Various treatments exist for nail psoriasis (NP). We determined the relative efficacy of various monotherapies through Bayesian network meta-analyses (NMAs).
We systematically reviewed the literature to identify eligible studies which—within the patient, intervention, comparator, outcome (PICO) context—determined the impact of biologic monotherapies on NP in terms of two outcome measures, namely, (1) the 16 to 24-week mean change in the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) (i.e., outcome 1), and (2) the proportion who attained a Physician Global Assessment of fingernails (PGA-f) of “0” or “1” (i.e., “clear” or “almost clear”) between 16 and 24 weeks (i.e., outcome 2). Our NMAs estimated the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values and pairwise relative effects. We also determined relative effects of comparators that had never been compared for this condition, including “deucravacitinib 6mg daily”, “risankizumab 150 mg at weeks 0, 4, 16”, and “golimumab 2mg/kg at weeks 0, 4, then every 8 weeks”.
We identified 22 active comparators; “tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily” was ranked most efficacious in terms of 16 to 24-week mean change in NAPSI (SUCRA = 99.71%)—while “ixekizumab 160 mg at week 0 followed by 80 mg every 4 weeks” was ranked most efficacious (SUCRA = 95.67%) for proportion attaining PGA-f of 0 or 1 (i.e., outcome 2). Our analyses produced comparative evidence for the relative efficacy of monotherapies with various agents, including biologics and non-biologics. Our findings would guide clinical decision-making.
Sensitive skin (SS) is a common dermatological condition characterized by enhanced reactivity to environmental, chemical, and cosmetic stimuli, often accompanied by impaired barrier function and discomfort sensation such as burning or itching. Despite its high prevalence, the molecular mechanism underlying SS remains poorly understood.
This study aimed to perform a comprehensive proteomics analysis to characterize molecular alterations in SS compared with nonsensitive skin (NS), thereby uncovering key pathways involved in barrier dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammatory responses.
Thirty subjects with SS and 30 with NS were recruited. Stratum corneum samples were collected via tape stripping and analyzed using four-dimensional data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics.
Proteomic profiling revealed distinct molecular signatures between SS and NS. SS exhibited enrichment of pathways related to cytoskeletal remodeling, cell–cell adhesion, and tight junction organization, consistent with impaired but dynamically compensatory barrier regulation. Enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid β-oxidation indicated increased metabolic activity, while elevated glutathione-related enzyme functions reflected altered redox balance and oxidative stress. Additionally, upregulation of MAPK signaling and neurotrophin-associated pathways suggested active neuro-inflammatory crosstalk, potentially contributing to heightened cutaneous sensitivity and inflammatory susceptibility. Additional alterations were observed in other cellular processes, reflecting the complex molecular landscape of SS.
These findings provide new insights into the molecular basis of SS, highlighting the interplay between barrier dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuronal activation. The identified proteins and pathways may serve as potential biomarkers for SS assessment and as targets for the development of cosmetic products or therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring skin homeostasis.
Haghir et al. conduct a pioneering randomized waitlist-controlled trial investigating the efficacy of combined facial and body acupuncture for frown lines, providing valuable evidence for this understudied cosmetic intervention [1]. The study demonstrates significant improvements in glabellar lines, patient satisfaction, and social functioning, with minimal adverse effects, supporting acupuncture as a safe alternative to invasive or toxin-based treatments.
However, several methodological considerations warrant attention. First, the control group was significantly younger than the intervention group (p = 0.03), a confounding factor given that younger age may inherently favor better skin condition and wrinkle improvement. Second, while outcome assessors and analysts were blinded, patients and the acupuncturist were not, introducing potential performance and expectation biases that could inflate efficacy outcomes. Third, the use of a wait-list control group does not account for placebo effects, which are particularly significant in nonpharmacological, perceptible interventions like acupuncture. The absence of a sham acupuncture control substantially limits the ability to attribute observed benefits specifically to the physiological effects of needling.
Controversially, the study attributes improvements to mechanisms like collagen synthesis and muscle relaxation but lacks objective measurements (skin elasticity, collagen density) to validate these biological claims, relying instead on subjective scales (GAIS, SSS). Additionally, the combined use of facial, body, and intradermal acupuncture prevents delineation of each component's specific contribution to outcomes.
