Merz Aesthetics, a medical aesthetics business, announced actress, director, and producer Salma Hayek Pinault as its first global brand ambassador for Ultherapy PRIME, a micro-focused ultrasound platform for personalized, non-invasive skin lifting. 

Ultherapy PRIME is US Food and Drug Administration-cleared to lift the skin on the neck, under the chin, and the eyebrows, as well as to smooth lines and wrinkles on the décolleté. Visible results can be achieved in one session, with no downtime, and can last up to a year or more. 

“With her unwavering commitment to authenticity, Hayek Pinault trusts Ultherapy PRIME for a personalized, natural-looking lift, with results that can last up to a year or more. This collaboration reflects a shared belief in empowering individuals to look and feel their best to fuel confidence worldwide,” according to a release from Merz Aesthetics.

Hayek Pinault is an Academy Award-nominated actress and Emmy-winning director, also celebrated for her work as a producer. As an advocate for authentic self-expression and looking great at any age, she encourages others to embrace treatments that enhance their natural features.

“Self-care is essential. Years on screen have taught me to embrace my journey and seek treatments that enhance my natural beauty,” says Hayek Pinault in a release. “Ultherapy PRIME boosts my production of collagen and elastin exactly where I need it, giving me a long-lasting, natural-looking lift. It’s non-invasive, takes only one session, and has zero downtime. It is the future of beauty, and that’s why I can’t stop talking about it.” 

Evolution of Ultherapy

The Ultherapy PRIME platform is the evolution of Ultherapy. Ultherapy PRIME further advances nonsurgical skin lifting by combining a micro-focused ultrasound platform with real-time imaging. 

Since its September 2024 launch, Ultherapy PRIME has already been cleared in over 80% of Nerz Aesthetics’ targeted markets, with more approvals expected in 2025.

“We are proud and excited about the recent launch of Ultherapy PRIME, our next-generation platform for non-invasive skin lifting and a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering meaningful innovations to our customers,” says Bob Rhatigan, CEO of Merz Aesthetics, in a release. “As we continue to expand the global footprint of this launch, we are thrilled to collaborate with Hayek Pinault as the first-ever global brand ambassador for Ultherapy PRIME.” 

Photo caption: Salma Hayek Pinault

Photo credit: Merz Aesthetics

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Cynosure Lutronic, specializing in energy-based medical aesthetic devices, announced the Health Canada clearance of XERF, a radiofrequency device designed for skin tightening treatments.

XERF tightens skin without the need for numbing, needles, or downtime, according to a release from the company. Key features include: 

• Single Shot, Multi-Frequency Monopolar RF Technology: This combines 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz frequencies, enabling providers to precisely deliver energy at multiple tissue depths, heating the fibrous septae to generate both immediate and lasting skin tightening results.
• Wave Fit Pulse and Advanced Integrated Cryogen Delivery Cooling Technology: These technologies are designed to work in tandem to regulate energy delivery and maintain optimal surface temperature to ensure a comfortable treatment without the need for numbing.
• Innovative Spider Pattern Tip: Designed to reduce skin edge effects, this tip ensures a controlled treatment environment, increasing treatment efficacy and patient safety.

“The clearance of XERF in Canada marks an exciting milestone for Cynosure Lutronic as we expand our presence in North America,” says Lowinn Kibbey, president, North America at Cynosure Lutronic, in a release. “As patients continue to seek effective treatments to tighten and revitalize their skin, they often face challenges with discomfort or downtime. With XERF, we are thrilled to offer a solution that delivers exceptional results while providing a more comfortable experience.”

Jordan V. Wang, MD, MBE, MBA, medical director of Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania and medical research director at the office of Roy Geronemus, MD, adds in a release, “As a fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist, we prioritize treatments in our clinic that can consistently deliver results with minimal risk and downtime. XERF incorporates the newest technology to safely deliver energy deep into the skin, while offering intelligent cooling for superior protection and patient comfort.” 

The radiofrequency device for skin tightening treatments launched in 2024 and is currently sold in Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong. With its Health Canada clearance, Cynosure Lutronic is prioritizing Canada as XERF’s first North American launch market.

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BTL Industries has announced the launch of EMFACE Eye, a new device intended to treat under-eye aging through non-invasive means. EMFACE Eye marks an expansion of the company’s EMFACE platform and is designed to restore muscle tone and soft tissue support in the periorbital region without the need for surgery or injectables.

