Times have changed and so have attitudes and behaviors when it comes to beauty. With an array of medical devices and products now exclusively available by prescription, consumers are choosing science over hype when it comes to sophisticated skin care. The choice now is do I consult with the doctor or the sales clerk? Forget the claims and marketing strategies of over the counter products, medical backing provides the undeniable science that pharmaceutical grade ingredients get the job done.

To illustrate the impact of medical products that deliver a cosmetic result we need to go no further than the products of pharmaceutical giant Allergan®. Many of you may not recognize the company name, but rather their mega hit products Botox® for wrinkle treatment and their lash growing potion, Latisse™.

It seems that one can hardly pick up a magazine these days without some new testimony to the amazing effects of prescription beauty products such as these. So what is the process by which medical compounds find their way to the pop cosmetic market? Well, often it is not by design, but by accident. A drug may be studied for one purpose or another when a side effect may be discovered that has some therapeutic benefit. Botox has been researched for more than 100 years, and researchers continue to be intrigued by its potential therapeutic uses. It wasn’t until 2002 that it was officially approved for cosmetic use, but many physicians used Botox safely “off label” prior to that date. When a drug has been studied through controlled studies and scrutinized as thoroughly as Botox, you should expect it to be safe and effective when applied by a licensed physician.

The real difference between a medical product like Botox® and an ACME wrinkle cream over the counter is in the science and regulation. Medical products contain active ingredients that are backed by clinical studies and data. Certain FDA regulations must be satisfied in order for the product to be released to the public. Over the counter products do not require the same type of rigorous testing, so their claims may be left for interpretation. Because of their potency, medical products require the training and skill of a licensed medical provider to administer or dispense.

So to complete the discussion of how medical grade products differ from over the counter lotions and potions, let me finish describing the products I mentioned above. BOTOX® is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into a muscle, it blocks the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings, thus inducing a temporary reduction in the muscle’s activity. In the case of wrinkles, Botox® can smooth skin appearance for about 3-4 months. With Latisse, the precise mechanism is unknown. It is believed that Latisse™ affects the eyelash cycle by increasing the length of the growth phase, and then by increasing the number of hairs in this phase. The result? Longer, thicker, and darker lashes. Only medical professionals who can prescribe these products and are authorized to dispense them; therefore, they should only be obtained through a medical office. Although the products are generally safe, there can be potential side effects that the prescribing medical professional will discuss. It is also necessary to sign an informed consent indicating that you are aware of the risk for side effects.

To find out more about providers in the Lexington area, log on to www. botox.com, www.latisse.com .

Visit www.bemedispa.com or call 266-LIVE (5483) for questions about how we prescribe these products in my practice.