Patient consultation using ingredient information = Patient consultation using ingredient information

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

As there are increasing interests in cosmetics, the cosmetic industry is rapidly growing. Large number of cosmetic products is produced and available in the market. However, many of them are not strictly regulated and consumers are often exposed to skewed product information that is not evidenced by reliable clinical studies. Dermatologists are required to be asked more questions about cosmetics by patients, but it is not often easy to give them appropriate answer due to the lack of knowledge. Thus, dermatologists need to be aware of the theoretic actions of these cosmetic ingredients to guide patients to the best options and to protect them from expensive, ineffective, or even potentially harmful reaction. Many ingredients are used in including vitamins, ceramides, hydroxyl acids, peptides, sugar amines and metals. Although the biophysical effects may be slight after short use of cosmetics, they could improve skin texture and appearance with continuous use. For example, vitamin A (trans-retinoic acid) contributes to diminish fine wrinkles by increasing epidermal proliferation and inhibiting production of excess ground substance in photoaged skin. Ceramides, essential lipids for a normal stratum corneum water barrier, are shown to improve barrier function of damaged skin when applied topically. Other variable ingredients also have beneficial effects on skin. However, the actual effects could be different according to the mixture of ingredients, formulations of vehicles and individual skin characteristics. Dermatologists should recommend the best cosmetics to patients using the information by understanding variable factors of cosmetic ingredients and personal skin characteristics. In this lecture, I will discuss about the patient consultation using ingredient information with optimal skin care recommendations.