J&J reviews highlights from the AAD 2012 Congress
Teen skin, hair regrowth and topical Botox take centre stage
Johnson & Johnson has presented highlights from this year’s American Academy of Dermatology Congress, which took place from 16-20 March in San Diego. The 70th meeting, which welcomed over 18,000 attendees focused on topics including acne, melanoma protection for teens and laser technology among many others.
Johnson & Johnson skin care expert Rebecca Bennett and consultant dermatologist Dr Sue Mayou talked attendees through key topics, starting with teens and sun exposure. As many as 75% of the 28 million people in the US who visit tanning salons are girls and women aged 16-29, said Bennett, and in doing so they are increasing their risk of melanoma by 75%. Greater education initiatives were concluded to be necessary.
Elsewhere new uses for lasers were presented. While lasers have traditionally been used for hair removal, it has been found that low energy/fluence may paradoxically influence hair growth, opening the possibility for treatments for diseases like alopecia and general hair loss.
One of the most interesting anti-ageing solutions presented at the congress, according to Mayou, was Revance, a topical treatment with a similar time of onset, duration and effect to Botox. Suitable for use on crow’s feet, where the skin is thin enough for the product to be most effective, Revance is said to be very safe but is not as yet FDA approved.
In San Diego, Dr Whitney Bowe delivered a presentation on Diet and Acne, which Bennett and Mayou summarised. Bowe stressed that there is growing evidence of a link (although not conclusive) between diet and acne, citing studies showing dairy (in particular skimmed milk) and chocolate to exacerbate the condition, as well as one demonstrating that a low GI diet decreased acne.
Finally, Johnson & Johnson introduced three new products launched in the US to coincide with the event: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream and Aveeno Pure Renewal Haircare. Supporting the science behind the products the company showcased five published studies on the benefits of oats, which were found to be effective on people with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, effective in improving the moisture and barrier function of moderate to severe dry skin and effective at relieving itchy and dry skin.