The launch follows significant growth for the company, with EMFACE surpassing 1 million treatments globally and a 70% year-over-year sales increase in North America in Q1 2025.

A Focus on the Under-Eye Area

The under-eye region has traditionally posed challenges for non-surgical aesthetic procedures due to its delicate anatomy and tendency toward issues like puffiness, dark circles, and volume loss. EMFACE Eye targets the lower orbicularis oculi muscle to lift and support soft tissue, offering an alternative or adjunct to injectables, according to the company.

BTL reports that in a typical 20-minute session, patients experienced a 1.4mL reduction in under-eye volume, a 28% reduction in crow’s feet, and a 64% decrease in dark circles—all without downtime.

Clinical Perspective and Platform Expansion

Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, a cosmetic dermatologist in California, noted that EMFACE Eye provides meaningful structural support to the infraorbital area, reducing fat pseudo-herniation and improving overall appearance. “As a cosmetic dermatologist with a sizeable injectable practice, this is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. The results include noticeable brightening of the under-eye and buttressing of the infraorbital fat pad, significantly reducing fat pseudo-herniation. Emface restores structure and function to the facial anatomy in the most natural way, so we can count on superior results that drive high patient satisfaction,” said Palm.

With the Eye applicators, the EMFACE platform now supports full-face aesthetic treatment, including forehead lifting, jawline sculpting, and periorbital enhancement. According to BTL, this enables a layered, non-invasive approach that integrates well with existing injectable protocols.

BTL Eyes Continued Growth in Aesthetic Market

EMFACE Eye’s release reinforces BTL’s position in the growing non-invasive facial aesthetics segment. The company says the platform is designed to meet increasing patient demand for natural-looking results without surgical intervention or downtime.

Photo: ID 175406582 © Karel Noppe | Dreamstime.com

Key Takeaways:

1. Topical Formula Reduces Retinoid Irritation – A study found that combining tretinoin with a skin-barrier-supporting ingredient significantly reduced skin irritation.
2. Improved Tolerance Without Compromising Efficacy – The formulation decreased redness by 68% and dryness by 47%, with no reported adverse events.
3. Further Research Needed – While initial results are promising, researchers suggest larger, controlled studies to confirm the findings.

Retinoids are the gold standard for anti-aging, but the redness, peeling, and irritation can deter patients from continued use. But what if you could get the glow that retinol provides without the irritating side effects?

A new pilot study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology highlights a potential advancement in retinol tolerance. Epicutis Skincare’s proprietary TSC molecule (Tetramethylhexadecenyl Succinoyl Cysteine) was found to significantly reduce the irritation, redness, and dryness commonly associated with tretinoin (a prescription-strength retinoid that is much stronger than retinol) use while reinforcing the skin barrier.

The study was a five-day efficacy evaluation with five subjects performed at a third-party CRO (Validated Claim Support, Teaneck, NJ). There were four female and one male participant with a mean age of 35 years, ranging from 31 to 42 years.

The study found that a formulation of 0.5% TSC combined with 0.2% tretinoin reduced erythema (redness) by 68% and improved dryness by 47%, as compared to tretinoin use alone. No adverse events were observed. 

“Altogether, given these initial encouraging results, further study of TSC in a dose-dependent manner in a larger, controlled study is warranted,” the authors of the study concluded.

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skinbetter science, available exclusively through dermatology, plastic surgery, and medical aesthetics practices nationwide, announced the launch of BioRewind, a skin health dietary supplement to improve visible skin quality by helping reduce advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs).   

Glycation is a natural process where sugars bind to proteins, such as collagen and elastin, forming harmful substances called AGEs, which can stiffen these proteins and accelerate visible signs of aging. Without intervention, glycated collagen accumulates at an average annual rate of 3.7%. 

BioRewind leverages proprietary CORExtract biotechnology comprised of rosemary extract and bioactive co-factors which help reverse the cumulative effects of early-stage glycation and skin aging at the source.

“The launch of BioRewind marks a significant milestone for skinbetter science and medical grade skincare,” says Jonah Shacknai, CEO of skinbetter science, in a release. “With BioRewind, we are introducing a new approach to counteract skin aging by addressing glycation, a lesser-known but extremely critical factor in the skin aging process. We are confident this innovation will redefine how we think about skin health.”

