Highlights from The Non-Surgical Symposium 2024
The Non-Surgical Symposium (NSS) 2024 brought together leading experts to discuss the latest in skincare innovation and treatment. In a packed early morning workshop session, Dr. Ted Lain, board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer of Sanova Dermatology in the US, joined Maggie Su, Director of Research and Innovation at SkinCeuticals, and Tania Romano PhD, Head of Medical and Education at SkinCeuticals Australia. The discussion and my subsequent interview provided insights into skincare trends, how Skinceuticals develops world class formulations, and the evolving landscape of aesthetic treatments.
The Importance of Pre and Post-Procedure Skincare
Dr. Ted Lain highlighted the critical role of skincare in optimising clinical outcomes. He pointed out that incorporating effective skincare regimens both before and after procedures can significantly enhance results.
“It’s very unusual for us to do a procedure without patients being on skincare initially,” Dr. Lain stated. He recommends starting a skincare routine four to six weeks prior to treatments to prepare the skin and maximise benefits. This preparation helps in achieving better results from procedures like RF microneedling, chemical peels, and laser treatments.
Dr. Lain explained, *”The best money somebody can spend on their skin is the skincare that they’re using on a daily basis. Procedures are great and can accelerate results, but daily skincare can change the way your skin grows and its genetic expression, turning it back to a younger appearance and function.”
Trends in Skincare: Natural Look and Skin Health
Tania Romano highlighted a significant trend in Australia: a shift towards achieving healthy, glowing skin rather than relying heavily on aesthetic and invasive intervention. “Gone are the days of an artificial look. The focus now is on healthy, radiant skin,” she said. This trend underscores the importance of skin health and long-term maintenance over temporary fixes.
Romano shared that SkinCeuticals’ top-selling products in Australia, such as C E Ferulic and Triple Lipid Restore, reflect this trend. These products are renowned for their ability to enhance skin health and radiance over time. “C E Ferulic is a daily investment in fighting oxidative stress and improving skin health,”* she noted.
Formulating for Safety and Efficacy
Maggie Su provided insights into the meticulous process behind formulating SkinCeuticals products, especially those intended for use alongside clinical procedures. She mapped out the product development process and highlighted the importance of safety and compliance to ensure products are safe, pleasurable to use and do not compromise clinical results.
“Our safety team conducts extensive analysis on every ingredient, assessing risks and ensuring formulations are safe for both intact and compromised skin,” Su explained. This rigorous process ensures that products like the Cell Cycle Catalyst are effective and safe for use post-procedure.
Maggie Su also discussed the importance of the sensory experience in skincare, which enhances user compliance. “We’re focusing on the experiential aspect of skincare, making sure products feel good on the skin, which improves the likelihood of continued use,” she said.
Addressing the Skincare Needs of Younger Audiences
The expert trio also touched upon the growing trend of young consumers using advanced skincare products, driven by social media influencers. Dr. Lain expressed concern about this trend, highlighting the anatomical differences between teenage and adult skin.
“The skin of a 12-year-old is different from that of an adult, and using highly active ingredients on young skin can be problematic,” he cautioned. He suggested that basic skincare routines focused on hydration and protection are more appropriate for younger users.
Maggie Su echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for gentle and suitable products for young skin. “We formulate our products for adult skin, and highly active ingredients should be used with caution on younger skin,” she advised.
The Role of Skincare in Enhancing Aesthetic Treatments
A key takeaway from the discussion was the synergistic relationship between skincare and aesthetic treatments. Dr. Lain noted that high-quality skincare can extend the life and enhance the results of clinical procedures. “Using the right skincare products can protect and prolong the benefits of your investment in aesthetic treatments,” he said.
This concept aligns with the broader trend of holistic skincare, where maintaining skin health is as crucial as the treatments themselves. Dr. Lain summarised this approach well:”Skincare and clinical treatments should work hand in hand to achieve the best outcomes for healthy, radiant skin.”
