DermExcel™ | Aging.Oily.Pigmentation.Breakouts.Folluculitis Treatment Pack

your dermal diagnosis™ results

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We're thrilled you're taking proactive steps to understand your skin better. Below, you'll find your most recent Dermal Diagnosis™ results. Use this data as a roadmap to achieving healthier skin.

Date	Dermal Diagnosis™	Profile and Treatment Plan

DERMAL DIAGNOSIS™ RESULT BREAKDOWN

Aging Score	Hydration Score	Pigmentation Score	Inflammation category

Date	Dermal Diagnosis™

DERMAL DIAGNOSIS™ RESULT BREAKDOWN

Aging Score
Hydration Score
Pigmentation Score
Inflammation category

's Dermal Diagnosis™ Profile

Aging . Oily . Pigmentation . Breakouts . Folliculitis

Your AOPBF Skin Type, featuring Aging, Oiliness, Pigmentation, and a combination of Breakouts and Folliculitis, presents a complex skincare challenge that demands a multifaceted and nuanced approach. This unique combination of factors requires a regimen that effectively manages both types of acne, controls oil production, addresses pigmentation issues, and supports aging skin.

Acne-like breakouts and folliculitis likely coexist on your skin, creating diverse symptoms. Common acne manifests as various blemishes, including blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples, while folliculitis appears as uniform, itchy pustules primarily in the oily areas of your skin. This dual presence requires targeted treatments to address each condition without exacerbating the other.

Your skin's oiliness, though somewhat protective, can exacerbate both conditions by clogging pores and providing a growth-friendly environment for yeast, which causes folliculitis. Additionally, this oiliness can contribute to a glossy appearance and enlarged pores. At the same time, pigmentation issues such as dark spots and uneven skin tone may arise from post-acne marks and sun exposure, compounded by the natural aging process.

To effectively manage your AOPBF skin, it is essential to incorporate treatments that address both conditions. Anti-fungal agents like zinc pyrithione can help control yeast growth, while ingredients such as salicylic acid are effective against bacterial acne. Non-comedogenic products suitable for oily skin should be selected to prevent further pore clogging.

Pigmentation challenges call for the inclusion of brightening agents like arbutin, niacinamide, or azelaic acid. These agents not only help lighten hyperpigmentation but also offer antioxidant benefits that can aid in the prevention of signs of aging. These ingredients can help improve skin tone and texture, diminishing the appearance of age spots and fine lines.

Your skincare regimen for AOPBF skin should balance oil control, use targeted treatments to manage both types of acne, and incorporate elements that address pigmentation and aging. With consistent care and the right blend of products, your skin can achieve improved clarity, health, and resilience, handling complex challenges while maintaining a youthful appearance. This approach underscores a comprehensive commitment to effectively managing your skin’s diverse needs.

benefits

barriers

goals

YOUR SKIN'S MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

⍉ Microbiome

Acne Breakouts

Pigmentation

Inflammation

Benefits of your AOPBF skin type

hydrated skin

protective barrier

skincare awareness

Natural Hydration: Your oily skin provides a natural layer of hydration, forming a protective barrier against environmental damage. This helps to keep the skin plump and potentially reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Oil Production as a Protective Barrier: While excessive oiliness can present challenges, it also has protective benefits. Natural oils can help maintain skin moisture and elasticity, which is particularly beneficial in aging skin, which naturally tends to become drier and less supple over time.
Comprehensive Skin Awareness: Managing your skin's diverse needs often results in a heightened understanding and attentiveness to skin health, encouraging proactive and informed skincare choices.

Barriers to your skin health

Microbiome Disruption

Acne Breakouts

Pigmentation

Inflammation

Microbiome Imbalance: A disruption of the skin’s microbiome from an imbalance of bacteria and fungi on the skin. An overgrowth of yeast can lead to folliculitis, while an imbalance in bacterial flora can aggravate or initiate breakouts. This makes it essential to choose treatments that respect and promote a healthy microbiome.
Breakouts and Acne: The propensity for clogged pores can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and more severe forms of acne, which can be challenging to manage and may lead to scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation: Your inflammation increases issues such as uneven skin tone, dark spots, and melasma, which are prominent and require consistent management and treatment.
Inflammation: The inflammation associated with breakouts can accelerate skin aging, contribute to wrinkles, and cause skin to lose elasticity over time.
Aging Skin: While oily skin may be more resilient to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, addressing other signs of aging, such as loss of firmness or elasticity, can be complicated by the need to also manage oiliness and enlarged pores.
Sebum Control: Controlling excess oil and shine, especially in the T-zone area, can be a constant struggle, affecting the skin's overall appearance.

your frustrations

Breakouts with itchy and inflamed skin.
Oily and shiny skin with clogged and enlarged pores.
Premature skin aging.
Sensitive and itchy skin that reacts to various stimuli and products.
Uneven skin tone with dark spots or patches.

your goals

Smooth and healthy skin with no breakouts or inflammation.
Comfortable skin sensations with no itching or other skin discomforts.
Prevention and correction of premature skin aging, including lines and wrinkles.
Regulated sebum (oil) production with clear and minimized pores.
Radiant skin with an even skin tone.

