Weekly Cosmetic Research Analysis
This week’s cosmetic-focused literature highlights practical safety and standardization advances (ultrasound guidance for injectables), new predictive and testing technologies (AI-generated postoperative imaging and age-tailored artificial skin models), and translational biology that may become therapeutic targets (epigenetic control of wound healing). Several randomized and meta-analytic studies offered actionable clinical findings: dermocosmetic adjuncts can accelerate postprocedure healing, t
Summary
This week’s cosmetic-focused literature highlights practical safety and standardization advances (ultrasound guidance for injectables), new predictive and testing technologies (AI-generated postoperative imaging and age-tailored artificial skin models), and translational biology that may become therapeutic targets (epigenetic control of wound healing). Several randomized and meta-analytic studies offered actionable clinical findings: dermocosmetic adjuncts can accelerate postprocedure healing, tranexamic acid reduces hematoma risk in breast procedures, and hydroxyapatite toothpastes perform comparably to fluoride for early caries. Overall the week emphasizes safer procedures, device- and model-driven formulation optimization, and mechanism-to-target discoveries.
Selected Articles
1. Age-tailored artificial skin model for cosmetic film development.
Using micro-CT–derived skin topographies from young and aged cohorts, the authors produced PDMS replicas that quantify how age-related roughness and wrinkles affect thin-film cosmetic deposition. The model was refined to include porosity and sebum factors and compared against human-derived positives to enable standardized, age-specific formulation testing.
Impact: Provides a reproducible, age-specific in vitro platform that reduces reliance on human testing and enables formulation teams to quantify coverage challenges in aged skin—accelerating cosmetic product optimization.
Clinical Implications: Dermatologists and formulators can use model outputs to anticipate coverage limitations in older skin and guide product recommendations; supports regulatory and safety testing pipelines by providing standardized metrics prior to human studies.
Key Findings
- Micro-CT showed distinct age-dependent skin topographies that alter thin-film deposition.
- PDMS replicas allowed quantitative comparison of film coverage between age groups and with human-derived positives.
- A refined model incorporating porosity and sebum improved realism for formulation testing.
2. Core Innovations in Skin Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review of Microcoring Technology.
A PRISMA-compliant review of eight studies (3 preclinical, 5 clinical; 112 patients) found microcoring yields improvements in facial rhytids and skin structure via tissue core removal and dermal remodeling, with mostly transient, mild–moderate procedural effects. The review highlights heterogeneous device parameters and the need for larger randomized trials.
Impact: Synthesizes early clinical and preclinical evidence on a minimally invasive rejuvenation technology that could change non-surgical aesthetic options and practice patterns.
Clinical Implications: Clinicians may consider microcoring as a promising minimally invasive option but should counsel patients on immature evidence and transient procedural effects; adoption is best within controlled protocols and clinical studies.
Key Findings
- Included 8 studies (3 preclinical, 5 clinical; total 112 patients) showing improvements in rhytids and skin tightening.
- Adverse events were mainly transient pain/bleeding and temporary skin reactions.
- Device parameters (needle size/depth/density) were heterogeneous across studies, limiting comparability.
3. The use of ultrasound imaging in aesthetic injectables: A modified Delphi consensus.
An international modified-Delphi (4-round) consensus among 15 experts produced actionable recommendations: minimum equipment (≥15 MHz linear probe; B-mode, Color and Spectral Doppler; archiving), mandatory pre-injection scanning in high-risk vascular zones, ultrasound-guided injections for many facial regions, and sterile technique requirements for guided injections and complication management.
Impact: First international, multi-specialty consensus detailing equipment, indications, and training for ultrasound use in aesthetic injectables — a key step toward standardizing practice and reducing vascular complications.
Clinical Implications: Adopt pre-injection ultrasound scanning in high-risk zones, archive imaging, identify prior fillers, and use ultrasound-guided injections with sterile technique for precision and complication management; implement competency-based training before clinical use.
Key Findings
- Minimum equipment recommended: ≥15 MHz linear probe; B-mode, Color and Spectral Doppler; archiving; Power Doppler recommended.
- Ultrasound scanning prior to injection is mandatory in high-risk vascular areas and for complication management.
- Ultrasound-guided injections recommended across many facial regions; sterile probe cover and gel required.