Before your next skin-care treatment, have you pondered the origins of these groundbreaking advancements? We delved into the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Conference in sunny San Diego, where over 10,000 dermatologists gathered to unveil the future of dermatology. From household names like Botox and EltaMD to emerging treatments like acne lasers and exosomes, this annual event, often likened to the Super Bowl of dermatology, serves as the epicenter for innovations redefining our routines.
One of the most thrilling facets of the AAD Conference is the chance to engage with the masterminds behind the magic. Renowned dermatologists and visionary brand founders convened, shaping the future of dermatology. Here’s the buzz from the year’s most impactful skin and aging conference.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Alyx Rosen Aigen is a dermatologist based in Miami
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a dermatologist based in New York
- Dr. Jeanine Downie is a dermatologist based in Montclair, NJ
- Clare O’Connor is a senior research scientist for No7 Skin Care
- Dr. Hope Mitchell is a dermatologist based in Perrysburg, OH
- Dr. Matthew Elias is a dermatologist based in Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Dr. Daniel Chang is a dermatologist based in Orange County, CA
- Dr. Sachin M. Shridharani is a plastic surgeon based in New York
Sofwave Gets a Buff New Feature
Sofwave’s new Pure Impact muscle toning treatment combines plyometrics, the go-to exercise for elite athletes, with EMS technology. Each pod targets different muscle zones for various movements, similar to other popular electromagnetic stimulation treatments. The treatment is delivered through small pods that offer versatility, targeting core, size, arms, buttocks and more. The Sofwave device is FDA-approved for cellulite treatment, making it capable of providing a combination body treatments. “This particular device distinguishes itself from others through its wireless design, providing a level of sensitivity that enhances its customization capabilities,” says Miami dermatologist Alyx Rosen Aigen, MD. “What sets it apart is its advanced feedback system, which offers a higher level of precision in terms of muscle activation compared to other treatments. This sophisticated feedback mechanism ensures more precise targeting and also contributes to an overall better user experience.”
Nutrafol Expands Into Skin Care
Nutrafol unveiled its latest skin-care breakthrough at AAD. Their Nutrafol Skin Clear Nutraceutical ($79), designed for adult women with mild to moderate acne, targets root causes while improving skin texture and tone. “Nutrafol’s whole-body approach to wellness has made it a top recommendation for my patients struggling with hair thinning,” says New York dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. “Their new expansion and commitment to providing a drug-free option for women with mild to moderate acne is exciting to see—acne is one of the biggest concerns for my adult female patients. The efficacy demonstrated in clinical studies is truly impressive and I’m looking forward to recommending Nutrafol Skin to my patients who are struggling.”
Body Filler Fixes
Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD highlighted the rising popularity of body treatments at the conference, with Sculptra and Radiesse leading the trend for upper arms, buttocks and thighs. Utilizing hyperdiluted forms of these fillers, practitioners combat laxity and creepiness, often pairing them with tightening devices. “Some attendees endorsed my protocol, starting with Sculptra followed by a tightening device like Zaffiro, IntraGen, or Sofwave,” says Dr. Downie. “Others opted for hyper-dilute Sculptra or Radiesse alone.”
Exploring Insights on Darker Skin Tones
No7 made a significant return to the conference, shedding light on their latest findings regarding diverse skin tones. In a talk titled “Elevating standards for research and testing on skin of color,” Dr. Mike Bell, Clare O’Connor and Dr. Hope Mitchell emphasized the brand’s dedication to understanding skin across the pigmentary spectrum. Reviewing clinical data and the benefits of the Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum ($40), O’Connor remarked, “We wanted to understand the biomechanical differences across different skin tones. Even though surface changes may not be apparent, the functionality of the skin is already evolving, which may be influenced by melanin levels.”
Perrysburg, OH dermatologist Hope Mitchell, MD echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of sunscreen for all skin types. “This data reaffirms the necessity of sunscreen for everyone. No7’s research allows us to better understand and educate consumers and professionals on the nuances of skin health,” she emphasized.
Redefining Skin Renewal
The AVAVA Miria laser introduces a revolutionary high-energy skin-renewal platform for both the prevention and treatment of skin aging. Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias highlights its focal point technology. “It allows much higher energies than previously deliverable with laser while being safe in all skin types,” says Dr. Elias. “This is truly revolutionary for skin of color and tanned skin while also quite a leap forward for skin types 1-3 as well.”
Breakthrough in Hyperpigmentation Control
Orange County, CA dermatologist Daniel Chang, MD praises La Roche Posay’s new Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum ($45) as a game-changer for hyperpigmentation. “[It is] formulated on a new compound Melasyl plus Niacinamide 10% that helps to decrease precursors of Tyrosine, like L-Dopa, which are used in the pigmentation pathway. Decreasing pigment is most effective when you target multiple steps in the pathway. It’s good to have additional options to help combat hyperpigmentation in different ways.”
Redefining Neck Rejuvenation with Botox
At the AAD 2024 conference, researchers unveiled a promising finding: a single injection of onabotulinumtoxinA, or Botox Cosmetic, effectively treated moderate to severe platysma prominence. This breakthrough offers hope for patients seeking nonsurgical options for the neck. In a phase 3 study across multiple countries, researchers confirmed the safety and efficacy of onabotA injections. Adults with concerns about their jawline and neck bands saw significant improvements with lower doses, highlighting the treatment’s potential for reshaping aesthetics without invasive procedures.
“Platysma prominence occurs as part of the natural aging process. It’s basically when the platysma muscle in the lower face and neck spreads and separates and we start to see bands and cords across someone’s neck. Patients often express frustration with platysma prominence, because it can make their neck appear aged and create asymmetry between the upper and lower face,” says New York plastic surgeon Sachin M. Shridharani, MD, one of the authors of the study. “The data from the Phase 3 study program is exciting because it suggests onabotulinumtoxinA, a molecule we already know and trust for other facial areas, could be a safe and effective option to help relax the platysma muscle and thus reduce the appearance of vertical neck bands and improve jawline definition.”
