ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: VALUE OF COSMETICS Dermatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on health and appearance more thoroughly than any other. While healthy skin is a prerequisite for an attractive appearance, dermatologic treatments go beyond medications to enter the world of cosmetics. This creates a challenge for the dermatologist because knowledge mastery of prescription and extensive OTC formulations is unique. This chapter examines one specic area of OTC formulations known as cosmetics. Cosmetics are products designed to color, scent, and adorn the body through the use of color, texture, and fragrance. They do not physiologically alter the skin or treat bodily disease. However, cosmetics address important diseases of the psyche including low self-esteem, depression, and poor self-image. It is interesting to note that these diseases of psyche will eventuate in diseases of the body if not appropriately treated. Thus, most physicians may underappreciate the value of cosmetics in dermatology.
