Oxy Whitening Oil-Control Wash

OXY’s latest innovation in facial wash will be the choice of Malaysian teens. Not only does this new facial wash effectively cleanse your face but it also brightens, smoothens and controls the shine on your skin. OXY’s Whitening Oil Control Wash is definitely the ideal facial wash for any teens!

This new innovation comes with an advance new formulation and technology which helps to achieve: (1) Fair, Brighter Skin (2) Controls Shine (3) minimize appearance of Pores (4) Deeply Cleanses (5) 72-hour Moisturization just by washing your face. 

Here are the reasons why this new OXY facial wash will be voted by teens as their ideal facial wash:

Giga White™ Technology - Introducing the new Giga White Technology, a new whitening active ingredient consisting of 7 types of Swiss Alpine plants ie Mallow, Lady’s Mantle, Balm Mint, Peppermint, Speedwell Herb, Yarrow and Primula. Not only does the Giga White™ provide excellent whitening and brightening effect for a fairer and smoother skin but it also helps to prevent the melanin formation on our skin.

Herbal Microbeads - These microbeads encapsulates 9 whitening and oil control herbal extracts which releases upon application on skin to boost the whitening and oil control efficacy

REGU® SEB – Consisting of 2 types of Oil Control herbal extract ie Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil and Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extracst, helps to regulate sebum production to reduce excess oil, prevent skin irritation, resulting to improve skin appearance.

Pentavitin - Pentavitin is a Belgian Wheat Active Ingredient that provides instant hydration to the skin for as long as 72 hours. Furthermore, skin does not feel tight & dry after wash

The Oxy Whitening Oil-Control Wash also penetrates deep into the layers of the skin to effectively remove impurities, dirt and oil trapped within pores while at the same time refines the skin and minimized the appearance of pores for a more refined and radiant appearance.

Directions for use:

Wet face, squeeze about 2cm onto palm. Lather with water and massage gently onto face. Rinse thoroughly.

The OXY Whitening Oil Control Wash is available at all leading pharmacies and supermarkets starting October 2015. Itis available in two pack sizes i.e 50g at RM8.50 and 100g at RM13.90.

11street Brings Shocking Deals to Life

11street (www.11street.my), Malaysia’s most exciting e-mall celebrates its one-year anniversary by bringing 11street’s Shocking Deals to Life, a carnival-themed celebration that shares the joy of saving and shopping online, as a gesture to thank Malaysian consumers for their tremendous support since its launch on 11^th April 2015.

Happy 1 Year-old to 11street Malaysia 

11street celebrated its 1^st anniversary with shocking and electrifying line-up of activities with its carnival-themed, Shocking Deals Come to Life event at NU Sentral.

11street’s CEO, Hoseok Kim shared that moving forward, 11street aims to continue grow its customer base and enhance existing users’ experience with its recently renewed Shocking Deals* section optimized on mobile app with greater variety to curb the economy downturn.

Hoseok Kim, 11street’s CEO, shared the company’s milestones and future plans to Malaysianise the most exciting e-mall at their Shocking Deals Come to Life birthday celebration.

“Malaysians are known to be prudent and are always on the lookout for greater value for money. Backed by the promise of lowest price guaranteed, which is an online offer only by 11street, we enhanced our shocking deals section with new features to make online shopping easier and to meet the purpose of helping Malaysians in savings. This includes mobile app exclusive deals with significant mark-down and discounts, top 100 hot selling deals, new sorting capability that reveals free shipping items, and more,” Kim added. 

Unveiled Xpax’s Reload Savings for Magic SIM

11street also announced another shocking deal in collaboration with Xpax, the main prepaid brand for youth under Celcom Axiata Berhad and launched the unbeatable Year-long Exclusive 10% Reload Savings, where new Magic SIM customers will get to enjoy more credit with this amazing Shocking Deals during its 1^st birthday carnival.

Kim said, “11street constantly look for the best deal in town to offer its customers, and this timely collaboration comes in handy to help Malaysians save more.  Sharing the same view, both 11street and Xpax are committed to provide high quality products and services to Malaysians at competitive prices.”

