The pandemic is over, and consumers’ love affair with their favorite pharmacists may be cooling. When covid-19 was closing offices and schools, local grocery and pharmacies remained open. Consumers rewarded those herculean efforts and over-the-counter (OTC) sales spiked in and food, drug and mass merchandisers.

Now, however, the world is returning to normal and people are reverting to their pre-pandemic routines. For example, office occupancy reached 50.4% last month—a post-pandemic record, according to Kastle Systems. More companies are demanding employees to return to work. Clearly, like the proverbial glass, offices are half full—which means there’s reason for optimism among landlords. 

OTC sales in food, drug and mass have softened (see chart here). The one bright spot? Acne treatments. According Information Resources, Inc., sales of acne treatments in food, drug and mass merchandisers jumped nearly 18% in the past year. But sales of other OTC products have cooled. But no matter what the category, sales of private label products have outpaced national brands in many categories. Consumer concerns about inflation and a potential recession have them reaching for the aspirin and antiacids.

Dermatologist Aanand Geria has offices in Clifton and Verona, NJ. The most common skin issues he treats in his practice are psoriasis, eczema, acne, skin cancer and wrinkles.
“(Concerns about) Wrinkles have dramatically increased due to the ‘Zoom effect,’” explained Geria.

For follow-up skin care routines, he recommends patients seek out formulas that contain the following ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and zinc and titanium dioxide (in mineral sunscreens)

Geria had suggestions for OTC product manufacturers to improve customer outcomes. He urged manufacturers to invest in high quality standardized before and after photos, and consider studies proving product efficacy. Product portfolios have room for improvement, too.

“Simplify your product menu. Too many products can confuse and overwhelm patients,” explained Geria. “Labels should include  realistic expectations on when patients can expect results.”

For more insights from Geria, listen to the Happi podcast. 

Skin Experts Proliferate

Enterprising dermatologists entered the skin care space years ago. The newest to make the transition from MD to indie is Dr. Britt Craiglow. She partnered with chemists to create CalmOn. The skin care formulas are designed to provide relief for sensitive skin and eczema.

According to the company, Craiglow created CalmOn after seeing so many of her patients suffer without having OTC options to effectively address their needs. With an intrinsic understanding of what eczema-prone skin needs, she developed the brand’s three-pronged approach to help relieve flare-ups, strengthen the skin’s barrier and prevent future irritations. CalmOn is a proprietary cocktail of ceramides, squalane, sodium hyaluronate, colloidal oatmeal and linoleic acid.

The three-item line includes Barrier Balm, Softening Cleanser and The Moisturizing Cream. All three are sold individually or in the 3-Step Eczema Care Kit. According to the company, they tackle the toughest symptoms of eczema, while supporting the  skin’s barrier for essential wellness.

Dr. Howard Murad sold his eponymous skin care company to Unilever years ago. The brand, and Murad himself, are still going strong. He reminded Happi that 20 years ago he coined the term “cultural stress,” which is the day-to-day stress of modern living.

Be Kind to Your Mind

“Before iPhones and advanced technology, stress used to be from breaking an arm, paying a bill, finishing a deadline,” recalled Murad. “And while those factors still cause stress, cultural stress is constant and something I identified as a major factor contributing to the chronic exhaustion and declining health of people of all ages, which has a significant impact on skin health.”

Murad noted that acne can cause teens to become seriously stressed out, but explained that here are ways to manage it without going to the doctor.

“When you’re healthy inside, you’re healthy outside. More breakouts equal more stress. It’s important in your teenage years to honor yourself, be thrilled with who you are. Give yourself positive encouragement. Anyone negative, block out.”

To help alleviate that stress, Murad advises others to “be kind to your mind. This includes repeating affirmations.

“The 11 affirmations I recommend today are based on a clinical study that produced positive, measurable results related to stress reduction—these also do not tell you what you should be doing or how you should be acting, they simply evoke positive energy,” he said.

