An open-access, physician-authored clinical research journal publishing evidence synthesis, systematic reviews, and clinical practice analyses in dermatology and aesthetic medicine.
Background: The global phenomenon of Korean skincare merits rigorous scientific scrutiny, and the evidence reveals a landscape far more nuanced than either its most fervent proponents or dismissive critics suggest.
Conclusions: A streamlined regimen of 3-5 products can deliver the same benefits attributed to elaborate routines, with less risk of sensitization or barrier disruption. Consistency, gentleness, targeted active delivery, and sun protection matter far more than step count.
Background: Salcaprozate sodium (SNAC) is the first oral absorption enhancer incorporated into an FDA-approved peptide therapeutic (Rybelsus, oral semaglutide), representing a paradigm shift in oral peptide delivery that overcomes the gastrointestinal barriers historically limiting peptide bioavailability to below 1%.
Conclusions: SNAC represents a technological inflection point for oral peptide delivery, with implications extending beyond GLP-1 agonists to insulin, calcitonin, PTH, and octreotide. Its transcellular mechanism preserves epithelial barrier integrity, distinguishing it from paracellular enhancers.
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have transformed obesity management, but their rapid weight-loss effects produce significant facial and cutaneous sequelae collectively termed 'Ozempic face.' These changes — including malar volume depletion, skin laxity, and accelerated facial aging — remain poorly characterized in the literature and inadequately addressed in clinical practice.
Conclusions: The convergence of metabolic and aesthetic medicine necessitates a preventive clinical framework. We propose a risk-stratified, phase-based protocol integrating biostimulatory, bio-remodeling, energy-based, and nutritional interventions from the initiation of GLP-1 therapy. Prospective controlled trials are urgently needed.