Hoseok Kim, CEO of 11street and Zalman Aefendy Zainal Abidin, Chief of Sales and Marketing Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad officially launched the year-long exclusive 10% reload savings with Magic SIM alongside 11street’s new Brand Ambassador Zizan Razak and Elizabeth Tan.

During the event, Zalman Aefendy Zainal Abidin, Chief of Sales and Marketing Officer, Celcom Axiata Berhad highlighted, “Prepaid users are the larger segment of our customer base, and understanding the market preference, we want to ensure that only the best deals and services are brought to our customers. We continuously seek for channels to extend our reach to the users, either existing or potential.”

“Being on board 11street will expand the avenue further for our customers to obtain our product. Via this channel, we are keen to create more demand for Magic SIM from Xpax, the prepaid product with more credit, more internet, as well as adding on more subscribers to our prepaid customer base.  Furthermore, the yearlong promotion on reload savings will benefit our customers greatly,” he added. 

The new Magic SIM purchased through the 11street app will allow customers to get 10% discount on every reload at 11street for the next 12 months.

Introduced 11street’s New Brand Ambassadors – Zizan Razak and Elizabeth Tan

Apart from the exclusive reload savings promotion launch, the two new brand ambassadors, Zizan Razak, prominent local actor-cum-entertainer and Elizabeth Tan, Malaysia’s YouTube sweetheart-turned-singer made their first appearances at 11street’s anniversary celebration.

Zizan Razak and Elizabeth Tan, the new Brand Ambassadors of 11street entertained the crowd with their funny antics, accompanied by Nadia Heng, the emcee of 11street’s Shocking Deals Come to Life event.

“Even though we’re only one, our dream to reach out for the stars are exactly why we chose to welcome Elizabeth and Zizan into our growing family. They are the key to unlock our journey as we move closer to understand Malaysians in order to cater to their shopping needs and wants.” 

The newly appointed 11street Brand Ambassadors, Zizan Razak and Elizabeth Tan, striking an eleven pose, symbolising 11street, which is Malaysia’s most exciting e-mall.

“Looking at both Zizan and Lizzy, a young and dynamic brand like 11street could very well relate to their boundless youth and energy that exuberates through their passion and enthusiasm to take the bulls by the horns. Honing these positive vibes, we believe the duo will bring 11street to greater heights and be loved by all Malaysians as much as they are now,” Kim added.

While enjoying the fun-filled carnival of all things shocking that includes fun games, coupons, and activities, six lucky “Fly high LIKE A STAR with 11street” contest winners were announced during the event. These lucky winners won the chance to experience an unforgettable helicopter ride followed by an intimate dinner session with the 11street’s brand ambassadors, Zizan and Elizabeth.

Hoseok Kim, 11street’s CEO and Zalman Aefendy Zainal Abidin, Celcom Axiata’s Chief of Sales and Marketing Officer posed with 11street’s Brand Ambassadors, Zizan Razak and Elizabeth Tan at theShocking Deals Come to Life media conference.

Along with this, as a treat to 11street’s loyal app consumers, 11street has also officially launched the ‘11 Days of Shocking Giveaways’ with irresistible deals at lowest price. During the 11 Days of Giveaways campaign, Shocking coupons will be available every day for popular brands, including BHPetrol, Caring Pharmacy, Laneige, Melissa Shoes, OPPO, Seagate, Tefal, TGV and more. The 11 Days of Shocking Giveaways will definitely mesmerise Malaysians as 11street celebrates its 1^st year anniversary with all things shocking!

Under Armour Celebrates International Women’s Day in Collaboration with Biotherm Malaysia

In conjunction with International Women’s Day, Under Armour in collaboration with Biotherm Malaysia has successfully organised an event aimed at encouraging healthy living among the community and to educate the public on the importance of overall wellness. The event was held at the Under Armour brand house in Pavilion Shopping Centre.

