What methods improve perceived appearance?

From the Guidelines

To improve perceived appearance, using appearance-focused messages and interventions, such as self-guided booklets, videos on photoaging, and UV facial photography, have been shown to be effective in changing behavior and reducing intent to pursue indoor tanning, particularly among late-adolescent women 1.

Key Interventions

• Appearance-focused interventions can be used to reach specific audiences and reduce harmful behaviors such as indoor tanning
• Methods such as self-guided booklets, videos on photoaging, and 30-minute peer counseling sessions have been successful in improving perceived appearance
• UV facial photography can be used as an adjunct to appearance-focused videos to demonstrate the extent of skin damage from UV exposure 1

Additional Recommendations

• Practicing good sun protection habits, such as using broad-spectrum sunscreens with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater, can help reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging 1
• Combining community-based communications and policy and regulation can increase preventive behaviors, such as covering up, using shade, or avoiding the sun during peak UV hours, among populations in specific settings 1

Importance of Confidence

• Confidence significantly impacts how others perceive an individual, and practicing positive self-talk and body language can enhance perceived appearance
• Developing a positive self-image and self-care habits, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and good hygiene, can also improve perceived appearance 1

From the FDA Drug Label

If tretinoin is going to have a beneficial effect for you, you should notice a continued improvement in your appearance after 6 to 12 weeks of therapy. The methods that may improve perceived appearance include:

• Using tretinoin as directed by a physician 2
• Applying a moisturizer or a moisturizer with sunscreen that will not aggravate acne (noncomedogenic) every morning after washing 2 Note that hydroquinone may also produce a reversible depigmentation of the skin, but this is not directly related to improving perceived appearance in the context of acne treatment 3

From the Research

Methods to Improve Perceived Appearance

There are several methods that can improve perceived appearance, including:

• Dietary interventions: Studies have shown that dietary improvements can have a positive impact on appearance, particularly in relation to skin coloration and skin aging 4, 5.
• Topical treatments: Topical lightening agents such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, and retinoids can be effective in improving hyperpigmentation and melasma 6, 7.
• Procedures: Chemical peels, intense pulsed light (IPL), fractional non-ablative lasers or radiofrequency, pigment lasers, and microneedling can enhance results when combined with topical therapy 6, 7.
• Psychoeducation and functionality-focused interventions: These types of interventions can improve body image and reduce body dissatisfaction in young women 8.
• Sun protection: Protecting the skin from the sun is essential for preventing further hyperpigmentation and improving appearance 4, 7.

Specific Ingredients and Treatments

Some specific ingredients and treatments that have been shown to improve perceived appearance include:

• Carotenoid-rich fruit and vegetables: These can positively affect skin color and influence perceptions of health and attractiveness 5.
• Hydroquinone: A topical lightening agent that is US FDA-approved for the treatment of hyperpigmented skin 7.
• Azelaic acid: A topical lightening agent that can be used to treat hyperpigmentation and melasma 6, 7.
• Retinoids: Topical retinoids can be used to treat acne and hyperpigmentation, and can also improve skin texture and appearance 6, 7.
• Chemical peels: Can be used as adjunctive or second-line therapy for hyperpigmentation and melasma 6, 7.