Dermal Diagnosis™ | AOA

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. Allergy during pregnancy

Your skin profile indicates a likelihood of seborrheic dermatitis, a condition often found in those with oily, aging, and allergy-prone (AOA) skin, which may be further influenced by hormonal changes during pregnancy. This unique combination not only amplifies the natural oiliness of your skin but also its sensitivity and susceptibility to allergies, all of which can fluctuate during pregnancy. This requires a careful, pregnancy-safe approach to maintain skin health and balance.

The increased oiliness during pregnancy might contribute to a luminous appearance but can also lead to enlarged pores and a persistent glossy sheen. This excess sebum production can exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis, causing areas of your skin to become red, itchy, and flaky. While these oils provide some antioxidant protection, they are typically insufficient to prevent the signs of aging or to reduce the inflammation characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis significantly.

Additionally, your skin's heightened sensitivity and propensity for allergic reactions during pregnancy add complexity. Symptoms such as redness, scaling, and itchy rashes typical of seborrheic dermatitis can further aggravate the skin’s barrier function and enhance inflammatory responses, which may accelerate skin aging.

Choosing skincare products that are safe for pregnancy and specifically address the needs of AOA skin with a propensity for seborrheic dermatitis is crucial. Your regimen should include gentle, anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce flare-ups and soothe the skin, avoiding any common irritants and allergens that can trigger reactions and worsen dermatitis.

A targeted skincare approach for your AOA Skin Type during pregnancy involves hydrating and calming treatments that respect your skin’s oily nature and sensitivity while safely managing symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Consistent use of suitable products can help repair and strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and reduce inflammation, all of which are crucial for mitigating the risk of premature aging and maintaining healthier skin.

Understanding and embracing the specific needs of your AOA Skin Type with seborrheic dermatitis during pregnancy is essential. A carefully tailored, pregnancy-safe skincare routine ensures that you address immediate skin concerns and support long-term health and vitality, allowing your skin to maintain its resilience and clarity.

benefits

barriers

goals

YOUR SKIN'S MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

Aging Skin

Large Pores

↑ Sebum

Allergy Prone

Benefits of your AOA Pregnancy skin type

hydrated skin

luminous skin

Even Skin Tone

Healthy Skin Barrier

Enhanced Barrier Protection: The excess sebum production associated with oily skin can offer an additional layer of protection against environmental aggressors, helping to shield the skin from pollutants and irritants that can trigger allergic reactions.
Inherent Resilience: Despite being prone to allergies, your oily skin is naturally more resilient against certain environmental aggressors. This resilience can contribute to a stronger barrier against microbial infections, provided the skin is properly cared for and not aggravated by allergens.
Resilience to External Elements: Oily skin is often more resilient to harsh weather conditions, such as wind or cold temperatures, which can significantly impact dry or sensitive skin types.
No Acne Breakouts: Despite being oily, this skin type does not experience acne breakouts, a common concern for many with oily skin. This can simplify skincare routines and reduce the need for harsh acne treatments that exacerbate sensitivity or aging concerns.

Barriers to your skin health

Aging skin

Enlarged Pores

Oil Management

Allergy Prone

Oil Management: Finding the balance between reducing excess oil and maintaining skin hydration can be tricky. Over-drying the skin can trigger even more oil production, while too little control can leave the skin looking overly shiny and greasy.
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.
Allergy prone: Being prone to allergies means your skin may react more sensitively to various external factors, including certain skincare ingredients, environmental allergens, or dietary triggers. This can lead to redness, itching, and irritation, making it crucial to identify and avoid known allergens in your skincare and lifestyle.
Difficulty Finding Suitable Products: The combination of allergy-prone and oiliness can make it challenging to find skincare products that effectively address aging without triggering an allergic reaction or exacerbating oil production.
Hydration Balance: Ensuring the skin is adequately hydrated without adding to its natural oiliness requires carefully selecting moisturizing ingredients that provide hydration and support the skin barrier without feeling heavy or greasy.

your frustrations

Oily skin with enlarged pores in certain AOA types.
Premature skin aging.
Sensitive skin that reacts to various stimuli and products.
Skin prone to inflammation.

your goals

No allergic skin reactions.
No Inflammation.
Prevention and correction of premature skin aging including lines and wrinkles.
Regulated sebum (oil) production with clear and minimized pores.

Aging . Oily. Allergy during pregnancy

treatment objectives

Skin Barrier Restoration

Repair damaged skin barrier and restore barrier function. Boost the protective skin layer by increasing the production of elastin, collagen, ceramides, and lipids.

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.

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.

