Optimal Skin Care for Aesthetic Patients: Topical Products to Restore and Maintain Healthy Skin

A daily skin care regimen using topical products is essential for individuals who want to acquire and maintain healthy skin or protect their “investment” after undergoing an aesthetic procedure. Whereas sunscreens function to prevent further damage, cosmeceuticals aim to restore the skin’s youthful appearance. Cosmeceuticals often contain potent bioactive ingredients that target cellular components affecting collagen production, pigmentation, erythema, and texture to promote the healthy appearance of skin. When cosmeceuticals are incorporated into a daily skin care regimen, they have the potential to counteract the detrimental effects of UV exposure and other environmental factors, as well as intrinsic factors such as chronological aging and the cellular production of free radicals. These environmental and intrinsic factors can lead to wrinkle formation, irregular pigmentation, xerosis, reduced elasticity, and coarsened, roughened texture. Telangiectasia and benign and premalignant skin tumors are also frequent findings. Histologic changes in aging skin include degradation of collagen and elastin; decreased numbers of fibroblasts, melanocytes, keratinocytes, Langerhans cells, sweat glands, and hair follicles; and loss of subcutaneous fat. An effective skin care regimen entails application of several multifunctional topical products in the morning and evening to cleanse, hydrate, brighten, smooth, and firm the skin and protect it from photodamage.