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Introduction: Striae distensae are a permanent skin defect that can affect 50%-90% of the population. The appearance of the changes resembles spindle-shaped skin bands. The skin in this area is wrinkled, thin and looks like a scar. Most often, the changes are found on the skin of the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, thighs, and back. The appearance of striae means that the skin in this area has no hair follicles, sebaceous, and sweat glands. This skin is flabby, not very elastic and, what is very characteristic, the pigmentation of the skin affected by striae is much lower than in healthy skin. Cosmetology in the 21st century is developing very dynamically, new technologies are being developed, new cosmetological devices are being created and combined with treatments that have been known for a long time. Today's science offers hope for people who have struggled with reducing striae for many years and nowadays, nothing is impossible., Aims: The objective of this article is to provide information about cosmetological treatment used to reduce striae., Methods: In this article, we reviewed the published literature, article published in peer-reviewed journals., Results: Today's cosmetology offers a wide range of numerous treatments, but the best results are achieved through a synergy of two or more treatments. But we should not forget that we should respond to each customer individually., Conclusion: The striae are not a problem that should be ignored. The beauty therapist is able to reduce them and help the client to improve the appearance of their skin., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a disease that has an enormous impact on appearance of the skin of the patients and also on their quality of life. Long-term dermatological treatment, which often lasts years, and disease relapses contribute to the occurrence of low self-esteem and depression. Acne is one of the 10 most common diseases in the world and the most common inflammatory skin disease. Many methods of dermatological treatment that bring very good results are available. However, educating people with acne on how to take care of their skin on a daily basis to minimize the bleak effects of the disease is an extremely important element. Contemporary cosmetology creates an environment for not only taking care of the skin at home, but also develops in-office treatments with exfoliation of the dead epidermis as an extremely important and priority part of treatment. The cosmetologist can propose both chemical and apparatus methods, which are selected individually for each client., Objective: The objective of this article is to provide information about cosmetological treatment used in acne vulgaris., Methods: In this article, we reviewed the published literature, article published in peer-reviewed journals., Results: There are many methods that work well in the case of acne skin care, more and more new treatments appear on the cosmetological market., Conclusion: Acne skin care in beauty parlor is very important element., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an oxybrasion treatment applied alone and an oxybrasion treatment combined with cosmetic acids in improving acne-prone skin and selected skin parameters., Patients and Methods: A single-blind placebo study in a sample of 44 women diagnosed with acne vulgaris was conducted. Group A (n = 22) had a series of five oxybrasion treatments, while group B (n = 22) received a synergy of five oxybrasion treatments and a mixture of phytic, pyruvic, and lactic and lactic ferulic acids at 40% pH 1.4. Cosmetic treatments were performed every 14 days, and The Derma Unit SCC3 apparatus (Courage & Khazaka, Cologne, Germany) Sebumeter SM 815 and Corneometer CM825 and GAGS scale were used to check their effectiveness., Results: A Bonferroni post hoc test showed that group A and B did not differ from each other in acne severity before treatment ( p = 1.00). However, these samples differed significantly after treatment ( p < 0.001), suggesting that combined treatment of oxybrasion and cosmetic acids has a better effect than oxybrasion alone. Also, two treatment conditions (before and after) were statistically different for groups A and B separately ( p < 0.001), indicating a similar efficacy of both treatments on acne severity., Conclusion: Cosmetic treatments improved acne-prone skin and selected skin parameters. Better results were obtained by combining an oxybrasion treatment with cosmetic acids., Clinical Trial Approval: The clinical trial with ID ISRCTN 28257448 approved this study., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2023 Chilicka et al.)

