Supporting the Skin Barrier: A Unique Cosmeceutical Dimension for Primary & Aesthetic Practices

Our training as Naturopathic Doctors places us in a unique position to effectively counsel patients regarding the many internal avenues in supporting various dermatological conditions. From dietary therapy to oral supplements, we are well versed in this regard. This is often the very reason dermatology patients seek our advice. As efficient as we are in this realm, we cannot lose sight of those clinical situations where skin deep measures can be a key component of our treatment plan. As evidence grows regarding the role our various skin layers play, we can now appreciate how disruption to the function of the skin’s epidermal barrier is implicated in the development and/or amplification of many dermatoses. Fortunately, much research has been building to help guide suitable methods of repairing and optimizing the function of the skin barrier. Much of this research centers around topical product categories and specific cosmeceutical actives. 

This course is designed to distill this information, while providing a variety of clinically beneficial avenues for those engaged in a general, dermatological, or aesthetic-focused practice. These include:  

-A detailed review of the epidermal skin barrier, and how its disruption is associated with the likes of: acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis, allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, and xerosis

-To review how the alterations of certain epidermal lipids, such as ceramides, and other constituents, such as Natural Moisturizing Factor, seen in various dermatologic conditions, transition into their evidence-based use as topical cosmeceuticals key to their management

-The essential, and often overlooked, role played by selecting the appropriate type of face/body skin cleanser and moisturizer for your patient. A role so important, that they would be best conceptualized more as ‘therapeutic’ cleansers and moisturizers

-A research-based exploration of both established and emerging barrier-supportive cosmeceutical active ingredients, for use on their own and/or for inclusion in cleansers and moisturizers. Among those we will discuss include: niacinamide, hydroxy acids, colloidal oatmeal, and the more recently popular use of Centella asiatica 

-As was first introduced in the Facial Aging CE course, this course will also provide examples of how these cosmeceutical product types, and ingredients, are formulated together…complete with clinical pearls for practice integration!

In addition to the goal of facilitating your exploration of the clinical relevance of supporting the epidermal skin barrier, this course is designed to provide the course-taker with a breadth of information. This includes numerous resources and references from which you can build upon. It is very much encouraged to explore these as a means of obtaining a deeper breadth of the topics we review.