Until a few years ago Dermatology was mainly interested in the pathology of the skin. On the other side, Cosmetology focused in formulating products that can be used to help the appearance of a healthy skin. Thus, there was little connection between Dermatology and Cosmetics. Lately  Derma cosmetic focuses on skin problems such as photo aged skin,  photo protection, care of normal, greasy and dry skin, and the acre of hair, and nails and ¿who has to take care of those problems?,  - the dermatologist of course.

The dermatologist is interested in Derma cosmetic because he noticed how necessary it is. Apart from its practical point, its an important part of his consultations and patients are more informed every day and want more.
For the dermatologist it is important to be informed about all novelties in dermo cosmetic. They can consult national or foreign professional journals. Laboratories that come up with a novelty can provide them sometimes as well with bibliography. Another possibility is to take part or listen to discussions or congresses about dermo cosmetic.
The important thing for the dermatologist is to know, who has the complete information that is appropriate for the prescription of cosmetics, especially for people with skin problems. This will certainly lead to less space for reactions of intolerance, allergy or aggravation of the skin process.

For about 30-40 years a privileged connection between dermatologists and the cosmetic industry has been established from the moment on that certain cosmetic products are only or mainly available for dermatologists.

¿What has dermatology contributed to cosmetics?

In the first place it contributed the guarantee, the caution and promotion of the development  of  several cosmetic products, whose use has turned in some kind of institution. ¿Which dermatologist nowadays would doubt the utility of hydrating creams or sun filter? Dermatologists have been the main defender of a series of several developments in the cosmetic industry. Dermatology brought new indications used as an experimental source for pathologic skin.

¿What has cosmetica contributed to dermatology?

Dermatologist have lost part of their credibility to cosmeticas. For other specialty doctors and for part of their clientele, the dermatologist is somebody who takes care of small problems and does not do more than other professionals of the beauty industry. This loss of professional credibility decreases certain dermatologic action. As positive aspects, cosmetica has contributed to dermatology some effective therapeuticas that are non prescriptive: you can not deny the interest of emollients with urea, alpha hydroxiacants or  special fatty acids for the treatment of atopia, alteration of the keratinization, professional dermatosis  or skin aging.

Helana Torras
Xavier López