According to Murad skin improved after just eight weeks of saying these affirmations, twice a day, and journaling for five minutes.

“Self-talk is so important and encouraging self-talk makes a difference. In my study, we measured patients’ blood pressure and stress levels before and after the eight weeks and saw significant improvement in those numbers,” said Murad. “Affirmations give us the strength from inside to have the appropriate strength on the outside. We can go further when we minimize our stress because we can improve our sleep which allows us to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, etc. It’s all connected!”

To get his message of affirmation out, Murad partnered with Active Minds, a nonprofit supporting mental health awareness and education for young adults. Active Minds reaches approximately two million people annually through awareness campaigns, events, advocacy, outreach and more to give young adults the tools needed to help manage their mental health and raise awareness of the importance of reducing stress. 

Inspired by Murad’s lifelong commitment to science-backed wellness, and to celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary of bringing awareness to Cultural Stress, Murad is committed to supporting Active Minds in its bi-annual Stress Less Week program. Stress Less Week supplies education, tips and resources designed to help young adults better understand and mitigate stress while helping to shape a positive mental health culture among their community. It also spreads the message that speaking up about one’s struggles is a sign of strength and promoting self-care as a priority. The initiative will come to life across college campuses April 24-28 and October 23-27. 

Partnering with Active Minds champions the “be kind to your mind” pillar in an authentic way that we think consumers will recognize, said Murad.

“The partnership, and the timing of it, also allows us to hone in on the 20th anniversary of ‘Cultural Stress,’” he explained. “It’s important for young adults to know their stress is valid and give them the tools and resources to mitigate that stress. This partnership also gives us another moment to educate on the effects of stress, both physically and mentally.”

In December 2022, Murad launched its Eczema Control Collection, which includes Smoothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser, Quick Relief Colloidal Oatmeal Treatment and Daily Colloidal Oatmeal Cream. Products are available on Murad.com and in Ulta Beauty. Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser ($42) is billed as a safe, gentle cleanser with a creamy feel was designed for those who find cleansing exacerbates eczema. Formulated to cleanse—not strip—eczema-prone skin, this creamy, ultra-gently micellar cleanser safely cleanses away dirt, oil and makeup, while curbing irritation and leaving beneficial moisture in-tact. Quick Relief Colloidal Oatmeal Treatment is a fast-acting therapeutic cream, with clinically proven 5% colloidal oatmeal. It reduces itch, irritation and rashes, while a proprietary blend with ground cherry hydrates to soothe discomfort and redness to bring skin back to a calm state, according to Murad. Finally, Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream contains a proprietary blend of colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide and mondo grass sugars. Together, they are said to lock in critical moisture and lipids to strengthen skin from within, while prolonging relief from eczema flare-ups.

“I’ve always had an understanding of how stress impacts skin health, everything is connected, and this understanding has inspired the formulation of our stress-addressing skincare products such as Eczema Control, Intense Recovery Cream, Revitalixir Recovery Serum, City Skin Age Defense SPF 50 and more,” said Murad. “We believe in a holistic approach to skin health supported by our four founding pillars, as it’s important to care for your physical, mental and emotional well-being.”

The Pimple Popper Presents…

Perhaps the best known derm these days is Dr. Sandra Lee, aka “The Pimple Popper.” Last month, her company, SLMD Skincare, launched 30-Day Acne System. The four-product kit retails for $49.99 and is available via Amazon and big box retail. The new Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer is formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump. This fragrance-free gel cream moisturizer leaves skin soft, nourished, and healthier-looking. It won’t irritate breakouts so it’s safe for all skin types, acne-prone included, according to the brand. The range also includes salicylic acid cleanser, BP lotion and retinol serum. According to the company, SLMD Skincare was made to bridge the gap between a doctor’s visit and a trip down the skincare aisle by providing safe and effective solutions that Dr. Lee would actually prescribe to her own patients.

A dermatologist is the best source for answering questions about acne, eczema and psoriasis, but consumers continue to turn to OTC aisles to find relief. More are turning to LaRoche-Posay for their acne issues. Sales surged 40% in the past year, according to IRI (see chart).