Registered participants were given the opportunity to practice yoga with Under Armour’s Brand Influencer, Robyn Lau and Brand Athlete, Atilia Haron. They were also treated to a special Facial Yoga session conducted by Michelle Tay, Biotherm Malaysia’s Education Manager, specially curated to help participants achieve the post workout glow. 

Robyn Lau, Under Armour’s Brand Influencer guiding the ladies into their yoga poses.

Atilia Haron, Under Armour’s Brand Athlete intensified the second yoga session by getting the ladies into splits.

“Today’s event is all about celebrating women and their achievement worldwide. In the words of famous Russian novelist Ayn Rand, "The question isn't who's going to let me; it's who's going to stop me."Under Armour clearly acknowledges all the efforts women have done to inspire those around them and we want to encourage everyone to promote healthy living amongst yourself and those in your community.” said Lynn D Ong, Assistant Marketing Manager of UA Sports Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

“Biotherm new rebranding journey endorses the #LIVEMORE attitude to promote a fitter and healthier living. With this attitude, we encourage consumers to lead a ‘more fit’, ‘more health’, ‘more beauty’ lifestyle and together with the life power of water from Biotherm, we can achieve a healthier, natural beauty.” said Guendeline Phoon, Senior PR & Digital Executive of Biotherm Malaysia. 

Michelle Tay, Biotherm Malaysia’s Education Manager, educating the ladies to achieve their post workout glow.

Also present at the event was Debbie Goh, Malaysia’s film and TV actress, and Deborah Henry, Co-Founder of the Fugee School, a non-profit charity organisation that provides basic education to refugee children. Deborah shared her experiences with the participants, detailing how she got involved in teaching refugee children.

Deborah Henry, former beauty queen and Co-Founder of the Fugee School sharing her experience in teaching refugee children.

Debbie Goh, Malaysia’s film and TV actress inspiring the ladies on her fitness journey.

“What we are doing is providing these children with the right academic, creative, and life skills to enable them to have a brighter future. Everyone has a right to education and a healthy life, and Under Armour has graciously contributed a number of yoga mats for our students. Thanks to their contribution, we believe that this will definitely make our students happy as they are able to cultivate a new hobby that is beneficial for their well-being.” said Deborah Henry.

“Life hurls us challenges every day. Sometimes, you just feel like throwing in the towel. That’s why it’s important to always see the bigger picture and realise the core reasons and motivations behind what we do.  Always stay strong and true to yourself, and think to yourself, I will.” advised Debbie when asked about what her inspiring message to young women would be. 

The ladies coming together after their yoga session for a group shot.

As part of the ongoing promotions for the day, participants were all given a 20% discount on all storewide purchases of Under Armour items, and were also treated to a complimentary skin analysis by Biotherm Malaysia. Additionally, from 9^th–13^th March 2016, Under Armour and Biotherm Malaysia had a series of promotions. Customers who spent RM350 and above in any Under Armour brand house were eligible to receive a free Biotherm sample pack. Moreover, for those who purchase any Biotherm products, they were able to enjoy a 20% discount when they purchased two items and above in all Under Armour brand houses when they show a proof of purchase. 

L’OCCITANE Women's Day Balm 2016

Every year, to mark International Women’s Day on March 8th, L’OCCITANE pays tribute to the women of Burkina Faso via a new project called “L’OCCITANE pour ELLES” to promote and foster entrepreneurship among Burkinabè (Burkina Faso) women.

This year is also the same. Let’s support this noble global effort by L’OCCITANE Foundation with the purchase of limited edition Shea & Rose Ultra Rich Balm at only RM17.

All proceeds will goes back to L’OCCITANE FOUNDATION France to NGOs which support women’s leadership.

Happy International Women's Day to all women!

#loccitanemalaysia

#womensday2016

#loccitanefoundation

3 Simple Steps to Pimple Free Skin

Pimples and acne are common teen skin problems especially when the skin is oily. The problem doesn’t stop there as acne scarring starts to surface with constant picking of pimples. Most teens would think the easiest solution to that is to constantly wash their face to get rid of the pimples. While washing the face may help to reduce pimples but it is not the perfect solution to the problem.