Aging . Oily . Pigmentation . Breakouts . Folliculitis

treatment objectives

Regulate sebum

Balance oil production to minimize shine and reduce the likelihood of congestion and breakouts without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Inhibit hyperpigmentation

Inhibit the pathways in the hyperpigmentation process to stop the stimulation, production and transfer of melanin (pigment cells).

Unclog pores

Dissolve and extract cellular debris and prevent skin cells from clumping together in pores to ensure that the pores remain clear and free from blockages, which can lead to breakouts.

Reduce Inflammation

Alleviate inflammation and redness by restoring equilibrium to the skin's microbiome. Focus on creating a harmonious skin environment that supports healthy bacterial flora, essential for maintaining skin health and preventing breakouts.

Prevent & Repair Premature Aging

Protect the skin from factors that accelerate aging, such as UV exposure and pollution, and correct existing signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.

Treat Acne Effectively

Use targeted treatments for both bacterial and fungal acne. Salicylic acid and retinoids are effective for bacterial acne. Antifungal treatments such as zinc pyrithione should be incorporated for fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis).

include

Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents.
Broad spectrum sunscreen with antioxidants - preventing premature aging and protecting DNA.
Pigmentation-disrupting ingredients and chemical exfoliating ingredients that accelerate cell turnover and reveal new skin cells.
Sebum regulating and pore minimizing ingredients.
Skin identical medical-grade ingredients that penetrate the skin to activate a biological response.

avoid

Damaging lifestyle habits, e.g., smoking, tanning beds, excessive sun, and sugar consumption.
Toners and foaming cleansers containing soap & sulfates.
Fragrance in skincare products.
Harsh anti-bacterial products that disrupt the skin's natural microbiome.
Irritating plant extracts and essential oils that will trigger adverse reactions.

Aging . Oily . Pigmentation . Breakouts . Folliculitis

Active Ingredients your skin needs

Retinoic acid analogue

Retinoic acid, often referred to as tretinoin in its pharmaceutical form, is the active form of Vitamin A. It is widely recognized for its powerful effects in dermatology and skin care, particularly in treating acne and signs of skin aging.

Retinoic acid works at the cellular level to modify gene expression and affect cell growth. In treating acne, it promotes the turnover of skin cells, reducing the likelihood of pore-clogging and helping to clear existing breakouts. Additionally, it decreases the cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells, further preventing the formation of comedones.

Retinoic acid's ability to stimulate collagen production is a key benefit in anti-aging skincare. This leads to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and an improvement in overall skin texture and tone. It also aids skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation by accelerating cell turnover, bringing new skin cells to the surface faster, and shedding pigmented and damaged cells.

Despite its benefits, retinoic acid can irritate the skin, causing side effects like redness, dryness, and peeling, especially during the initial period of use. Its potency means it is generally available by prescription and requires careful monitoring by a healthcare professional.

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a newer, esterified form of retinoic acid. Unlike cosmetic retinol, HPR binds directly to the retinoid receptors of the skin cells without needing conversion. This direct binding allows it to deliver similar benefits to retinoic acid, such as stimulating collagen production, improving skin elasticity, and reducing signs of aging, but with a lower risk of irritation.

HPR is considered more gentle and less irritating than traditional retinoic acid while offering comparable benefits. With HPR, everyone has access to the benefits of prescription retinoids without the risk of side effects.

Physiological Effects

Cell Turnover and Renewal: HPR promotes rapid cell turnover, aiding in the exfoliation of dead skin cells and generating new cells.
Skin Texture: Promoting cell renewal improves skin texture and addresses issues like roughness and dullness.
Collagen Production: It stimulates collagen production, which is essential for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.
Acne Treatment: Effective in treating acne by unclogging pores and reducing the size of sebaceous glands, it diminishes both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.
Pigmentation: It can reduce hyperpigmentation by accelerating the turnover of hyperpigmented skin cells and inhibiting melanin production.
Photoaging: Effective in treating signs of photoaging, reversing some of the damage caused by UV radiation.

Special Benefits

Retinoid Receptor Activity: HPR, an ester of retinoic acid, binds directly to retinoid receptors in the skin, enabling it to work without needing to be converted into retinoic acid.
Lower Irritation: Typically, it causes less irritation than retinoic acid, making it more suitable for sensitive skin types.
Collagen Stimulation and Anti-Aging: Like retinoic acid, HPR helps in stimulating collagen production and has anti-aging properties.
Acne and Hyperpigmentation: It effectively treats acne and reduces hyperpigmentation, often with fewer side effects than retinoic acid.
Stability and Penetration: HPR is more stable and lipid-soluble, so it penetrates the skin more effectively and is less prone to degradation.