Rosacea is a common skin disease that affects about 5% of the general population. Its symptoms include telangiectasia, persistent erythema, burning/stinging sensation, dry skin sensation, and pruritus. It is characterized by a chronic course with frequent exacerbation. It often coexists with anxiety and depression, reducing the quality of life of affected patients. The etiopathogenesis of rosacea is complex and not fully elucidated; hence, there is no causative effective treatment. In this review, we highlight the role of a cosmetologist in the treatment of rosacea and the maintenance of remission. As part of medical treatment, patients are advised to introduce lifestyle changes and use proper skin care; a cosmetologist can help educate patients affected with rosacea, create effective home care programs for skin care, and support them with treatments in beauty salons. Proper skin care is essential, including the use of dermocosmetics, cleansing of the skin, and frequent visits to beauty salons for tailored apparatus procedures. A cosmetologist is more accessible to patients and can help implement healthy daily habits, including skin care and eating habits, as well as support and mediate good communication between the patient and the patient's treating physician, thereby improving compliance and ensuring long-term satisfactory outcomes.

Acne and skin lesions that appear in its course deteriorate the quality of life of patients, cause depression and the emergence of suicidal thoughts. Cosmetic treatments can have a positive effect on improving skin condition by cleaning up skin eruptions, thus improving the well-being of affected people. Hydrogen purification is a treatment that uses alkaline water generated by a device, which reduces sebum from the surface of the epidermis. This is a novel treatment that has recently been introduced to beauty salons. On the other hand, cosmetic acids have been used for many years for treating people with acne vulgaris and give spectacular results in terms of improving the skin condition. In this study, skin condition was evaluated with a Derma Unit SSC 3 device. The Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) was used to check acne severity. Twenty-four women aged 19-21 years ( M = 20.13, SD = 0.80) diagnosed with mild acne vulgaris and a high sebum level participated in the study. Group A underwent a hydrogen purification treatment using an H2jet manipulator, which ejected alkaline water from the manipulator under pressure. Group B underwent a hydrogen purification treatment with the use of a phytic, pyruvic, lactic and ferulic acids at 40% mixture (pH 1.4). A series of four treatments was performed at 14-day intervals in both groups. Skin parameters were measured before and 30 days after the series of treatment. Very good results were obtained in both groups. The skin eruptions in patients were reduced and we also observed lower amounts of sebum on the surface of the epidermis, and an improvement in skin hydration. However, in group B, the results were better than in group A. The study showed that the synergy of the treatments produced much better effects than those obtained by completing the hydrogen purification treatment alone.

The synergy of cosmetic acids, with their keratolytic and antibacterial properties, with the mechanical exfoliation of the epidermis brings faster and better treatment results. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of using only pyruvic acid and the synergy of microdermabrasion and chemical exfoliation. In total, 14 women diagnosed with acne took part in the study. Two areas were marked on the participants' faces: the right side (microdermabrasion treatment and a preparation containing pyruvic acid 40%) and the left side (preparation containing pyruvic acid 40%) without mechanical exfoliation. A series of four treatments was performed at 2-week intervals. Skin parameters such as stratum corneum hydration and sebum secretion were measured. Before the treatments, all patients had moderate acne according to GAGS (Min: 19, Max: 22, Md: 20), and after the treatments, it decreased to mild acne according to GAGS (Min: 13, Max: 17, Md: 140). On the right side of the face, there was a statistically significant reduction in sebum secretion in all the examined areas of the face and increase in the hydration of the stratum corneum. On the left side of the face, the differences were also observed in the decrease of sebum value and increase of hydration level; however, they were smaller than on the right side. The use of microdermabrasion in combination with pyruvic acid led to better results in the case of increased hydration and reduction of sebum secretion than using only pyruvic acid treatment.