According to Austin Chen, assistant brand manager, La Roche-Posay, sales got a lift from 360 activations around acne products during key moments and a focus on a strong advocacy model.

“This model includes rigorous seeding and proactive communication to unique influencer tribes to nurture and bring in new talent into the La Roche-Posay community, as well as grow organic advocates,” said Chen. “We have seen a lot of viral social media content with our Effaclar Duo, and Cicaplast Balm, and these are often tied to the support of advocates in our tribes. The brand will also support viral moments through paid media, utilizing viral content from top advocates!”

In addition to spotlighting the benefits of Effaclar Duo, a benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment, and Effaclar Adapalene Gel, a prescription-strength topical retinoid for acne, through various media, social, and digital activations, on September 1, LaRoche-Posay celebrated Acne Positivity Day—a day the company founded in 2020. The goal is to spread acceptance for all skin, encourage others to embrace their unique acne journeys, and foster healthy relationships between people and their skin.

“With a panel of acne positivists, we created the Acne Lexicon by identifying words and phrases to remember and remind yourself during the acne journey,” explained Chen.

The brand’s latest introduction for acne includes La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Serum. The formula is available in drugstores and online at laroche-posay.us. Billed as a lightweight salicylic acid acne treatment serum, it promises to clear acne blemishes, help prevent new breakouts, and reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and post-acne marks. How? The formula includes Triple Acid Complex, a blend of 1.5% salicylic acid, glycolic acid and micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid for optimal efficacy. Effaclar also includes niacinamide and La Roche-Posay Thermal Water to help soothe skin and minimize skin irritation.

The formula’s key benefits, include: Clears acne blemishes and helps prevent new breakouts; visibly reduces pores, fine lines, and post-acne marks; 45% reduction of pimples in 4 weeks; 21% reduction of whiteheads and blackheads in 4 weeks; 49% improvement of post-acne marks in 4 weeks and 77% agree pores appear less visible in 2 weeks.

Laura Geller Beauty is a name more associated with makeup than skin maladies. But the color cosmetics brand was recently recognized by National Rosacea Society for its benefits.

“Laura Geller Beauty is partnering with the National Rosacea Society in its mission to raise awareness of rosacea while continuing to develop products for people who suffer from this widespread but poorly understood disorder,” explained Sara Mitzner, VP-brand marketing.

According to Howard Sobel, clinical attending dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital, other powders tend to be drying. But Laura Geller’s baked makeup starts as a cream and is baked into a powder, making it similar in its finish to a cream or a hydrating liquid.

“Baked makeup doesn’t seep into the skin, but sits on top of it. This prevents it from exacerbating any sensitivities including acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis,” explained Sobel. “The formula is also free of fillers and binders—it’s important to look for non-toxic, hypoallergenic makeup if you have sensitive skin to avoid flare ups or further irritation.”

Sobel advises consumers to seek “non-toxic, hypoallergenic makeup” if they have sensitive skin to avoid flare ups or further irritation.

“Look for fragrance-free and dye-free, and avoid products with alcohol in it as that can dry skin out,” said Sobel. “Also look for soothing and hydrating ingredients, such as aloe, sunflower seed oil, white tea extract and Centella asiatica.”

Not all skin irritation is caused by intrinsic factors. According to Cutter, 85% of the population is allergic to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. New Cutter Poison Ivy Scrub is said to help remove irritating plant oils found in poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac to provide effective itch relief gently yet quickly. The company maintains that, unlike other OTC solutions on US shelves, Cutter Poison Ivy Scrub is the only formula clinically proven to remove urushiol oil from skin.  Urushiol oil is responsible for the hallmark rash, itchy sensation and painful blisters.

Tooth Ache?