References

Zaenglein, A. L., Pathy, A. L., Schlosser, B. J., Alikhan, A., Baldwin, H. E., Berson, D. S., ... & Thiboutot, D. M. (2016). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945-973.e33.
Fisher, G. J., Wang, Z. Q., Datta, S. C., Varani, J., Kang, S., & Voorhees, J. J. (1996). Pathophysiology of premature skin aging induced by ultraviolet light. New England Journal of Medicine, 337(20), 1419-1428.
Truchuelo, M. T., Jiménez, N., Jaén, P. (2018). Assessment of the efficacy of a new complex-based retinoic acid and retinol in a 3-month study using objective methods and skin biomarker analysis. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(3), 347-354.
Mukherjee, S., et al. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging.
Randhawa, M., et al. (2015). Hydroxypinacolone retinoate: a new retinoid and its use in dermatology. Skin Therapy Letter.

Zinc Pyrithione

Zinc pyrithione, a compound with potent antifungal and antibacterial properties, has established itself as a cornerstone in the treatment of various skin conditions, particularly those involving Malassezia yeast. Its effectiveness against seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, which are often associated with an overgrowth of Malassezia species, makes it a key ingredient for many dermatological conditions.

Zinc pyrithione’s mode of action is multifaceted, primarily targeting the membrane of fungi and bacteria, thereby disrupting their growth and replication. One of its significant mechanisms involves inhibiting fungal cell membrane transport by blocking the energy production pathway, which is crucial for cell survival.

In Malassezia, yeast, a natural inhabitant of the skin flora, can overgrow and cause conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff; zinc pyrithione's antifungal action is particularly beneficial. It reduces the yeast population on the skin, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with its overgrowth, such as flaking, irritation, and redness.

Its efficacy in treating seborrheic dermatitis is attributed to its ability to reduce the Malassezia count, diminish inflammatory responses, and soothe the skin. Similarly, in dandruff, which is often linked to an excess of Malassezia, zinc pyrithione effectively reduces flaking and itchiness, promoting a healthier scalp environment.

The efficacy of zinc pyrithione in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff is well-documented. Its safety profile and efficacy have been confirmed by numerous studies, with significant improvements observed in both scalp and skin conditions following regular use.

Physiological Effects

Antifungal Activity: It is effective against a range of fungi, including those that cause dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Zinc Pyrithione inhibits the division of fungal cells, reducing their proliferation.
Antibacterial Properties: This compound also exhibits antibacterial activity, making it useful in treating and preventing bacterial skin infections.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Zinc Pyrithione can reduce inflammation, which is beneficial in alleviating symptoms of various inflammatory skin conditions.
Sebum Regulation: It helps in regulating sebum production, which can be beneficial for oily skin and conditions like acne.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis: Zinc Pyrithione is a common ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos and is effective in controlling the flaking and itching associated with these conditions.
Psoriasis: It can help manage the symptoms of psoriasis, particularly in reducing scaling and redness.
Acne: Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Zinc Pyrithione can be beneficial in the treatment of acne.
Fungal Infections: It is effective in treating various fungal skin infections due to its antifungal properties.

References

Warshaw, E. M., et al. (2005). Efficacy of Zinc Pyrithione in Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff. Dermatology.
Pierard-Franchimont, C., et al. (2002). Antidandruff shampoo efficacy in dandruff/seborrhoeic dermatitis. International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Scheman, A., et al. (2000). Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Pyrithione. American Journal of Infection Control.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid, a renowned beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is a cornerstone in dermatology and skincare due to its exceptional keratolytic and comedolytic properties. Its unique ability to penetrate oil-laden hair follicle pores makes it particularly effective in treating acne-prone and oily skin types.

Salicylic acid dissolves skin debris (sebum and dead skin cells) that clogs pores and causes acne. It's a mild antibacterial and powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce the redness and swelling associated with breakouts.

What sets salicylic acid apart in dermatological treatments is its ability to exfoliate the skin, not just on the surface but within the pores themselves. This is due to its oil-soluble nature, which allows it to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve the keratin plugs that lead to blackheads and whiteheads.

Furthermore, salicylic acid also has the capacity to adjust the pH of the skin, creating an environment less favorable for the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Salicylic acid's efficacy in treating various skin conditions, particularly acne, has been extensively documented in the scientific literature. Studies have consistently shown its ability to reduce acne lesions in terms of count and severity. Additionally, salicylic acid is highly recommended for its effectiveness in treating other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and dandruff, due to its ability to soften and remove scales and flakes from the skin.

Physiological Effects

Keratolytic Action: Salicylic acid is known for its ability to exfoliate the skin by dissolving the intercellular 'glue' that holds skin cells together, helping to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Comedolytic Effect: It is particularly effective in reducing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) by unclogging pores and preventing the formation of new comedones.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Salicylic acid reduces inflammation, which is beneficial in treating acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Sebum Regulation: It helps to regulate oil production, making it a valuable ingredient for managing oily and acne-prone skin.
Penetration Enhancement: Due to its lipophilic nature, it can penetrate sebum-filled follicles, effectively treating acne located deep within the pores.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Acne Vulgaris: Salicylic acid is a cornerstone in acne treatment, effectively preventing and treating existing acne lesions.
Psoriasis: Its keratolytic properties make it helpful in softening and