Background: Although research showed that positive aspects of the lockdown were perceived during the pandemic, there are no tools to test the positive impact of mandatory social isolation on life. The present study aims to validate a newly developed, brief, four-item perceived positive lockdown impact scale (PPLIS-4)., Methods: A cross-sectional online survey study was formed among 4370 adults in three samples: Sample 1 consisted of university students from Poland and Ukraine, Sample 2 consisted of Polish university students under 26 (emerging adults), and Sample 3 consisted of Polish and Ukrainian adults above 25 (non-emerging adults). The standardized questionnaire was used for criterion validity to measure life satisfaction (SWLS), perceived stress (PSS-10), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9)., Results: The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) showed a one-factor solution in Sample 1 in Polish and Ukrainian university students. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and confirmatory composite analysis (CCA) showed the one-factor structure appropriate for the PPLIS-4 among emerging and non-emerging adults. Criterion validity was also confirmed since the PPLIS-4 was positively related to the SWLS and negatively related to stress, anxiety, and depression., Conclusions: The PPLIS-4 is a short but valid questionnaire to assess the positive aspects of lockdown. The PPLIS-4 can be used during the COVID-19 pandemic to measure some positive effects of changes in lifestyle as an aspect of resilience.

The conflict between work and family demands increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to changes in lifestyle related to the lockdown. This study examines the associations between work-family conflict (WFC) and family-work conflict (FWC) with work-specific, family-specific, and well-being-related variables during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results may be used in practice to improve the well-being of employees by adjusting home-based work and family areas of life to dynamic changes during the pandemic. The sample of 736 adults from Poland (53.26%) and Ukraine (46.74%), aged between 19 and 72 ( M = 39.40; SD = 10.80), participated in the study. The cross-sectional study was performed using an online survey, including sociodemographic variables, measures of WFC, time pressure, remote work assessment (RWAS), physical health (GSRH), life satisfaction (SWLS), perceived stress (PSS-10), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). This study showed numerous inter-group differences in all variables across the country, gender, relationship status, parenthood, caring for children under 12, and remote working status. A high WFC is more likely among Polish workers (than Ukrainian workers), people with a low level of self-perceived time pressure, and high symptoms of stress. Caring for children under 12, low self-perceived time pressure, and high stress can predict FWC. Various paths lead from perceived stress via WFC and FWC, physical health, anxiety, and depression to life satisfaction, as suggested by the structural equation modeling analysis. Parents of children under 12 and women are the most vulnerable groups for increased WFC, FWC, and worse mental health and well-being. Prevention programs should focus on reducing stress, anxiety, and work demands in these adult populations. A unique contribution to the existing knowledge revealed patterns of associations between WFC and FWC in relation to well-being dimensions in a cross-cultural context during the pandemic.

Although numerous studies investigated the predictors of vaccination intention and decision, little is known about the relationship between vaccination and well-being. This study compares the physical and mental health dimensions among vaccinated and unvaccinated people. In a cross-sectional online survey, 706 university students from Poland (mean age of 23 years, 76% of women) participated in this study during the fourth pandemic wave (November-December 2021). Standardized questionnaires with a Likert response scale were included in the survey to measure spirituality, exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic, perceived physical health, stress, coronavirus-related PTSD, fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction. Consistent with the fuzzy-trace theory, the unvaccinated sample was younger and scored significantly lower than the vaccinated group in exposure to COVID-19, perceived physical health, stress, coronavirus-related PTSD, fear of COVID-19, and depression, while higher in life satisfaction. The network analysis showed that mental health plays a crucial role in both groups, with the central influence of anxiety and stress on depression and life satisfaction. The message on vaccination to university students should focus on the benefits of vaccination in maintaining the status quo of good health and well-being. Campus prevention programs should primarily aim to reduce anxiety, stress, and negative emotions by teaching students coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness.