Combating pimples can be achieved with OXY’s 3 step regime; 
Step 1: Wash with Deep Cleansing Wash, 
Step 2: Treat pimples with OXY 10 and lastly 
Step 3: Lighten pimple mark with Anti-Pimple Mark Gel.

Suitable for acne prone skin, when used together, OXY’s Deep Cleansing Wash, OXY 10 and the Anti-Pimple Mark Gel helps to get rid of oil, dirt, impurities, treat pimples, lighten pimple marks while providing you with smooth, clean and pimple-free skin. Each of these products is formulated to tackle the root cause of the pimple problem starting with the Deep Cleansing Wash that removes impurities followed by the OXY 10 that treats pimples and finish with the Anti-Pimple Mark for a clear blemish-free skin. 

The OXY Deep Cleansing Wash contains Isopropyl Methylphenol and Salicylic Acid which help remove dead skin cells on the skin’s surface and also effectively remove impurities from deep within pores thereby unclogging pores to prevent pimples. Apart from cleansing, the Deep Cleansing Wash also soothes blemished skin and it’s not drying to the skin.

After cleansing the face, apply OXY 10 on pimples to treat the blemished area. OXY 10 kills acne bacteria that causes pimples. Once the pimples are dried-up, apply the Anti-Pimple Mark. Oxy Anti Pimple Mark has 4 benefits. Apart from lightening pimple marks, it also smoothens skin, prevents blemishes and revitalizes skin cells by unclogging pores and exfoliating dead skin cells to lighten pimple marks

All 3 products complement each other to achieve clearer, pimple-free skin 

The OXY Deep Cleansing Wash is available in 50g (RM8.50) and 100g (RM 13.90) while the OXY 10 is available in 10g (RM 11.50) and 25g (RM 19.90) and the Oxy Anti-Pimple Mark Gel (12g) is sold at RM14.80. All OXY products are available at all leading pharmacies and supermarkets.

Sebclair™ Cream - An Effective Non-steroidal Treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Sebclair™ cream, the number one treatment for seborrheic (PRONOUNCED: seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis (SD) in America was launched on 17 January 2016 by A.Menarini Singapore Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of the leading bio-pharmaceutical company in Italy at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Being the latest addition to Menarini’s range of innovative and clinically-proven dermatitis treatments, Sebclair™ is the first NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TOPICAL MEDICAL DEVICE CREAM (TMD) INDICATED FOR SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS (SD) to be introduced in Malaysia.  

(From left to right) Prof Dr Giuseppe Micali, Dr Henry Foong Boon Bee (President of Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia) and Dr Steven Januar Kusmanto showcasing Sebclair™ to doctors and members of the media. 

SD is a long-term chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting areas where sebaceous glands (oil glands) are present in high density and are most active. SD is a common skin disorder, affecting 2-10% of the general population. In a published study in the Chinese Journal of Dermatovenerology in 2008, Asian adolescents ages 12-20 years are affected by SD; Macao (2.66%), Guangzhou (2.85%), Malaysia (17.16%) and Indonesia (26.45%). SD causes scaling, erythema (reddening) and sometimes pruritus (itching) of the scalp, nasolabial folds (nose area), eyebrows, eyelids, face and centre of the chest. It appears most often in adults ages 30-60 and in infants within the first three months of life as ‘cradle cap’. Mild SD may appear as uncontrolled dandruff.

Often underdiagnosed, SD does not affect your overall health, but it can be uncomfortable and cause embarrassment. This skin disorder may need many repeated treatments before the symptoms go away. There is no cure for SD, but there is a wide range of products available to treat its signs and symptoms. 

Speaking at the launch was Prof Dr Giuseppe Micali, Head of Dermatology Department and Dermatologist Residency Program Director, University of Catania, Italy, who highlighted the limitations of the current treatment for SD. 

“In my experience, when there’s an inflammation, topical anti-fungals are not very effective. So, we need a combination of therapies. For the past years, there’s a need for a new treatment. There needs to be non-prescription agents, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antifungal that represents a promising approach in the management of some mild to moderate forms of SD, as demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies,” he said.

