ABSTRACT
Medical dermatologists must address the skin lipid barrier that is disrupted by the inflammatory disease process and dermatologist-designed skin care protocols can help reduce episodic flares in chronic skin diseases. In addition, new technology has been found effective in skin barrier repair for atopic dermatitis by human ß defensin-3 via immune-modulating and antimicrobial actions. Protocols including retinoids to speed re-epithelialization and pigment-reducing topical agents such as hydroquinone to decrease existing pigmentation are now standard for pre- and post-laser and light-based treatments. In order to make cosmeceutical recommendations to patients, it is important to understand the potential benefit that a product can deliver and which medical or cosmetic condition may respond to that product. Photoprotection creams, or sunscreens, are the most important recommendations that dermatologists can make to patients. Rosacea, skin cancers, melasma, photoaging, PIH, and light-sensitive dermatoses like polymorphic light eruption are just some of the medical conditions needing regular sunscreen use.