Background: Previous studies showed several associations between physical and mental health dimensions and well-being. This study aims to examine a complex path model explaining the life satisfaction of university students from Poland and Ukraine during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: The cross-sectional web-based study was performed in November 2020 using Google Forms. The conventional sample of 3230 university students from Poland ( n = 1581) and Ukraine ( n = 1649), aged 18-59 ( M = 21.40, SD = 3.46), with 59% women, participated in the study. We used standardized questionnaires to measure life satisfaction (SWLS), self-reported physical health (GSRH), perceived stress (PSS-10), coronavirus-related PTSD (PCL-S), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). We also developed some questions to assess the exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic, positive effects of the pandemic, religiosity, and physical activity (PA)., Results: We found a high prevalence of stress, coronavirus-related PTSD, anxiety, and depression and a low level of life satisfaction and physical health. Polish students, women, and those with insufficient PA levels reported worse physical and mental health than Ukrainians, men, and those who exercised sufficiently during the pandemic. Low perceived stress can directly predict life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. Low stress also leads to better physical health, sufficient PA levels, high religiosity, and more perceived positive effects of the pandemic. Several indirect effects between particular variables and life satisfaction were also found in the path model., Conclusions: The target group for campus prevention programs is Polish university students, women, and people with insufficient PA levels. Intervention and prevention programs should focus on coping strategies and techniques for improving mental and physical health.

There are many cosmetic methods to reduce skin eruptions in people with acne vulgaris. As oxybrasion is a safe method of exfoliating dead epidermis, our objective was to investigate its effectiveness in young women with acne vulgaris. The Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) and Derma Unit SSC 3 device (Sebumeter SM 815, Corneometer CM 825) were used to assess acne vulgaris and skin properties. Twenty-four women aged 19-21 years ( M = 19.50, SD = 0.66) with diagnosed mild acne vulgaris and a high level of sebum (more than 100 μg/cm 2 ) participated in the study. Women on any dermatological treatment within the last 12 months and/or hormonal contraception were excluded. Probands were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group A (experimental) was oxybrased with 0.9% sodium chloride solution simultaneously with compressed oxygen. Group B (placebo) was the group treated with non-carbonated mineral water and oxygen from the device (not pure). A series of five treatments was performed at 10-day intervals. Skin parameters were measured before and 30 days after the end of treatment. As a result, in group A (experimental), skin hydration and GAGS improved, while sebum on the epidermis was reduced. No side effects were noted. We concluded that oxybrasion is effective in women with acne and safe, as it improved skin parameters; however, further research is needed.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin disease that, depending on its course, is characterized by the occurrence of various skin eruptions such as open and closed comedones, pustules, papules, and cysts. Incorrectly selected treatment or the presence of severe acne vulgaris can lead to the formation of atrophic scars. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on acne scars and methods for their improvement. There are three types of atrophic scars: icepick, rolling, and boxcar. They are of different depths and widths and have different cross-sections. Scars can combine to form clusters. If acne scars are located on the face, they can reduce the patient's quality of life, leading to isolation and depression. There are multiple effective modalities to treat acne scars. Ablative lasers, radiofrequency, micro-needling, and pilings with trichloroacetic acid have very good treatment results. Contemporary dermatology and cosmetology use treatments that cause minimal side effects, so the patient can return to daily functioning shortly after treatment. Proper dermatological treatment and skincare, as well as the rapid implementation of cosmetological treatments, will certainly achieve satisfactory results in reducing atrophic scars.