Sebclair™ cream is approved for use in Malaysia as a medical device cream and is indicated for the treatment of SD in both infants and adults. It is a non-steroidal cream that has demonstrated both anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Sebclair™ for treatment of SD has comparable efficacy and fewer relapses than a low-potency topical corticosteroid. Sebclair™ has been recommended as a first-line treatment for seborrheic flares and for long-term maintenance in the newly published Asian SD Consensus Guideline Handbook. It has the potential to replace both anti-inflammatory and antifungal treatments in SD patients. 

Sebclair™ contains several active ingredients to offer a complete approach to treat SD. Shea butter acts an emollient that helps protect and restore the skin barrier. Propylene glycol and acifructol complex acts as a keratolytic agent to soften and shed the scaly outer layer of the skin. Sebclair™ cream has been shown to work within days in babies diagnosed with cradle cap as presented in real patient case studies by Malaysian paediatricians during the launch.

To address the redness and inflammation, Sebclair™ cream offers an arsenal of anti-inflammatory and anti-itch agents: glycyrrhetinic acid (licorice root extract), bisabolol (chamomile extract) and allantoin. To boost the immunity of the skin cells, Sebclair™ comes with a plethora of antioxidants namely vitamins C and E, vitis vinifera (grapevine) and telmesteine.

As the yeast-like fungi Malassezia sp. are commonly found among SD patients, Sebclair™ also contains piroctone olamine, an antimycotic agent to destroy or prevent the growth of this fungi.

Sebclair™ has no restrictions on patient’s age, duration of use or areas of application. It is well-tolerated to be applied on the face too. Sebclair™ does not contain steroids or immune-suppressing agents. Sebclair™ is a topical medical device cream that is effective as a single therapy (monotherapy) in the treatment of mild to moderate SD. Prof Micali shared that it is possible that the effectiveness of the cream is due to a synergistic effect of piroctone olamine (antimycotic action), propylene glycol (keratolytic action), allantoin and glycyrrhetinic acid (anti-inflammatory action).

Also present at the launch were Dr Steven Januar Kusmanto, Regional Therapeutic Area Manager of Menarini Asia Pacific; Dr Henry Foong, the President of Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia (PDM); and a panel of leading dermatologists and paediatricians in the country.

Primary Care Skin Forum 2016 – Malaysia’s First Skin Symposium of 2016

Subsidiary of Italian’s No.1 bio-pharmaceutical company, A.Menarini Singapore Pte Ltd, ushered the New Year in launching three guidebooks for medical doctors in Malaysia at an informative skin forum on 17 January 2016. The ‘Primary Care Skin Forum 2016’, Malaysia’s first CPD (Continuing Professional Development) symposium of the year saw doctors equipped with the latest medical updates in treating the three most common chronic skin disorders, namely, Atopic Dermatitis (AD), Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD) and Acne Vulgaris.

The forum was jointly organised under the patron of Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia (PDM), the Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA) and three other medical associations in the private medical sectors, namely Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Selangor, Private Medical Practitioners Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (PMPASKL) and Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations, Malaysia (FPMPAM).

(From  left  to  right)  Dr  Leong  Kin  Fon,  Dr  Lee  Yin  Yin,  Dato’  Dr  Noor  Zalmy Azizan  and  Prof  Dr  Giuseppe  Micali  (Head  of  Dermatology  Department  and  Dermatologist Residency Program Director, University of Catania, Italy) signing three consensus handbooks and  another book  entitled Seborrheic  Dermatitis.  The  three  consensus  handbooks  are namely: 1.Proceedings  of  the  MEDIATE  Advisory  Board  Forum:  The  Role  of  Medical  Device  in Flare and Remission Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis 2.Asia-Pacific      Seborrheic      Dermatitis      Leaders’      Summit      2014:      Consensus Recommendations  for  the  Diagnosis  and  Management  of  Seborrheic  Dermatitis  in Asian Patients 3.Proceedings   from   the   4th   Asia   Pacific   Leaders’   Summit   2015 –   Meeting   the Challenges  of  Acne  Treatment:  An  Evaluation  of  the  Role  of  Dermocosmetics  in Management of Acne Vulgaris in Malaysia.

