From the Guidelines
To improve physical appearance, focus on a combination of skincare, fitness, and lifestyle modifications, as these practices have been shown to enhance natural features and overall well-being. When considering methods to improve physical appearance, it's essential to prioritize evidence-based approaches that promote overall health and well-being.
- Skincare: Start with a basic skincare routine including cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen daily, as recommended by various studies 1, 2, 3, 4.
- Fitness: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, combining cardio and strength training to enhance muscle tone and posture, as suggested by the American Heart Association 5.
- Lifestyle modifications: Ensure adequate sleep (7-8 hours nightly) and hydration (about 2 liters of water daily), and maintain good grooming habits with regular haircuts every 4-6 weeks and appropriate dental care. Additionally, high-intensity interval training may help improve body composition more than moderate-intensity continuous training, as noted in a 2024 update from the American Heart Association 5. It's crucial to choose clothing that fits well and complements your body type and coloring, as this can significantly impact overall appearance. Consistency is key, as most appearance improvements result from regular habits rather than one-time interventions. By prioritizing these evidence-based approaches, individuals can promote overall health and well-being while enhancing their physical appearance.
From the FDA Drug Label
Patients treated with tretinoin acne treatment may use cosmetics, but the area to be treated should be cleansed thoroughly before the medication is applied The available methods for improving physical appearance mentioned in the drug labels are:
- Using cosmetics in conjunction with tretinoin acne treatment, as long as the area is cleansed thoroughly before application 6
- Applying tretinoin cream or gel to the skin where acne lesions appear, to help reduce the appearance of acne and improve skin texture 6
- Taking isotretinoin orally, which can help reduce sebum secretion and inhibit sebaceous gland function, leading to an improvement in acne and potentially overall skin appearance 7
From the Research
Methods for Improving Physical Appearance
There are various methods available for improving physical appearance, particularly for acne-related issues. Some of these methods include:
- Topical treatments such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid 8
- Oral treatments like antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and isotretinoin 8
- Energy-based treatments including laser and radiofrequency 9
- Chemical-based treatments like peels and TCA cross 9
- Surgical-based options such as subcision and punch excision 9
- Microneedling and fillers or fat injections 9
Treatment Options for Acne Scarring
For acne scarring, the following treatment options are available:
- Fractional radiofrequency-based treatments, which have been shown to be effective with minimal risk 9
- Combination therapy, which can include energy-based, chemical-based, and surgical-based options 9
- Topical tazarotene, which has been used as a maintenance treatment after oral isotretinoin 10
- Hydroquinone therapy, which can be used to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 11
Effectiveness of Different Treatments
The effectiveness of different treatments for acne vulgaris has been studied, with the following results:
- Topical treatment combinations, chemical peels, and photochemical therapy are most effective for mild-to-moderate acne 12
- Topical treatment combinations, oral antibiotics combined with topical treatments, oral isotretinoin, and photodynamic therapy are most effective for moderate-to-severe acne 12
- Isotretinoin is approved for treating severe recalcitrant nodular acne, but is often used for resistant or persistent moderate to severe acne 8