People struggling with acne vulgaris, not only experience skin eruptions and skin pain, but also report that their quality of life is worse compared with healthy people. This study examined, for the first time, the effect of sonophoresis on select skin parameters (sebum level) in young women suffering from acne vulgaris. The study included 60 women 19-23 years of age ( M = 21.45, SD = 0.91) with mild and moderate facial acne. The inclusion criteria were 19-23 years of age, female or male gender, mild to moderate acne, no dermatological treatment within last 12 months, and no hormonal contraception (women). No men volunteered for the study, so the group was homogeneous. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A underwent a sonophoresis procedure using ultrasound and ultrasound gel combined with a green tea, bamboo extract ampule, and 5% lactic acid. Group B was the placebo group, where sonophoresis was performed using only ultrasound gel (no ampules). The members of the placebo group were told that they were undergoing sonophoresis with a green tea, bamboo extract, and 5% lactic acid ampule. Before and after the series of procedures, sebum levels were measured in the skin. Each patient underwent a series of five procedures using sonophoresis equipment at one-week intervals. Sonophoresis with green tea, bamboo extract, and 5% lactic acid contributed to the reduction of skin eruptions and sebum levels in the participants of the study (group A). The study results demonstrated that the combined use of plant preparations, lactic acid, and ultrasound had a positive effect on the skin of people suffering from acne vulgaris, including reduction of skin eruptions and sebum levels on the surface of the skin.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease characterised by the appearance of eruptions such as whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules, and cysts. Among factors that cause acne vulgaris are the abnormal keratinisation of the sebaceous canal, bacterial colonisation ( Cutibacterium acnes ), increased sebum production, genotypic factors, and hormonal disorders. Treatment is often long and tedious, and can lead to a reduction in quality of life and social isolation. The intestinal microbiota is greatly important in the formation of acne lesions. It is also responsible for the proper immunity of the organism. Acne is a disease that can be related to the condition of the digestive tract and its microbiome. Research shows that the use of probiotics may reduce skin eruptions. The probiotic supplementation and cosmetics markets are very dynamically developing. The use of internal supplementation and probiotic-containing cosmetics gives hope for the improvement of the skin condition of people with acne.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a condition with a complex and unclear aetiology. Possible causes of AD encompass alterations in the structure and function of the epidermal barrier, disturbances in the skin microbiome, immune factors, allergens, bacterial and fungal infections as well as environmental and genetic factors. In patients with AD, acute skin lesions are colonized by a greater number of bacteria and fungi than chronic lesions, clinically unchanged atopic skin and the skin of healthy people. Mechanisms promoting skin colonization by pathogens include complex interplay among several factors. Apart from disturbances of the skin microbiome, increased adhesion in atopic skin, defects of innate immune response resulting in the lack of or restriction of growth of microorganisms also contribute to susceptibility to the skin colonization of and infections, especially with Staphylococcus aureus . This review of the literature attempts to identify factors that are involved in the pathogenesis of AD-related bacterial and fungal skin colonization. Studies on the microbiome, commensal microorganisms and the role of skin microorganisms in maintaining healthy skin bring additional insight into the treatment and prevention of AD. In the light of presented mechanisms, reduction in colonization may become both causative and symptomatic treatment in AD.

Background: Research indicates that mental health worsened during the Coronavirus crisis, in particular among women and university students. However, few longitudinal studies have so far investigated the changes in mental health outcomes across three subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to examine changes in mental health among university students., Methods: A total of 1,961university students from Poland, at mean age 23.23 years (SD = 3.16, 57.47% of women) were included in this repeated cross-sectional study across three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: W1 (n = 657), W2 (n = 654), and W3 (n = 650). They completed the online survey with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), General Self-Rated Health (GSRH), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), as well as sociodemographic variables., Results: The prevalence of people at high risk of anxiety and perceived stress, poorer physical health, and low life satisfaction changed significantly across three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the two-way ANOVA showed that both the wave (W1W2, W1>W3), and genders (menW3, W2>W3), and was significantly worse in women than in men. The level of life satisfaction also decreased significantly in W3 (W1>W3, W2>W3), but did not differ between men and women. High GAD risk was presented two times more frequently among women and people who subjectively assessed their health as poor, three times more likely in participants dissatisfied with their lives, and seven times more probably in persons with high-stress levels., Conclusions: The results of this study consistently indicate (using parametric and non-parametric statistical analysis) that there are significant differences in mental health problems across three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. It suggests that pandemic waves should be considered in future review studies and meta-analyses. Furthermore, these findings indicate a potential role for prevention and intervention programs aimed at alleviating life satisfaction and subjective assessment of health and improving coping skills to reduce stress and anxiety., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Heavy metals enter the human body through the gastrointestinal tract, skin, or via inhalation. Toxic metals have proven to be a major threat to human health, mostly because of their ability to cause membrane and DNA damage, and to perturb protein function and enzyme activity. These metals disturb native proteins' functions by binding to free thiols or other functional groups, catalyzing the oxidation of amino acid side chains, perturbing protein folding, and/or displacing essential metal ions in enzymes. The review shows the physiological and biochemical effects of selected toxic metals interactions with proteins and enzymes. As environmental contamination by heavy metals is one of the most significant global problems, some detoxification strategies are also mentioned.

