Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1533707
72 ASCP Skin Deep Spring 2025 Is off-label use always safe? And when does experimentation become a dermatological disaster? Let's take a closer look at the science behind off-label skin care, its risks and benefits, and what skin care professionals should consider before recommending alternative uses. WHAT IS OFF-LABEL SKIN CARE? Off-label use of skin care products refers to the practice of applying a topical product in a way not originally intended, tested, or marketed for by the manufacturer. This can include: • Using prescription skin care (such as tretinoin) for concerns not in its FDA- approved scope • Applying over-the-counter products (like Vaseline or diaper rash cream) for unconventional purposes • Repurposing active ingredients for different skin conditions based on anecdotal or emerging scientific evidence While pharmaceutical off-label use is common in dermatology (such as using oral minoxidil for hair loss when it was originally intended for blood pressure), skin care off-label use is often instigated by consumer experimentation, social media trends, and even esthetician and dermatologist recommendations. POPULAR OFF-LABEL SKIN CARE USES You're liable to run across many off-label uses as an esthetician. Let's look at the common ones you might encounter, then examine the science behind those and what you can do to educate your clients to help them move in a more productive direction. Diaper Rash Cream for Irritated or Acne-Prone Skin I was surprised when, early in my career, a client confessed she had been using an unconventional product for breakouts. A common old wives' tale suggests that diaper rash cream, typically formulated with zinc oxide, can help calm sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone skin. The reasoning? Zinc oxide is a powerful anti- inflammatory ingredient and skin protectant that helps reduce redness, irritation, and even minor breakouts. • The science—Zinc oxide is frequently used in sunscreens and acne treatments because of Skin care is both an art and a science, and professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that clients safely navigate their skin care journeys.