soften fine lines and moisturize, while ferulic acid protects from free radical damage for visible radiance. kiehls.com