Overall, this work advances evidence for acupuncture in facial rejuvenation, with strengths in blinded assessment and long-term follow-up. Addressing confounding variables, incorporating objective biometric measures, and testing component-specific effects in future multicenter trials will strengthen conclusions. Nevertheless, the study provides a compelling foundation for considering acupuncture as a safe, patient-centered option for frown line reduction.
All authors wrote the manuscript text. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
The authors have nothing to report.
The authors have nothing to report.
The authors have nothing to report.
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Is acupuncture effective in diminishing frown lines? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial, https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70144.
The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.
Skin dysmorphia is an emerging construct that reflects experiences of concern with perceived imperfections pertaining to skin coupled with an obsession with skincare routines to achieve flawless skin. It increasingly poses unique challenges to healthcare professionals and thus urgently necessitates a comprehensive approach to assessment and management. This study represents the first concerted effort to design and validate a psychometrically sound scale for use in clinical assessment and future research on skin dysmorphia that we called “Skin Dysmorphia Scale” (SDS).
A cross-sectional survey was performed in July–August 2025 in Lebanon among adults from the general population.
After removal of 11 items with significant cross-loadings, seven items remained which loaded onto a single factor and resulted in high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83). A positive, moderate correlation was found between skin dysmorphia tendencies and general body dysmorphia symptoms, thereby supporting the convergent validity of the SDS. Heavier TikTok users showed significantly higher skin dysmorphia tendencies. Statistically significant correlations were observed between SDS scores and higher depression-anxiety symptoms. Moreover, skin dysmorphia symptoms were significantly and inversely correlated with self-esteem levels.
Preliminary analyses suggest that the newly developed SDS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing skin dysmorphic concern and ensuring adequate, timely intervention or referral. We believe that it is timely and useful that skin dysmorphia be given high priority and be formally recognized by the medical and scientific community so that affected individuals can get the necessary medical or mental health care. Clinicians and researchers are encouraged to begin using the SDS in their practice.
Submental fullness (“double chin”) is a common aesthetic concern among Indian women. No topical cosmeceutical has been systematically evaluated for this indication.
To assess the efficacy of a multi-active topical serum containing DMAE and retinol in reducing submental fullness in Indian women.
This 12-week, single-center, open-label study enrolled 16 women (ages 18–60) with mild-to-moderate submental fullness; 13 completed the trial. Subjects applied the serum nightly to the submental area. Standardized photographs were obtained at baseline and week 12 and were independently graded by two dermatologists using the validated Clinician-Reported Submental Fat Rating Scale. Any discordance was evaluated and resolved by a third, umpire dermatologist. Body weight was monitored throughout.
All 13 completers showed visible improvement in submental contour. Dermatologist grading showed statistically significant improvements across all three views (p < 0.05), with the maximum change noted in the left and front profiles (r = 0.88 and 0.83, respectively) compared to the right profile (r = 0.61). Improvements were independent of body weight changes. No adverse events occurred.
This preliminary study demonstrates that a DMAE and retinol based topical serum can improve submental fullness in Indian women over 12 weeks, offering a noninvasive alternative to procedural interventions. Larger randomized controlled trials with objective volumetric endpoints are needed for validation.
Dermocosmetics have proven their benefit in acne management. However, only very few studies investigated their efficacy kinetics. This study assessed the efficacy kinetics of a dermocosmetic cream (DC) containing Punica granatum Pericarp extract, Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Zinc gluconate, and Aqua Posae Filiformis in subjects with acne.
16 subjects (14 women, 2 men; mean age 29.4 ± 7.7 years; phototype II and III) with mild to moderate acne participated in a randomized, intra-individual, split-face study for 15 days. Hemi-faces randomly received DC or remained untreated. Assessments included lesion counts, acne severity, and local tolerance; subjects also rated the perceived benefit of the DC. Efficacy was also evaluated using standardized multi-modality full-face imaging and a mobile connected imaging system.
The inflammatory lesion count significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased with DC at Day 8 and Day 15; a significant decrease of the non-inflammatory lesion count was observed at Day 15 (p < 0.01). The total lesion count had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased with DC at Day 8 and Day 15. Between-side differences were significant (all p ≤ 0.05) for all lesion types at D15. Local tolerance was good. Most subjects considered that their skin appearance and the visibility of acne lesions had improved.
This exploratory study provides strong evidence on the efficacy kinetics of a DC cream in acne management in subjects with fair skin tones. It shows that early, daily and specific treatment with a targeted DC significantly improves all acne lesions type, as well as acne severity as soon as 15 days.
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