According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin care products are a billion-dollar industry, with more than $344 million being spent on antiaging creams and lotions alone. Walking down any cosmetics aisle will reveal a confusing array of products, most of which claim to provide benefits to the skin. So how do your patients know which products are the most effective? As a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, you can help determine which products are the best for your patients’ skin. Here are some you can consider selling through your practice.

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay offers the Anthélios SX with Mexoryl™ SX (ecamsule), a daily moisturizing cream that contains a combination of sun filters consisting of octocrylene and photostabilized Parsol 1789, which provide protection against UVA and UVB rays. Mexoryl SX does not degrade after being exposed to the sun. The cream provides 24-hour hydration and has a light, nongreasy texture. It is fragrance-free and PABA-free.

For more information, contact La Roche-Posay, 112 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016; (888) LRP-LABO; www.laroche-posay.com.


Environ

Evenescence System by Environ® is a skin-lightening product line that controls the production of tyrosinase, which, when activated, produces melanin. The Clarifying Lotion and Clarifying Patch work together to change the appearance of dark spots. The products contain niacinimide and sepiWhite-MSH™, which control the formation and dispersion of melanin. The transdermal patch contains ingredients that control tyrosinase production, inhibit tyrosinase, inhibit the transfer of melanin into the keratinocytes, and reduce lipofuscin—a yellowish-brown pigment found in aging skin. The nonoily Clarifying Lotion is easily absorbed and supplies the skin with water-soluble ingredients. The lotion is pH-balanced, preservative-free, and fragrance-free.

For additional information, contact Environ, 766 Falmouth Rd, Building C, Mashpee, MA 02649; (877) 337-6227; www.environ.co.za.


DermAvance Pharmaceuticals

The eight products in the Hyalogy™ Total Skincare Line by DermAvance Pharmaceuticals include facial cleansers, moisturizers, and eye-rejuvenation treatments that deliver hyaluronic acid below the epidermis. Hyalogy is based on a patented nanotechnology process that reduces the molecule size to 5 nm, allowing the hyaluronic acid to penetrate through the epidermal intercellular space and reach the dermis.

For more information, contact DermAvance Pharmaceuticals Inc, 1055 WestLakes Dr, Third Floor, Berwyn, PA 19312; (888) 444-4489; www.dermavance.com.


Aesthetic Technologies

Parisian Peel® Satin C™ Lipid Soluble Vitamin C Serum by Aesthetic Technologies helps fight free-radical damage to improve the appearance of the signs of aging. The serum may be used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and redness. It is available in 10% and 25% strengths.

For additional information, contact Aesthetic Technologies, 14828 W Sixth Ave, Unit B9, Golden, CO 80401; (800) 262-4412; www.parisianpeel.com.


Medicalia

Medicalia’s Exfoliating Cleanser removes makeup and excess oil, while eliminating dead cells, impurities, and pollutants. The antibacterial, foaming cleanser leaves the skin clean, bacteria-free, and vibrant. It is recommended for oily to combination skin types.

For more information, contact Medicalia, 300 Fentress Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114; (866) 314-1975; medicalia.com.


ESBA Laboratories

ESBA Laboratories offers Topicaine®, a topical anesthetic that contains 4% lidocaine in a microemulsion gel with skin-permeation enhancers and soothing agents. Topicaine is a clear, nonoily gel that is inconspicuous when applied. A 5% concentration is available, with labeling indication for anorectal use. It is available in three sizes, all in child-resistant containers.

For more information, contact ESBA Laboratories Inc, 1001 Jupiter Park Dr, Suite 112, Jupiter, FL 33458; (800) 677-9299; www.esbalabs.com.


Jane Iredale

Jane Iredale introduces its Power of Pink Spring 2007 Collection, which includes the Think Pink Eye Shadow Trio, Kirsten PureMoist LipColour, and Cotton Candy PureGloss. Think Pink has a light, baby pink base and vivid pink and deep raspberry accent colors. Each shade can be used separately for all-over color, or they can be used together for multifaceted pink shine and definition. The Kirsten PureMoist LipColour is made with peppermint leaf extract and borage seed oil, which deliver conditioning oils into the membranes. The long-lasting colors come from iron oxides and carmine. The Cotton Candy PureGloss has just enough shimmer for a daytime look and provides a long-lasting shine. It can be worn on its own, over pencil, or over lip color. Cotton Candy is formulated with organic vegetable oils.

For additional information, contact Jane Iredale, 28 Church St, Great Barrington, MA 01230; (800) 762-1132; www.janeiredale.com.


kaplanMD

Cleansing Lotion by kaplanMD is a purifying facial cleanser that thoroughly lifts makeup, dead skin cells, and impurities and prevents occasional breakouts. Soy, panthenol, and apple extract increase softness and elasticity by moisturizing the skin from within, restoring youthful, healthy-looking skin. Botanical extracts of chamomile and hawthorn flower calm and soothe the skin to help reduce flushing and redness. The cream is available in a 6-ounce bottle.

For more information, contact kaplanMD Inc, 435 N Roxbury Dr, Suite 210, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; (310) 395-5006; www.kaplanmd.com.


IS Clinical

Youth Complex by IS Clinical reduces wrinkles and increases texture and firmness after 1 hour of application. The cream combines natural hydrators, potent botanical antioxidants, and bioidentical growth factors that rebuild the skin’s support structures, prevent further DNA damage, and optimize cellular metabolism. Youth Complex contains a matrix of dehydrated hyaluronic acid molecules that penetrate into fine lines and wrinkles. Acting like minisponges, the hydrators expand by absorbing the skin’s natural moisture loss and plump the wrinkle from within. The bionutrients support the newly raised wrinkle by strengthening the barrier between the epidermis and dermis, creating a scaffolding under the skin. The bioidentical growth factors and reparative botanicals rebuild the collagen and elastin in the skin’s deepest layers, resulting in long-term, permanent improvements.