In his opening speech, Dr Henry Foong Boon Bee, President of PDM said, “Skin conditions form a large proportion of the consultations in a primary care clinic. This is very timely for general practitioners to come together to be updated with the latest advances in skin diseases so as to help patients get the best possible care.”

Updates in Atopic Dermatitis

Dr Leong Kin Fon, Consultant Paediatric Dermatologist Hospital Kuala Lumpur began the first session by addressing the common misconceptions and myths surrounding AD, which is commonly known as ‘eczema’ among Malaysians. He highlighted that AD presents itself in four basic components namely, skin dryness, itchiness, inflammation and infection.

Dr Henry Foong (

President of Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia)

delivering the

opening address to doctors and members of the media at the Primary

Care Skin Forum

2016.

Dr Henry Foong (

President of Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia)

delivering the

opening address to doctors and members of the media at the Primary

Care Skin Forum

2016.

Dr Henry Foong (

President of Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia)

delivering the

opening address to doctors and members of the media at the Primary

Care Skin Forum

2016.

 Dr  Henry  Foong  (President  of  Persatuan  Dermatologi  Malaysia)  delivering  the opening  address  to  doctors  and  members  of  the  media  at  the  Primary Care  Skin  Forum 2016.

Due to the multifaceted aspects of AD, managing the disease requires a combined rotational approach that will consist of moisturisers, cleansers, anti-itch package, steroids, antibiotics and mild antiseptics. All these, in addition to subjugating environmental triggers.

Dr Leong then spoke about a new class of treatment – a topical medical device to treat paediatric AD. He added that this newer class of topically applied, semi-solid formulation, approved by the United States for Food and Drugs Administration (USFDA) for the treatment of various skin diseases, including AD. Unlike OTC cosmetic products, medical device has a more specific indication and with some evidences to support its usage.

Citing from a handbook titled ‘The Role of Medical Device in Flare and Remission Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis’, faculty members formed by six consultants represented by dermatologists, paediatric dermatologists, and allergists and immunologists, reached a consensus that medical devices can play a role as an important emollient and can also be used as a monotherapy treatment in mild AD cases or to prevent AD flare during remission period to keep AD under control.

One medical device that is well-supported with research papers is Atopiclair – a hypoallergenic and non-steroidal cream that is able to assist in physiological skin barrier repair and break the dry-itch-inflammation-infection cycle. The consensus handbook highlighted the unique anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties of Atopiclair that may have a role in shortening the use of topical corticosteroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors, thus reducing the need for steroid rescue.

Dr Leong went on to discuss about the cost-effectiveness of using medical devices in paediatric AD. In a comparison study against regular emollients, Atopiclair was found to dominate over regular moisturisers to be a more cost-effective option to keep AD under control. The latest study in 2015 showed that Atopiclair could save up to a whopping USD786 (RM3,436) per year because of lesser medical expenditure, reduced drug use and increase in productivity time as compared to patients using conventional moisturisers.

Updates in Seborrheic Dermatitis

The second session zeroed in on SD, a common inflammatory skin disease characterised by scaly lesions usually on the scalp, hairline and face. According to Dato’ Dr Noor Zalmy Azizan, Consultant Dermatologist Hospital Kuala Lumpur, SD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Mild SD may present itself among Malaysian adults in the form of uncontrolled dandruff.

In infants, SD takes the form of cradle caps (yellowish scaling on scalp) and inflammation of the groin folds that often manifest in the first few weeks of life. Dr Azizan explained that infantile SD does not necessarily cause extreme itchiness. Hence, the baby often appears undisturbed by the rash, and the condition is usually resolved when the baby is 12 months of age.