DNA Protection and Repair

Safeguard and repair UV-induced DNA damage, utilizing a blend of UV defense, Retinol, Niacinamide, and antioxidants. This strategy prevents future damage and aids in the repair of existing cellular impairments.

include

Broad spectrum sunscreen with antioxidants - preventing premature aging and protecting DNA.
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. Allergy during pregnancy

Active Ingredients your skin needs

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid, a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid, is an effective ingredient in dermatological treatments, particularly for acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Physiological Effects

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Azelaic acid reduces inflammation, effectively treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
Antimicrobial Action: It possesses antimicrobial properties that target acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes), helping to reduce acne outbreaks.
Keratolytic Effects: It helps unclog pores and reduce the formation of comedones (black and whiteheads) by normalizing the shedding of skin cells.
Depigmenting Agent: Azelaic acid effectively treats hyperpigmentation disorders, including melasma, as it inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Acne: Azelaic acid inhibits the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface, thereby reducing bacterial growth and inflammation. Its antibacterial activity is primarily against Propionibacterium acnes, a key bacterium involved in the development of acne. Furthermore, azelaic acid helps unclog pores and reduce skin cell buildup, effectively treating mild to moderate acne.
Rosacea: Azelaic acid's anti-inflammatory action helps to reduce redness and swelling associated with rosacea. In addition, azelaic acid's ability to reduce keratinization (the process by which skin cells become more fibrous and less flexible) contributes to its effectiveness in this condition.
Pigmentation: Azelaic acid effectively treats melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme in melanin production. This helps to reduce the formation of excess pigment and can lead to a more even skin tone.

References

Fitton, A., & Goa, K. L. (1991). Azelaic Acid. Drugs.
Gollnick, H., & Schramm, M. (1998). Topical drug treatment in acne. Dermatology.
Passeron, T., et al. (2019). Melasma treatment: A novel approach using a topical agent that contains an anti-estrogen and a low-dose retinoid. G Ital Dermatol Venereol.
Wolf, J. E., Kerrouche, N., & Arsonnaud, S. (2006). Efficacy and safety of once-daily metronidazole 1% gel compared with twice-daily azelaic acid 15% gel in the treatment of rosacea. Cutis, 77(4 Suppl), 3-11.
Hollinger, J. C., Angra, K., & Halder, R. M. (2018). Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 11(2), 28.

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol's mechanism of action is similar to retinol's; it stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell turnover, improving skin texture and tone. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, making it an effective ingredient in anti-aging skincare products.

One of the key advantages of bakuchiol over traditional retinol is its gentleness on the skin. Retinol is known for potential side effects like dryness, redness, and irritation, particularly in sensitive skin or when used in high concentrations. Bakuchiol, however, is far less irritating. In addition to its anti-aging properties, bakuchiol exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, further contributing to its skin benefits. It helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and can soothe it, reducing redness and inflammation.

Bakuchiol's retinol-like effects and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties make it an effective ingredient for various skin concerns, especially for those seeking natural alternatives in anti-aging and acne treatment.

Physiological Effects

Retinol-like Function: Bakuchiol mimics the actions of retinol, stimulating collagen production. This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin elasticity.
Antioxidant Properties: It offers antioxidant benefits, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and damage caused by environmental factors like UV radiation.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Bakuchiol has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe the skin and reduce redness and irritation.
Improved Skin Tone and Texture: Regular use of bakuchiol can improve skin tone and texture, making it smoother and more even.
Acne Management: Bakuchiol's antibacterial properties and ability to regulate sebum production make it effective in managing acne.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Aging Skin: Bakuchiol is popular in anti-aging skincare because it stimulates collagen production and reduces signs of aging.
Sensitive Skin: As a gentler alternative to retinol, it is suitable for sensitive skin types that cannot tolerate traditional retinoids.
Acne-Prone Skin: Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial in acne treatments.
Hyperpigmentation: Bakuchiol can help treat hyperpigmentation, enhance skin radiance, and reduce dark spots.

References

Chaudhuri, R. K., & Bojanowski, K. (2014). Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Dhaliwal, S., et al. (2019). Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology.
Sivamani, R. K., et al. (2019). Clinical efficacy of a bakuchiol, niacinamide and zinc pyrithione formulation in facial sebum control and mild acne. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

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 removing scales associated with psoriasis.
Warts: Salicylic acid is commonly used to treat warts because it can exfoliate and remove thick skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: It helps manage seborrheic dermatitis by reducing scaling and redness.
Keratosis Pilaris: Salicylic acid can aid in smoothing the rough bumps associated with keratosis pilaris.

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.
Kornhauser, A., Coelho, S. G., & Hearing, V. J. (2010). Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 3, 135.
Zander, E., & Weisman, S. (1992). Treatment of acne vulgaris with salicylic acid pads. Clinical Therapeutics.
Gupta, A. K., & Nicol, K. (2004). The use of sulfur in dermatology. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.