If a toothy grin isn’t enough reason to maintain those pearly whites, consider that adults genetically prone to poor oral health may be more likely to show signs of declining brain health compared to those with healthy teeth and gums. Researchers have known that good oral hygiene is prerequisite for good overall health. Gum disease, missing teeth and other signs of poor oral health, as well as poor brushing habits and lack of plaque removal, can increase the risk of stroke. Researchers know that gum disease and other oral health concerns are linked to heart disease risk factors and other conditions, like high blood pressure.

“What hasn’t been clear is whether poor oral health affected brain health, meaning the functional status of a person’s brain, which we are now able to understand better using neuroimaging tools such as magnetic resonance imaging or MRI,” said study author Cyprien Rivier, MD, MS, Yale School of Medicine in a press release. “Studying oral health is especially important because poor oral health happens frequently and is an easily modifiable risk factor—everyone can effectively improve their oral health with minimal time and financial investment.”

There is more research assessing how oral health can impact overall health. According to Rivier, three in five Americans will develop brain disease in their lifetime. Between 2014 and 2021, investigators sought a link between oral health and brain health among approximately 40,000 adults (46% men, average age 57 years). Participants were screened for 105 genetic variants known to predispose individuals to have cavities, dentures, and missing teeth later in life. The researchers evaluated the relationship between the burden of these genetic risk factors for poor oral health and brain health.

According to researchers, individuals genetically prone to cavities, missing teeth, or needing dentures had a higher burden of silent cerebrovascular disease, as represented by a 24% increase in the amount of white matter hyperintensities visible on the MRI images. Those with overall genetically poor oral health had increased damage to the fine architecture of the brain, as represented by a 43% change in microstructural damage scores visible on the MRI scans.

“Poor oral health may cause declines in brain health…oral hygiene has implications far beyond the mouth,” Rivier said. “However, this study is preliminary, and more evidence needs to be gathered—ideally through clinical trials—to confirm improving oral health in the population will lead to brain health benefits.”

Researchers noted that the analysis was limited, because the UK Biobank only includes residents of the United Kingdom, and they are predominantly of European ancestry. More research is needed among individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, they added. Environmental factors such as smoking and health conditions such as diabetes are much stronger risk factors for poor oral health than any genetic marker, except for rare genetic conditions associated with poor oral health, such as defective or missing enamel. Still, Joseph P. Broderick, MD, FAHA, a member of the Stroke Council at the American Stroke Association, noted, “It is still good advice to pay attention to oral hygiene and health.”

Sight, Unseen

Along with worsening oral hygiene, sight degeneration is a common problem for older consumers. According to Bausch + Lomb, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss for those over age 50 and the leading cause of blindness for those 65 and older. To raise awareness, the world’s leading eyedrop maker launched “What Sight Inspires You.” The marketing campaign featuring personal stories and sights from Bausch + Lomb’s SightMatters community, an online educational resource designed for people living with AMD, along with educational content on AMD. The campaign ran last month.

According to B+L, there are approximately 16 million Americans living with AMD. There’s no cure, but there are ways to reduce risk of progression. They include giving up smoking, engaging in regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and taking Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS) 2 Formula eye vitamin.

“For eight years, Bausch + Lomb has supported AMD Awareness Month through a variety of campaigns. We look forward to highlighting SightMatters members and all they are doing to manage their AMD and maintain the lifestyles they love,” said Joe Gordon, president, global consumer, surgical and vision care, B+L. “Bausch + Lomb is committed to addressing the eye health needs of patients. We hope this year’s campaign inspires others with AMD to do all they can to protect their vision.”

“Many AMD patients feel frightened and unsettled when they are diagnosed because of what it can potentially mean for their sight and life long-term,” said Rishi Singh, staff physician and president, Cleveland Clinic Martin Hospitals, Stuart, FL. “I applaud Bausch + Lomb for demonstrating how AMD patients can continue to live vibrantly through this year’s campaign. These real-life examples can help alleviate some of the fear and anxiety that many AMD patients commonly experience and motivate them to take a more informed and active role in protecting their sight.”
Taking a more active role in one’s health is always good advice. 

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