Decades of beauty: Achieving aesthetic goals throughout the human lifespan
Today’s report also covers research into long-term consequences of juvenile vulvar lichen sclerosus, dermatological concerns for women and girls with Turner syndrome, and more (1,050 words, 5 minutes)
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Good morning, and welcome to the Women in Dermatology e-newsletter from Chronicle Companies. We’re pleased to have you join us. This biweekly bulletin will update you on new findings regarding dermatologic issues that affect women and the female dermatologists who care for them. We welcome your feedback and opinions, so let us know if you have any comments, observations, or suggestions. You can email them to us at health@chronicle.org
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (Aug. 2023) offered a comprehensive overview of minimally invasive injectable procedures for facial beautification and rejuvenation, categorizing them by decade to address patients’ aesthetic needs throughout their lives.
For this case study review, the authors described some key considerations and recommendations regarding aesthetic concerns in women across various age groups, from 20 to more than 60 years of age. Each case included patient profiles, treatment details, and before-and-after photographs.
The results showed that signs of aging and aesthetic goals and motivations vary by age groups, cultures, and races or ethnicities, but common themes emerge within each decade of life. These themes include shifts in overall facial shape and specific facial areas, which can be a starting point for aesthetic treatment planning.
According to the authors, to achieve optimal treatment outcomes, it is crucial to choose patients thoughtfully, conduct comprehensive aesthetic assessments, possess product expertise, master injection techniques, and maintain effective physician-patient communication.
The study also found nonsurgical facial injectable procedures can effectively improve and rejuvenate facial features across most age groups. The authors added that a thorough understanding of facial aging and patients’ aesthetic needs at each life stage is essential for optimal treatment planning and long-term maintenance.
Bottom line
Aging signs and aesthetic goals differ among age groups, cultures, and racial/ethnic backgrounds, but common themes emerge within each decade of life. Appropriate patient selection, thorough aesthetic evaluation, product knowledge, injection technique, and good physician-patient communication are essential for optimal treatment outcomes.
Long-term consequences of juvenile vulvar lichen sclerosus
A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica evaluated the long-term consequences of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. The researchers found most adults diagnosed with VLS during their youth experience symptoms that impact their quality of life and sexuality, often correlating with recent symptom severity. They also determined that being diagnosed with VLS as a juvenile doesn’t necessarily rule out the possibility of a vaginal delivery.
Comparing the efficacy of topical minoxidil + oral spironolactone and topical minoxidil + oral finasteride in women with androgenic alopecia
Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology compared topical minoxidil and oral spironolactone with the combined effect of topical minoxidil and oral finasteride in women with androgenic alopecia (AGA). The researchers found that the combination of minoxidil and spironolactone could be considered a more effective treatment than the combination of minoxidil and finasteride in women with AGA and female pattern hair loss.
The study included 60 women diagnosed with AGA. The patients were divided into two groups receiving either combination for two months. Both groups experienced improved hair density and thickness and decreased hair loss when the treatment concluded. However, after four months, the researchers noted that the group that received the minoxidil and spironolactone combination experienced statistically better results.
Dermatological concerns for women and girls with Turner syndrome
A Frontiers in Medicine—Dermatology study assessed common dermatological issues and their impact on women and girls with Turner syndrome (TS). The researchers found that skin conditions such as lymphedema, abnormally dry skin, acquired melanocytic nevi, and nail alterations are prevalent in women with TS during the early decades of life. Additionally, they found that nail alterations and lymphedema have the highest impact on quality of life.
In this cross-sectional study, the researchers used an author-designed survey to assess self-reported dermatological issues, dermatology referral experience, common dermatological treatments, and a validated 10-question Dermatology Life Quality Index to evaluate quality-of-life impact in women and girls with Turner syndrome.
Knowledge and attitude of Lebanese women about cosmetics
A study in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology assessed the knowledge and attitudes of Lebanese women toward cosmetics use. The authors found that Lebanese women have good knowledge and a positive attitude toward cosmetics. However, they note that raising awareness about the potential acute and chronic side effects is essential.
From January to May 2021, researchers conducted a cross-sectional study by sending an electronic survey to a sample of adult Lebanese women. The survey consisted of three sections: sociodemographic characteristics, cosmetics knowledge, and attitude. Of the 1,502 women who completed the study, 62.6% had good knowledge about cosmetics.
VIDEO: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) disease process explained
Dr. Erin McMeniman, a Brisbane, Australia-based dermatologist, discusses HS and how the disease starts with a malfunctioning innate immune system, causing long-lasting and relapsing inflammation. Research on HS is ongoing, and the video summarizes what is known.
A case series of alitretinoin as a treatment for ichthyosis in women of childbearing age
A case series study published in Dermatology described nine women of childbearing age with different subtypes of ichthyosis: autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis, superficial epidermolytic ichthyosis, erythrokeratoderma variabilis, and epidermolytic epidermal nevi. The women were treated with 30 mg daily of oral alitretinoin for two to 28 months. All patients experienced a significant reduction in symptom severity. Some side effects observed were reversible headaches, asteatotic eczema, and easier feet blistering. The authors concluded that alitretinoin effectively relieves the symptoms of ichthyosis in women of childbearing age and is a suitable alternative to acitretin, which is known to have teratogenic effects.
“The best anti-aging skin care routine includes strict sun protection during the day and a retinoid at night. I also try to prioritize organic moisturizers and topicals.”
— Dr. Julie Jackson, a dermatologist based in Austin, Tex. in an interview with Real Simple magazine.
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