New Products/New In My Practice: OTC

KAQUN Gel, KAQUN

KAQUN introduced a unique oxygen delivery system for the body in gel form. This natural gel uniquely delivers oxygen molecules from the surface of the skin deep into tissue layers. When oxygen dispersion happens at this cellular level it reverses hypoxia and continues dispensing oxygen to cells long after application, according to the company. Hypoxia is oxygen deprivation at a cellular level and widespread hypoxia can cause unhealthy, inflamed, irritated, and wrinkled skin. KAQUN Gel is formulated with a unique combination of 12 active substances for deep hydration and helps with irritations such as rashes, burns, acne, cold sores, and more.

Skin damaged by years of exposure to the sun and the natural aging process becomes revitalized and reinvigorated with regular use. The product contains no chemicals or additives, is fragrance free, and is available in Blue and Gold Editions. oxygenrichgel.com

InfuseFAST Mask Décolletage Sheet Mask, Wrinkles Schminkles

Best known as the original US-Made brand of 100% Medical Grade Silicone Pads to treat and prevent wrinkles, Wrinkles Schminkles is now offering a product for chest restoration: a fast, intense infusion of 22 anti-aging active ingredients in a sheet mask applied once a week to use in combination with the brand’s original Chest Smoothing Silicone Pad. The company says clinical data show that this new innovative, eco-friendly mask visibly reduces the appearance of aging in less than 20 minutes. Made with Advanced Biocellulose Technology, the mask aids in the fast infusion of ingredients and is eco-friendly decomposing 100 percent within two months. The mask is formulated wtih anti-aging active ingredients, inlcuding Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, Vitamin C to brighten, Snail Extract to smooth, and Vitamin B3 to regenerate. It was developed for at-home or in-clinic use as the final step in a décolletage rejuvenating routine. The product should be refrigerated before application for additional cooling effect. It is paraben-, dye-, fragrance-, and cruelty-free and eco-friendly. wrinklesschminkles.com

Environmentally Friendly Sunscreen, CōTZ Skincare

Patients are encouraged to protect their skin from harmful UVB and UVA rays, but with oxybenzone and oxctinoxate in the news lately, some patients may be looking for guidance on choosing a product without these ingredients. And some regions, like Key West and Hawaii, have already moved to ban these chemical sunscreens altogether. CōTZ The Healthier Sunscreen protects skin and uses only mineral sunscreens to reflect UV rays away from the skin, rather than absorbing them. CōTZ products contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and are 100% free from chemical sunscreen filters. CōTZ offers broad spectrum UVA + UVB protection and is also free of preservatives, oils and fragrances. And the company says the products are all lightweight formulas that blend beautifully into all skin tones. cotzskincare.com

Hemp-Based Product Line, Honest Marijuana Company

Honest Marijuana Company launched a new Hemp Theory line of hemp-based products that contain cannabinoids and provide a bevy of calming, pain-relieving benefits. The line features a hemp oil extract tincture for the most efficient consumption possible and a hemp cream that provides the ultimate pain relief. All of these products are free of THC and feature Nanobidiol Technology, so they have a high bioavailability that ensures they provide an quick and clean onset of effects. Nanobidiol Technology is unique in that it nanoencapsulates each hemp cannabinoid molecule to make it much smaller. This in turn makes the molecules much more water-soluble, which increases their bioavailability, the company says. honestmarijuana.com

New in My Practice OTC: Cleure Toothpaste

With Anna Chacon, MD

In each issue, Practical Dermatology® magazine asks leading physicians about the new over-the-counter or prescription treatments that they are recommending to patients. This month, Anna Chacon, MD, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL, shares her experience with Cleure toothpaste. (Yes, you read that correctly, toothpaste.)

Dermatologists are used to being asked for recommendations on moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansers or serums, but toothpaste doesn’t come up all that often even though dermatologists are experts on perioral dermatitis.

PD: What is Cleure toothpaste?

Dr. Chacon: Cleure toothpaste was developed for people with sensitive allergy-prone skin by Dr. Flora Stay, a prominent dentist and professor of dentistry at the University of Southern California. We know that toothpastes with mint and cinnamon can cause cheilitis. Fragrances are a common cause of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in toothpaste also frequently contributes to dry mouth and oral ulcers. Alcohol, too, contributes to dry mouth. Balsam of Peru used in toothpaste increases sensitivity to the sun and is considered a top allergen. Cleure toothpaste is formulated with xylitol and baking soda and is free of common irritants and allergens, and as a result is very well-tolerated by patients. The toothpaste is on the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s list of accepted and recommended products. It also has a great taste and is made in the US. It is not a prescription-based product and is relatively affordable and can be easily obtained by patients through the web or retail.

PD: How do you suggest that your patients use this product?

Dr. Chacon: I have been recommending it to patients with oral disorders, contact dermatitis of the mouth, or sensitive teeth and gums. This product can be part of their sensitive oral care daily routine. Patients need not be afraid that it will damage their teeth, gums, cause a rash, or be abrasive to the skin.

PD: Toothpaste is not usually associated with dermatology and dermatologists. Why are you behind this product?

Dr. Chacon: I did not learn too much about toothpaste during residency. As I got into practice, I started noticing that more and more of my patients were inquiring about what toothpaste to use. Some of my sickest patients with immunobullous disorders were in desperate need of a toothpaste that would not be abrasive. Perioral dermatitis is a common predicament that we all come across on a daily basis in practice. It is prevalent in all age groups. The use of a sensitive toothpaste can help prevent contact dermatitis around the mouth.

PD: What type of results are your patients seeing with regular use?

Dr. Chacon: My patients report fewer breakouts, reduced symptoms, such as itching and tenderness, and far fewer ulcerations in the perioral and oral area. The have less reactions and intolerance and experience less flares overall with this product.