Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1415888
Listen to the ASCP Esty Talk podcast at ascpskincare.com/podcasts 23 Esties Can Help Transgender Clients Gender-affirming hair removal (GAHR) is associated with improved mental health and decreased psychological distress, according to a research letter published in JAMA Dermatology. "Gender-affirming medical care is essential for addressing the mental health burdens of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) populations," Michelle S. Lee, BA, of Harvard Medical School and the department of dermatology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and colleagues write. "Gender-affirming hair removal procedures, including electrolysis and laser hair removal, are desired by nearly 90 percent of TGD people." This secondary analysis used data from the cross-sectional, nonprobability 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, which included 27,715 TGD adults. Participants who were assigned male sex at birth were asked if they had or wanted gender-affirming hair removal or electrolysis. Those who answered they had the procedure were included in the study group, while those who reported a desire for gender-affirming hair removal but had not had it were classified as the control group. They were then asked about five mental health outcomes: severe psychological distress and binge alcohol use in the past month and tobacco smoking, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts in the past year. Of 11,857 respondents assigned male at birth, 4,927 (41.6%) had received hair removal, while 5,652 (47.7%) desired hair removal but had not yet undergone the procedure. The odds of past-month severe psychological distress were lower in the study group. In addition, the odds were lower for past-year smoking and past-year suicidal ideation. "These findings reinforce the only existing empirical investigation, to our knowledge, on this subject—a small-scale study demonstrating that GAHR is associated with improved mental health and quality of life," the authors write. jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2782063 Stop the Zits Created by celebrity dermatologist Tina Alster, Zit Stopper by The A Method is formulated with adapalene—previously available by prescription only. It prevents and diminishes breakouts, while helping minimize skin darkening of acne spots and the appearance of redness and swelling. theamethod.com Double Duty Phytomer Homme Rasage Perfect Shaving Mask is a 2-in-1 product that first glides on as shaving foam and then revitalizes the skin as a face mask. A blend of all-encompassing marine ingredients moisturizes, purifies, and protects the skin. The result is a fresh face without any sensations of razor rash. phytomerusa.com