In adults however, SD may take the form of red or yellow and whitish scaly patches on scalps, behind the ears, on the eyebrows. Patients with SD may resemble having bad ‘dandruff’ on their face. SD may also take the form of inflammation of eyelids, noses and lips, upper body, armpits and groin areas. Adults with SD often live their lives feeling embarrassed at work and in their social life as there are often labelled by associates as being dirty, unhygienic, drunk (with presence of red face) and being unattractive to the opposite sex.

In terms of treatment, current treatments for SD have their limitations. At this juncture, Sebclair’s arrival to the Malaysian market is very much welcomed. Dato’ Dr Noor Zalmy Azizan explained that Sebclair™, a non-steroidal, non-azole derivative and non-calcineurin inhibitor topical device cream, has been effective in treating both mild to moderate adult SD and infants with cradle cap.

In the 2014 Asia-Pacific SD Leaders’ Summit, one of the consensus recommendations for the management of SD in Asian patients was the use of Sebclair™ as a first line treatment. This novel agent helps enhance the natural barrier of the skin and restore its natural physiology, which is altered in SD. Sebclair™ has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated for treatment of mild to moderate SD of the face, scalp and body. Sebclair™ has been shown to provide comparable results with topical steroid (desonide cream 0.05%) but with better relapse prevention rate. Sebclair™ has been proven to provide both anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal actions which are needed to manage and control SD.

Updates in Acne Vulgaris

“Acne vulgaris is a medical disease and medical treatment by healthcare providers is required,” said Dr Lee Yin Yin, Consultant Dermatologist Sunway Medical Centre, the final plenary speaker.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the hair follicles and oil glands, which is very common among adolescents and young adults. Treatment gaps were shared during this forum. Dr Lee shared that current treatments may give rise to skin irritation to acne patients such as dry skin, sensitive skin, burning, stinging, redness, inflammation, sensitivity to sunlight, shaft lips among others. Prescription of topical and oral antibiotics over the years also has led to a global antibiotic resistance in P. acnes, the main culprit in acne vulgaris.

Citing from the outcome of the Proceedings from the 4^th Asia Pacific Acne Leaders’ Summit 2015 – Malaysian Advisory Board Meeting, Dr Lee explained that resistance is a significant problem facing acne patients and steps to prevent it are necessary.

The update this year was the introduction of dermocosmetics as the new adjunctive acne therapy in Malaysia. This is based on the latest consensus reached by dermatologists in the 4^thAsia Pacific Acne Leaders’ Summit 2015. An example will be Papulex, a well-studied dermocosmetic used by dermatologists worldwide with active ingredients nicotinamide, zinc PCA and patented anti-bacterial adhesive technology (ABA) that has been shown to reduce inflammation, sebum production and P. acnes proliferation (rapid multiplication).

Studies have shown that 4% nicotinamide gel is of comparable efficacy to 1% clindamycin gel, a common topical antibiotic used in acne treatment in Malaysia. ABA helps inhibit P. acnes proliferation, biofilm formation and adhesion to acne skin. The consensus recommended the use of ABA in acne management. The antimicrobial adhesion properties of ABA looked promising and further studies are necessary to establish its mechanism of action.

The forum ended with a book-signing ceremony of the three consensus handbooks:

1.      Proceedings of the MEDIATE Advisory Board Forum: The Role of Medical Device in Flare and Remission Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

2.      Asia-Pacific Seborrheic Dermatitis Leaders’ Summit 2014: Consensus Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Seborrheic Dermatitis in Asian Patients

3.      Proceedings from the 4th Asia Pacific Leaders’ Summit 2015 – Meeting the Challenges of Acne Treatment: An Evaluation of the Role of Dermocosmetics in Management of Acne Vulgaris in Malaysia.

 Prof Dr Giuseppe Micali, Head of Dermatology Department and Dermatologist Residency Program Director, University of Catania, Italy

Another book entitled Seborrheic Dermatitis was also signed at the ceremony by Prof Dr Giuseppe Micali, Head of Dermatology Department and Dermatologist Residency Program Director, University of Catania, Italy, who later presented a speech at the dinner symposium.