Clinical Trial Findings

A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of BioRewind in 104 patients over 12 weeks. Key results showed that after 12 weeks, patients in the BioRewind treatment group experienced significant reductions compared to baseline:

• 30% reduction in rough skin texture
• 28% reduction in skin dullness
• 14% reduction in skin redness

Additionally, at 12 weeks a 17%  improvement in global skin quality was achieved in patients in the BioRewind treatment group compared to their baseline measurements. All of the results were statistically significant.

Clinical and histological evidence will be available at the upcoming American Academy of Dermatology Meeting and will be forthcoming in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Study co-authors Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, FAAD, and Giuseppe Valacchi, PhD, will present their research at the L’Oréal R&I Theatre on March 8.

BioRewind is designed to be incorporated into an individual’s daily routine. “The process and impact differs dramatically from typical topical treatments on the market because it works from the inside-out,” says Vivian Bucay, MD, FAAD, Bucay Center for Dermatology & Aesthetics, in a release. “This rosemary-based product is free of gluten, colorants, and dyes. My patients are excited to see results within just a few months by simply adding this into their existing skinbetter routine.”

Christian Bouchard, president of medical aesthetic skincare, North America, at L’Oréal, adds in a release, “This breakthrough formula is a game changer for skinbetter science and for our industry. By targeting glycation, BioRewind enhances the skin’s appearance and is an invaluable tool for dermatologists aiming to offer comprehensive solutions to their patients.”

Summary:

skinbetter science has launched BioRewind, a skin health dietary supplement designed to reduce advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), which contribute to skin aging by stiffening collagen and elastin. The supplement uses proprietary CORExtract biotechnology, featuring rosemary extract and bioactive co-factors, to counteract early-stage glycation and improve skin texture, radiance, and overall quality. A 12-week clinical trial with 104 participants showed significant improvements in skin roughness, dullness, and redness. BioRewind is available exclusively through dermatology, plastic surgery, and medical aesthetics practices, with clinical findings to be presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Meeting and published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

Key Takeaways:

• Clinical Trial Supports Efficacy – A randomized controlled study showed BioRewind improved skin texture by 30%, reduced dullness by 28%, and decreased redness by 14% over 12 weeks.
• Targets Glycation for Skin Health – The supplement is designed to counteract glycation, a lesser-known but key factor in skin aging, by using a proprietary rosemary-based formula.
• Available Through Select Providers – BioRewind is distributed exclusively through dermatology, plastic surgery, and medical aesthetics practices.

Photo caption: BioRewind

Photo credit: skinbetter science

Key Takeaways:

• VAMP is designed to enhance skin firmness, tighten pores, and smooth wrinkles, leveraging PDRN’s regenerative properties.
• Recommended for professional administration alongside dermal rolling, microneedling, or post-laser treatments to maximize its rejuvenating effects.

Prollenium, a medical aesthetics company, announced the launch of VAMP, a skin revitalization product. According to a press release from the company, this topical, sterile bio-revitalizing solution combines an enriched blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) to deliver anti-aging, hydrating, and revitalizing benefits.

VAMP is formulated to enhance skin tonicity, tighten pores, and smooth wrinkles, according to the company. PDRN, an ingredient derived from salmon DNA and popularized in K-beauty, reportedly offers advanced anti-aging, rejuvenating, and hydrating properties. The company says VAMP utilizes these benefits to stimulate and promote tissue repair, resulting in firmer, smoother, and more rejuvenated skin. It is recommended that VAMP be professionally administered in conjunction with dermal rolling, microneedling, or post-laser treatments.

The launch of this skin rejuvenating solution marks the first addition to Prollenium’s expanding portfolio of innovative skin technologies and products. It joins brands REVANESSE and SoftFil, which are available in more than 70 countries worldwide. According to the company, VAMP reflects its recently announced strategic focus on leveraging advanced technology and R&D to drive the future of skin rejuvenation innovations.

“We are at a pivotal moment in our industry, with science and innovation accelerating our ability to support the skin’s natural repair and rejuvenation processes. VAMP is the first PDRN product to combine vitamins, amino acids, and minerals with PDRN to deliver powerful anti-aging, hydrating, and rejuvenating benefits. This launch represents our commitment to innovation in restorative medicine for aesthetic dermatology,” said Ario Khoshbin, founder and CEO of Prollenium.

