The Topical Nutritional Pyramid: A Method for Educating Patients on Skin-Rejuvenating Cosmeceuticals

Nonprescription rejuvenating topical skin care products are widely used and available. Uncertainty regarding efficacy stems from lack of formal regulation of cosmeceuticals versus prescription skin care products. Yet, cosmeceuticals are a part of dermatology and are dispensed in physicians’ offices. As the sophistication, diversity, and medical claims of nonprescription skin care products grow, patients want physicians’ recommendations. Talking to patients about cosmeceuticals in a busy practice setting can be difficult. The topical nutritional pyramid, along with a companion guide detailing nonprescription topical skin care products offered in physicians’ offices, may be used as educational aides to alleviate this quandary. Loosely based on the familiar food pyramid, the topical nutritional pyramid is an organized structure that classifies 8 cosmeceutical categories: sun protection, retinoids, vitamin antioxidants, α- and β-hydroxy acids, botanical antioxidants, growth factors, peptides, and tissue