Consensus in Aesthetic Skincare: Where the Experts Agree

We’re shifting gears for this one!

When considering the evidence basis for topical skincare, a frequent challenge presents. Although there is a vast amount of research into various skin care ingredients, there is often a sense of perpetually waiting for more research to be performed to solidify and better confirm an ingredients’ profile.  Contrast to standard preclinical & clinical research, consensus studies are well known to help supplement clinical information and guidelines in the context where the initial level of evidence is limited or scarce. Many cosmeceuticals sit in this very grey zone. Consensus studies can also provide a window into how experts in a field are clinically using and/or relying on a given agent, which is not typically captured in traditional studies. Previous courses on this website have explored the available evidence for various topical skincare ingredients. Now we’re opening the door to a whole new approach via a set of consensus-focused courses, with this course launching the series!

This course provides the unique approach of being based nearly entirely on consensus and expert panel-based research. For aesthetic concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, dry skin, uneven skin tone and other hyperpigmentation concerns, we are not as much examining the question of ‘What evidence is there for a given agent?’, but rather ‘What do experts in the field of aesthetics collectively agree is best to consider using in this situation?’. It’s a subtle shift, but clinically, a powerful one.       

Course structure: 

The first 2/3 of the course is designed to establish where consensus resides regarding topical skincare and cosmeceuticals for various aesthetic concerns and specific clinical situations. This includes updated consensus for individualizing sunscreen recommendations as well as pre- and post-aesthetic procedure skincare as adjunctive care for noninvasive treatment. 

The final 1/3 of the course will shift to providing additional review and more detailed information pertaining to a selection of the very topicals and cosmeceuticals achieving consensus from the earlier portion of the course. 

Key aspects reviewed include:

• Where consensus exists for selecting specific cosmeceutical ingredients in skincare directed toward managing fine lines and wrinkles, skin dryness, facial erythema, hyperpigmentation concerns, as well as according to specific scenarios encountered clinically
• Where expert agreement exists regarding sun protection and sunscreen recommendations, including updated guidance for mitigating the effects of visible light on hyperpigmentation concerns; personalizing sunscreen recommendations; and selection of cosmeceutical adjuncts according to clinical needs, such as photodamage, oily skin, and hyperpigmentation
• Where consensus is achieved relating to skincare approaches around the time of non-invasive aesthetic procedures, including for patients with skin of colour and according to primary concerns like skin aging or hyperpigmentation
• An in-depth snapshot for many of the topicals and cosmeceuticals achieving consensus, to provide information such as mechanisms of action, common forms and concentration levels, sample research and review of its clinical uses

Who might benefit from this course? 

Any healthcare provider who:

• Is seeking an well-based starting point in terms of better knowing which topical agents to consider for managing common skin issues
• Is interested to explore where consensus has been achieved for the use of various topicals and cosmeceutical ingredients in managing a range of aesthetic skin concerns and clinical situations