“The growing demand for combination therapies and rejuvenating solutions is transforming our industry,” added Khoshbin. “Our strength lies in leveraging advanced technology and our multidisciplinary team of scientists to develop products that address the root causes of skin aging. This expertise led to the development of VAMP, a breakthrough in PDRN products. We look forward to expanding on this innovation with comprehensive treatment options.”

Photo courtesy of Prollenium.

Key Takeaways

1. Comparable Effectiveness: Human platelet extract (HPE) and vitamin C both provided similar improvements in reducing age spots (photoaging) on the hands, with neither treatment being significantly superior to the other.
2. Non-invasive Alternatives: Both HPE and vitamin C were as effective as more invasive treatments, such as intense pulsed light therapy, in improving skin appearance, making them viable over-the-counter options for hand rejuvenation.
3. HPE’s Stability Advantage: While vitamin C can cause photosensitivity and stability issues, HPE is seen as a more skin-friendly and reliable alternative, potentially offering longer-term benefits without disrupting the skin’s balance.

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Topically applied products containing human platelet extract or vitamin C provide similar improvements in age spots (photoaging) of the hands, as reported in a clinical trial within the November issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

“Our study demonstrates that two topical therapies effectively treat photoaging of the skin on the hands of middle-aged or older adults,” says Saraya Wyles, MD, PhD, of the Mayo Clinic Department of Dermatology in Rochester, Minn. “With both types of over-the-counter products, the outcomes appear similar or superior to those of more invasive treatments.”

HPE vs. Vitamin C for Hand Photoaging Comparison

Brown spots on the hands, sometimes referred to as age spots or liver spots, are a common cosmetic issue caused by sun damage to the skin. Treatments for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing—such as chemical peels, injectables, and intense pulsed light or laser treatments—have primarily focused on the face, with less attention to the hands and other visible parts of the body.

In recent years, products with human platelet extract containing—platelet exosomes (HPE) have drawn “tremendous attention” as topical treatments for photoaging skin. Safely derived from specially processed human platelets, HPE products have shown improvements in overall skin appearance.

Topical products containing vitamin C and other antioxidants have also been shown to effectively reduce signs of facial aging. Wyles and colleagues designed a clinical trial to compare HPE and vitamin C for treating photoaging of the hands.

The study included 60 patients, with an average age of 52.5 years, with moderate photoaging on the back (dorsum) of the hand. Each patient followed a standardized skincare routine, including twice-daily topical applications of HPE to the right hand and vitamin C to the left hand. Digital imaging and other assessments were used to assess measures of photoaging after 12 to 26 weeks of use.

HPE and Vitamin C Both Effectively Rejuvenate Skin

Based on a wide range of photoaging parameters, topical HPE was “non-inferior” to vitamin C. After 12 weeks, the two products produced similar reductions in the skin area affected by brown spots and wrinkles and improved skin luminosity and color evenness.

By 26 weeks, the brown spot fractional area had decreased by approximately 23% with topical HPE and 26% with vitamin C. The outcome measures were not statistically different between the two topicals. The paper includes before-and-after photos illustrating the improvement observed with both topicals. Outcomes with both topicals were like those reported in previous clinical trials of intense pulsed light therapy—an established nonsurgical treatment for photoaging.

“While both human platelet extract, or platelet exosomes, and vitamin C may have similar rejuvenating effects, topical vitamin C can increase photosensitivity, disrupt skin’s pH balance and have stability issues, making HPE a more reliable and skin-friendly alternative,” Wyles says.

The researchers suggest further studies to assess the possible synergistic effects of using both topical therapies together or in combination with other treatments.

“Restylane Eyelight is an exciting new treatment option for patients,” said Bill Andriopoulos, PhD, vice president for medical affairs at Galderma US. “Formulated with NASHA Technology, this filler is close to the body’s natural hyaluronic acid with minimal crosslinking and produces a firm gel texture (or ‘supportive gel’) that is resistant to water absorption, which makes Restylane Eyelight a safe, natural-looking solution for volume loss under the eyes.”