For additional information, contact IS Clinical, 312 Western Ave, Glendale, CA 91201; (888) 804-4447; www.innovativeskincare.com.


Physicians Complex

Physicians Complex introduces its new Web site, http://www.physicianscomplex.com. The site informs and educates plastic surgeons about its products—from antiaging to lip enhancers and sun protectors. Its secure “physicians-only” section allows registered physicians to access a shopping cart, product information, marketing information, and account information.

For more information, contact COSMED Inc, 3883 Rogers Bridge Rd, Suite 302-B, Duluth, GA 30097; (800) 826-4480; www.physicianscomplex.com” target=”_blank”>www. physicianscomplex. com. The site informs and educates plastic surgeons about its products—from antiaging to lip enhancers and sun protectors. Its secure “physicians-only” section allows registered physicians to access a shopping cart, product information, marketing information, and account information.

For more information, contact COSMED Inc, 3883 Rogers Bridge Rd, Suite 302-B, Duluth, GA 30097; (800) 826-4480; www.physicianscomplex.com.


Redpoint Cosmetics

MegaLash Mascara is the newest innovation from Redpoint Cosmetics. It is designed to create a high-gloss look with encapsulated pigments that allow for more intense shine and color. The super-long wand gives the user more control during the application process. The dense, conical brush was specially designed to use less product and grabs each lash to distribute the mascara evenly, fully, and quickly. Clinical tests have proven that the highly pigmented, conditioning, water-resistant mascara dramatically increases lash volume by more than 700% after just two applications. MegaLash Mascara contains antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, along with Redpoint’s signature blend of special polymers that create sleek, intense color and an age-defying glossy finish. The product removes easily with soap and water and is safe for contact-lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes. It is available in Satin Black and Black Chestnut tones.

For additional information, contact Intelligent Beauty, 2447 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254; (310) 683-0940; www.redpointbeauty.com.


Therapon Skin Health

Theraderm Platinum Protection Sunblock by Therapon Skin Health has an SPF of 30+ and is oil-free, noncomedogenic, and water-resistant. The sunblock may be applied under makeup. The 7.5% transparent micronized zinc oxide provides UVA protection without leaving a white sheen. The 7.5% octinoxate and 2% octisalate protect against UVB rays. Platinum Protection does not contain methoxycinnamates, which are broken down into harmful products.

For additional information, contact Therapon Skin Health, 2081 Dime Dr, Springdale, AR 72764; (800) 443-7549; www.therapon.com.


Axia Medical Solutions

Axia Medical Solutions, manufacturer of Dermesse™ branded products, introduces a new line of acne treatments. Formulated with salicylic and glycolic acids, the products include a cleanser, toner, pads, and spot treatment. The cleanser and toner are for daily use. The pads, packaged 60 per jar, are used in the evening. The spot treatment is a pen-sized applicator for use on trouble areas. The products reduce pimples and blackheads, allow the skin to heal, and prevent new pimples from forming.

For more information, contact Axia Medical Solutions, 660 Newport Center Dr, Suite 900, Newport Beach, CA 92660; (800) 569-0860; www.dermesse.com.


Vivier Pharma

Vivier Pharma offers SkinTx™, a skin-restoration system for treating hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin texture and tone. SkinTx may be tailored to each patient’s condition. The product line includes formulations that contain hydroquinone, glycolic acid, retinol, and l-ascorbic acid.

For more information, contact Vivier Pharma Corp, 292 Adrien Patenaude, Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC J7V 5V5 Canada; (877) 4VIVIER; www.vivierpharma.com.


SkinCeuticals

Skin Brightening System by SkinCeuticals is a regimen that prevents damage and corrects existing damage caused by UV radiation. The system includes products that brighten and even out skin tone, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and help improve overall skin health.

For additional information, contact SkinCeuticals LLC, 3402 Miller Rd, Garland, TX 75041; (800) 811-1660; www.skinceuticals.com.


Anakiri BioEnergetic Skin Care

Anakiri BioEnergetic Skin Care offers Massage Supplements to maximize the benefits of a massage. The Enzyme Relief Balm activates the body’s natural healing ability with a combination of enzymes, known as the “enzymatic key.” The balm reduces pain and inflammation, and helps heal skin irritations. The Relief Tone Gel eases chronic pain. The aloe vera–based gel delivers homeopathic ingredients into the tissue to relieve ligament strains and muscle sprain. Cooling aloe vera and arnica heal bruises and reduce inflammation. Restore Healing Balm with bee propolis, a wax-like substance with antibiotic properties, protects the skin from bacteria, soothes irritated or dry skin, and reduces inflammation. The balm contains organic tea tree oil and aloe. HydraTone enhances the body’s ability to absorb and use water.

For more information, contact Anakiri BioEnergetic Skin Care, 92 Waycaster Circle, Dahlonega, GA 30533; (800) 545-7302; www.anakiri.com.


302 Skincare

302 Skincare introduces Lipidic Furan, which delivers the same results as retinoids without acid or irritation. All 302 products contain Avocatin 302, the company’s patented ingredient that is derived from avocados. Avocatin 302 is a nonacid molecule that restores functionality to skin cells. Lipidic Furan may be combined with topical or oral retinoids for enhanced acne and acne scar treatment. It may also be used to treat rosacea. Avocatin 302 has limited availability because it takes 10 tons of fruit to produce 1 liter.

For more information, contact 302 Skincare, PO Box 7479, Ventura, CA 93006; (800) 295-7839; www.302skincare.com.