Background: Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological disease characterized by skin eruptions, which may decrease the sufferer's quality of life. Hydrogen purification treatment is a new procedure used in cosmetology to improve the skin parameters of the face. This study examined the effectiveness of hydrogen purification treatment to improve women's skin conditions with regard to acne vulgaris., Methods: In this study, 30 women participated who suffered from a high level of sebum and acne. The control group was comprised of 30 healthy women with a low level of sebum. The Hellgren-Vincent Scale and Derma Unit SSC 3 device were used to assess acne vulgaris severity and skin properties, respectively. Four hydrogen purification sessions were carried out at 7-day intervals, using the Hebe Hydrogenium+ generating alkaline water., Results: At baseline and 7 and 14 days after finishing the series of treatments, the levels of oiliness, moisture, and skin pH were tested. The main effects of treatment were significant in the following parameters: pH around the bottom lip, moisture between the eyebrows and around the nose, and oily skin in all three face sites., Conclusions: The level of sebum decreased and moisture levels increased during hydrogen purification. Topical hydrogen purification is an effective and safe treatment for acne vulgaris.

People with acne vulgaris report a lower level of satisfaction with life and are more frequently classified as having Type D personalities than those without acne. This research examined, for the first time, the moderating and mediating role of personality type in the relationship between acne severity and satisfaction with life. Among 300 female nursing and cosmetology students ranging in age from 19 to 24 years (M = 21.28, SD = 1.39), 150 individuals (50%) presented with symptoms of acne vulgaris (AV group), while the other 150 (50%) were categorized as controls without acne vulgaris (WAV sample). A cross-sectional study was conducted using three self-report questionnaires: The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Framingham Type A Scale (FTAS), and the Type D Scale (DS14). Acne vulgaris was clinically diagnosed using the Hellgren-Vincent Scale (HVS). The AV group scored significantly higher on the FTAS and DS14 and lower on the SWLS than the WAV sample. Life satisfaction correlated negatively with both the negative affectivity (NA) and social inhibition (SI) subscales of the DS14. The moderating role of the Type A behavioral pattern (TABP) and the mediating role of both NA and SI subscales of the DS14 were observed in the relationship between acne severity and satisfaction with life. The type of personality may explain the mechanism of the relationship between acne disease and subjective well-being. Therefore, psychological interventions and strategies focused on managing stress and mood may effectively improve satisfaction with life in people with acne.

Chemical peels are widely used as therapeutic agents in dermatology and cosmetology. This study aims to explore the differences in the effectiveness of azelaic and pyruvic acid peels in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Eligibility criteria for participants were: female gender, 18-25 years of age, no dermatological treatment within the last 12 months and mild to moderate papulopustular acne. We treated 120 young women (with a mean age of 22 years old) with six peeling sessions at 2-week intervals. In the parallel clinical study design, one randomized group (n = 60, 50%) was treated using azelaic acid (AA), whereas the second group participated in pyruvic acid (PA) sessions. We evaluated the patients clinically twice (before and after treatment), using the Scale of Hellegren-Vincent Severity Symptoms to assess the acne diagnosis, and the Nati Analyzer to estimate the skin properties (oily skin, desquamation, porosity, and moisture). The clinical evaluation of the patients demonstrated a significant reduction of acne severity symptoms in both the AA and PA groups, after the peeling sessions. An effect was also found in terms of decreasing desquamation and the oiliness of the skin. PA showed a more significant reduction of greasy skin than AA. In conclusion, after the six peeling sessions using AA and PA, all patients showed better skin parameters in term of reduced oiliness and desquamation. Both AA and PA peelings are a safe and efficient treatment for mild acne, however, during the selection of one of the two acids, side effects, skin properties, and patients' preferences should be taken into account. This study was registered in the ISRCTN registry (registration number ISRCTN79716614, 17/01/2020).