Carolyn Jacob, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, who was a lead investigator in the clinical trial of Restylane Eyesight and is a paid Galderma consultant, said, “Many of my patients seek treatment for hollows under the eyes, and topical products such as creams, concealers and undereye masks just aren’t able to solve the problem and provide the long-lasting results they are seeking. I’m pleased to see that Restylane Eyelight offers a safe, effective and natural-looking outcome that enables my patients to achieve their aesthetic undereye goals, with results that last up to 18 months with optimal treatment.”

Phase 3 Study

According to Galderma, this FDA approval is supported by efficacy and safety data from a randomized, evaluator-blinded, parallel group, no-treatment controlled, multi-center Phase 3 study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Restylane Eyelight for correction of volume loss under the eyes.

Lack of volume and volume loss in the undereye region can create shadows and emphasize dark circles, leading to the appearance of tiredness and/or aging. In the Phase 3 study, 87% of patients/clinical trial subject had reduced undereye hollowness at 3 months (at least 1-grade improvement on the Galderma Infraorbital hollows scale), and Restylane Eyelight was found to be well tolerated under the eyes. At 3 months, 92% of patients were pleased with their results, and 84% were still pleased through 1 year. According to the company, the study also yielded high satisfaction, with 93% of patients expressing interest in receiving treatment again after 12 months. 

Furthermore, most patients (87%) did not experience adverse events related to treatment with Restylane Eyelight. The most commonly observed side effects for undereye injection are swelling, redness, tenderness, pain, bruising, itching, and lumps or bumps at the injection site. Most adverse events were mild in severity (75%) and none were severe, according to the company’s press release. There was no incidence of Tyndall effect (blue discoloration) after treatment with Restylane Eyelight.

Restylane Eyelight HA dermal filler reportedly will be available in aesthetic practice locations across the United States over the next several months. 

In April, Galderma’s Sculptra, an injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) collagen stimulator, received FDA approval for the correction of fine lines and wrinkles in the cheek area. 

“We are thrilled with the results of this study,” says Claytor. “LaMiNa is a game-changer for patients in need of an efficient, effective non-surgical anti-aging option, as treatment is quick and easy for the patient, yet still offers impressive results when it comes to reducing the appearance of perioral wrinkles and other signs of aging.”

Tissue samples, in addition to patients’ before and after photos, showed noteworthy results: when laser and microneedling were combined with nanofat, skin cells showed less inflammation four days post-procedure, indicating quicker healing. Additionally, there was evidence of increased cell turnover—the process that leads to a more youthful skin appearance.

Both laser skin resurfacing and microneedling are well-established mainstays for improving skin texture, softening the appearance of wrinkles, and reducing the visibility of age spots. They do so by selectively damaging the skin to promote a healing response, in which the body supplies the skin with new healthy cells and increased collagen and elastin. But significant skin resurfacing treatments typically come with side effects: pain, swelling, redness, discoloration, or peeling are common.

Claytor’s new approach offers less downtime while increasing the treatments’ effectiveness in a single combined treatment, thanks to the healing stem cells and regenerative properties of nanofat. “The addition of nanofat speeds up the recovery time, while also helping with post-treatment pain,” he says. “We have effectively solved patients’ two biggest concerns about getting combined laser treatment and microneedling for wrinkles.”

Featured image: Combining CO2 laser, microneedling, and nanofat application led to a speedier recovery and less pain for facial rejuvenation patients. This patient is pictured (A) before, (B) immediately after, (C) 2 weeks after, (D) 2 months after, and (E) 6 months after treatment.

Bill Andriopoulos, PhD, Galderma’s U.S vice president of medical affairs, spoke out about the FDA approval, calling it a “meaningful milestone for Galderma.” He adds, “With 95% of patients still showing improved skin glow two years after treatment when injected into the cheek region,we recognize how much of an impact biostimulators can have on the aging face. This new indication allows for Sculptra to pave the way as a leader in the PLLA collagen stimulator category, and we are excited to see what the future holds for this innovative product.”

Sabrina Fabi, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic cosmetic surgeon, also addressed FDA approval, commenting: “Sculptra is a foundational treatment that helps smooth wrinkles and offers the added benefit of improved skin quality—helping to firm sagging skin for a more radiant and glowing appearance.^”

Fabi adds, “My patients will be extremely pleased that they can now receive Sculptra in the broader cheek region to support collagen growth and to make their skin look more refreshed and rejuvenated.”