Currents: Diversity In Dermatology

Skin of Color Update 2022 Returns to New York City

Noting that gaps in education and training have contributed to disparities in the dermatologic and aesthetic treatment of patients with skin of color, Skin of Color Update is committed to changing that. According to the meeting organizers, the goal of the conference to educate dermatology clinicians and trainees to best diagnose and treat dermatologic disorders in populations with skin of color, including those that disproportionately affect higher skin phototypes, and to educate clinicians and trainees to best treat the aesthetic needs of patients with skin of color.

“In providing the latest updates on diagnostic, therapeutic, and cosmetic treatment best practices for dermatologic conditions in populations with skin of color, our conference equips practitioners to deliver safe, effective, and culturally competent care to a diverse patient population,” the meeting website says.

“We recognize that there are nuances in the clinical presentation and optimal approach to treatment of many dermatologic conditions in skin of color and have been sharing practical pearls and the latest advances from the leading experts in the field for over a decade. Our program covers the broad range of inflammatory, pigmentary, and hair disorders that are prevalent in patients with skin of color, as well as safe approaches to aesthetic procedures in patients with darker skin pigmentation.”

To register, visit skinofcolorupdate.com

Aveeno Names Winners of the 2022 Skin Health Accelerator Startup Pitch Competition

Aveeno awarded the winners of the second installment of the brand’s Skin Health Accelerator Startup, in partnership with ESSENCE. The program, the company explains, is dedicated to helping create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable skincare industry, and recognizes the power of Black female-identifying entrepreneurs in offering new solutions for all skin and hair types.

This year, Aveeno and ESSENCE have named a winner and runner-up for the 2022 Skin Health Accelerator Startup:

• New Orleans-based Arielle Brown, Founder of Bea’s Bayou is the winner of the competition. Bea’s Bayou Skincare was launched in August 2020 to help those with highly sensitive scalp and skin get natural and quick relief from stubborn itch and dryness. The products help calm itch, flakes and flare-ups and are multibiotic care for the scalp and skin.
• Washington DC-based Dr. Anne Beal, Founder of AbsoluteJOI is the runner-up in the competition. AbsoluteJOI is a clean beauty brand that offers people with all skin types and tones simple but effective skincare for renewed radiance and healthy balance. Using scientifically based active ingredients, combined with soothing botanicals, the products are designed to balance and nourish the skin, while addressing common issues for melanin-rich skin.

Both Ms. Brown and Dr. Beal will receive $100,000 grants to help fuel their businesses and grow their product pipelines to ultimately help advance their wellness offerings for Black consumers. In addition, they will receive hands-on business guidance and mentorship from the best and brightest business thought leaders with expertise ranging from package design, marketing, accounting and more.

Ms. Brown will use the grant to build awareness for skin issues linked to mental health and diet, launch new products, and apply for certification from MyMicrobiome an independent control body that rigorously tests products and single ingredients for their impact on the skin’s microbiome.

Dr. Beal plans to use the grant to support the launch of a new Vitamin C serum formulated to fade dark spots. Special packaging is needed for the serum to address oxidation and the funding will continue the development, prototyping, and testing of unique packaging designs, rounding out the total collection. Dr. Beal has the goal of securing distribution in at least one national retailer this year.

Global Dermatology Coalition Launches

The Global Dermatology Coalition, a patient-led, multi-stakeholder group of organizations, has launched. The Global Dermatology Coalition includes dermatology patient organizations, health care professionals (dermatologists and dermatology nurses), researchers, and industry.

“Collaborative action is needed to change the difficult reality faced by skin patients and for this reason we have established the Global Dermatology Coalition. Together, our organizations are actively working to improve patient outcomes globally,” says Marc Yale, Board President of the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (also knowns as GlobalSkin) and Chair of the Global Dermatology Coalition Steering Committee. “This would mean improved access to the diagnosis, care, treatments and support they need, when they need it—no matter where they live in the world. The Coalition speaks as one voice because people living with dermatological diseases, their caregivers and their families deserve to live without stigma, for their diseases not to be minimized and to achieve a higher quality of life.”

Diseases of the skin, mucosa, nails and/or hair are a leading cause of global disease burden (GDB), affecting nearly 900 million people in the world at any time and are the fourth most frequent cause of human illness globally. Dermatologists diagnose and treat more than 3,000 different diseases, including atopic eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, albinism, acne, alopecia and thousands of rare skin diseases. Dermatological diseases cause substantial pain, disfigurement, disability, and stigma while they also lead to serious comorbidities and significant psychological, social and financial burdens for patients and their families. Theses diseases can be inflammatory, infectious and malignant, and are among the most prevalent and disabling disorders, particularly in low resource countries.

The Global Dermatology Coalition will advocate to the World Health Organization and other decision makers globally to elevate the healthcare prioritization of dermatological diseases.

Cynosure Upgrades PicoSure System with PicoSure Pro Device For All Skin Types

Cynosure is launching the PicoSure Pro device, the latest upgrade to the company’s PicoSure system.

An FDA-cleared 755nm picosecond laser, the PicoSure Pro device uniquely delivers energy in a trillionth of a second, utilizing pressure instead of heat to provide safe and effective treatments for unwanted pigmentation and skin revitalization for all skin types.

The PicoSure Pro device’s advanced Platinum Focus lens array is used to increase collagen and elastin to help combat wrinkles, acne scars and pores. With the addition of the flat lens, the PicoSure Pro device is now also the first and only picosecond laser FDA-cleared for the treatment of pigment in melasma and other hyperpigmentation issues such as nevus of Ota and Hori’s nevus. Additional enhancements include a sleek, modern design, intuitive graphic user interface and new 5MM handpiece that is ideal for treating discrete lesions, lighter Fitzpatrick skin types and smaller treatment areas.

“As inventors of picosecond aesthetic laser technology, we are constantly challenging ourselves to continually drive innovation forward. Whether we’re developing new devices or improving upon our trusted flagship products, we’re focused on addressing the unmet needs of our practitioners to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients and practice,” says Todd Tillemans, Chief Executive Officer of Cynosure. “From a 50% increase in energy to new handpieces and an adjustable fluence, the performance enhancements made to the PicoSure Pro device provide practitioners with more versatility than ever before, allowing them to efficiently treat more patients per day and provide better outcomes in less time.”

“The updates seen in the PicoSure Pro device further solidify Cynosure’s stance as a trusted pioneer in the field of laser technology,” says Sandi Peterson, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Operating Partner and Chairman of the Board of Cynosure. “With the PicoSure Pro device, providers can achieve comparable treatment results to more aggressive lasers with less pain and no downtime, making it a true one-and-done device for a myriad of patient needs.”