Our hedonistic impulse to diminish the
signs of chronologic aging and photoaging
has fostered a burgeoning cosmetics
industry. According to the American
Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in
2006 Americans spent just under $12.2 billion on cosmetic
procedures.1 Of the nearly 11.5 million surgical
and nonsurgical procedures performed in the United
States in 2006, nonsurgical procedures comprised 83%
of the total.1 Although women continue to be the primary
users (.10.5 million cosmetic procedures), the market
for cosmetics-related procedures and products is increasing
among men as well as among ethnic minorities.1-3
Modern antiaging cosmetics go well beyond the simple
moisturizing function of traditional antiwrinkle creams.
They perform complex functions in terms of skin protection,
nourishment, and removal of superficial layers;