Aesthetics research

PMID: 41689191

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026 Feb;25(2):e70696. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70696.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological disorders worldwide, affecting both adolescents and adults. It frequently leads to significant psychosocial and physical sequelae, including acne-induced hyperpigmentation and scarring. Beyond pharmaceutical therapies, dermocosmetics-topical formulations enriched with active ingredients in cosmetically elegant vehicles-have emerged as essential partners in acne management. They optimize clinical outcomes by supporting skin barrier repair, reducing irritation associated with conventional treatments, and targeting key pathogenic pathways in acne. However, no region-specific guidance exists to inform the effective use of dermocosmetics in South African patients, particularly those with skin of color.

AIMS: To develop expert consensus recommendations for the use of dermocosmetics in acne vulgaris management within the South African context.

METHODS: This consensus was developed through structured expert meetings and a targeted literature review of current international and local evidence. The panel synthesized clinical experience and research findings to identify key principles for selecting and integrating dermocosmetics into acne treatment regimens.

RESULTS: The consensus highlights the multifaceted role of dermocosmetics in addressing core acne pathogenic factors, supporting epidermal barrier function, mitigating treatment-related adverse effects, and managing acne-induced hyperpigmentation in skin of color. Practical recommendations are provided for their use as adjunctive therapy, monotherapy in mild cases, and maintenance therapy to sustain remission.

CONCLUSION: This South African consensus provides a practical, evidence-informed framework for incorporating dermocosmetics into acne management, with particular attention to the needs of patients with skin of color. Adoption of these recommendations may enhance treatment outcomes, adherence, and patient satisfaction across diverse skin types.

PMID: 41684922

Front Med (Lausanne). 2026 Jan 28;13:1581406. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1581406. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Thread lifting is considered a relatively noninvasive and effective treatment for facial rejuvenation compared to traditional facelift surgery. However, no consensus exists on anatomically favorable insertion layer for threads into the lateral facial area. This study aimed to examine the anatomy of the lateral face, particularly the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, and facial nerve course, and evaluate the safety of thread insertion into this region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight fresh cadavers were used. Thread insertion was performed in the lateral face with a single entry point at the temple area. Three threads were inserted: one terminated 1 cm lateral to the mouth corner, and the other terminated 1 cm lateral to the first termination point on either side. The safety of thread insertion was assessed using two advanced imaging modalities-micro-computed tomography with the contrast-enhanced agent phosphotungstic acid and ultrasonography.

RESULTS: The threads were successfully inserted into the correct layer, superficial to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, without damaging critical anatomical structures such as vessels, nerves, or muscles in the lateral face area.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that thread insertion into the superficial layer of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system is anatomically favorable approach for lifting lateral facial tissues. This layer offers the potential for achieving feasible results while minimizing iatrogenic complications in thread-lifting procedures.

PMID: 41678728

Dermatol Surg. 2026 Feb 11. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000005048. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic medicine procedures became popular influencing perceptions of beauty. Attractiveness is shaped by factors such as sex, ethnicity, and level of familiarity. Repeated exposure to over-treated faces may change the sense of aesthetic norms potentially influencing the way of performed treatments.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate how exposure to faces that have undergone excessive aesthetic treatments influences facial perception and the evaluation of attractiveness, masculinity, and femininity by medical and nonmedical observers.

METHODS: Sixteen pictures (14 modified and 2 unmodified) of female and male models were observed and assessed by 50 volunteers of Polish origin. The study was conducted in 2 phases, both involving eye-tracking and survey evaluations of the same faces. After 4 weeks, same assessment was repeated after exposure to "drift inducers," which were 50 images of individuals who had undergone excessive aesthetic procedures resulting in an artificial appearance.

RESULTS: Medical and nonmedical observers showed no differences in time to first fixation or total fixation duration. No difference in gaze patterns has been found between 2 phases of the study. However, female modified lips were evaluated more feminine by physicians.

CONCLUSION: Participants with medical background tend to evaluate modified faces more negatively than random observers. However, overfilled lips are the most acceptable facial modifications among them which may result from visual adaptation effect, especially after cumulative exposure.