Purpose: This randomized parallel study aims to investigate the azelaic acid (AA), and pyruvic acid (PA) peels treatment effect on health-related quality of life (QOL) in young adult women with acne vulgaris., Patients and Methods: The participants were 120 female undergraduate students, with mild to moderate facial acne and an average age of 22 years old (M = 22.2, SD = 16.1). Eligibility criteria were as follows: female gender, 18-25 years of age, no dermatological treatment within the last 12 months and mild to moderate papulopustular acne. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, the first group was treated with AA, and the second group was treated with PA. Both groups received treatment every 2 weeks, for a total of 12 weeks. The Hellgren-Vincent scale was used to assess acne severity, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-29 were used to evaluate the quality of life of each patient. These scores were calculated before treatment, and after finishing the final treatment., Results: All scoring systems used (Hellgren-Vincent scale, DLQI, and Skindex-29) demonstrated improvement in both groups. QOL scores were slightly better in the group using pyruvic acid compared with azelaic acid., Conclusion: Both AA and PA have a significant impact on the objective assessment of acne symptoms, as well as the subjectively measured quality of life of young adult women with acne. There is a slightly greater improvement in QOL scores with PA compared with AA peeling treatment., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work. We also declare no conflicts of interests with the cosmetics manufacturer., (© 2020 Chilicka et al.)

Background: Achieving a satisfying quality of life for a patient by applying individually matched therapy is, simultaneously, a great challenge and a priority for contemporary medicine. Patients with visible dermatological ailments are particularly susceptible to reduction in the general quality of life. Among the dermatological diseases, acne causes considerable reduction in the quality of life and changes in self-perception that lead to the worsening of a patient's mental condition, including depression and suicidal thoughts. As a result, difficulties in contact with loved ones, as well as social and professional problems are observed, which show that acne is not a somatic problem alone. To a large extent, it becomes a part of psychodermatology, becoming an important topic of public health in social medicine practice. Pharmacological treatment of acne is a challenge for a dermatologist and often requires the necessity of cooperating with a cosmetologist. Cosmetological treatments are aimed at improving the condition of the skin and reduction or subsiding of acne skin changes., Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of selected cosmetological treatments on the general quality of life of patients with acne., Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 101 women aged 19-29 years ([Formula: see text] years, SD =2.3 years). All subjects were diagnosed with acne vulgaris of the face. In the study group, the acne changes occurred over the course of 3-15 years ([Formula: see text] years, SD =2.7 years). Selected cosmetological treatments (intensive pulsing light, alpha-hydroxy acids, cavitation peeling, needle-free mesotherapy, diamond microdermabrasion and sonophoresis) were performed in series in the number depending on the particular patient's chosen treatment, after excluding contraindications. General quality of life of the patients was estimated using the Skindex-29 and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaires, before and after the cosmetological treatment., Results: Statistical analysis of the data obtained from the Skindex-29 questionnaire in areas (emotions, symptoms and physical functioning) and DLQI questionnaire in areas (daily activities, leisure, work and school, personal relations and treatment) showed great improvement in the general quality of life after applying a series of cosmetological treatments. The results are statistically relevant at P <0.0001., Conclusion: The cosmetological treatment significantly improved the general quality of life of patients with acne vulgaris and their skin condition, which was evaluated by the Hellgren-Vincent scale. It was proven that therapy performed in cosmetological clinics may become an integral part of or complete dermatological treatment., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.