I'd like to welcome you to the Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association's (JDNA) first special issue on cosmetic issues. This is a timely topic for dermatology nurses, not only because this is a fast-growing component of dermatology practices but also because many of us are encountering patients with these interests before, during, and after they have had cosmetic procedures and interventions. It is our hope that this issue will be helpful as you interact with patients who have cosmetic concerns.
I consider myself middle-of-the road when it comes to my personal cosmetic concerns (although I do see a blepharoplasty in my future), and when I first started thinking about writing and sharing with all of you my personal beauty regimen, I was not too concerned. Then, I looked into my bathroom. Oh, my! I hate to admit this, but there have to be over 100 items in my possession that are designed in some way or another to help me be beautiful and socially acceptable in a cosmetic way. These items include cleanser and soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotions, cremes, and gels-both for the body and the hair-as well as sunscreens, ointments, redness-reducing products, makeup and makeup remover, products related to my teeth and oral health, and products that I consider instruments of implementation-body poufs and loofahs, razors, tweezers, clippers and scissors, and eyelash curlers.
Oh, dear, maybe it's time for house cleaning! When I really think about the bare minimum I can get away with, it's probably SPF, eyeliner, and face powder. That's all I really need to use on any given day to make me ready to walk out the door. No, wait, that plus mascara. Okay, so I am a woman who feels more presentable to the public when I use these products. I am sure many of you can relate. I truly admire those who've pared their own beauty regimen down to a few "necessary" items; actually, I am envious of those individuals for whom beauty and cosmetic issues come naturally. Mom, I'm thinking of you!
In an effort to fully dedicate myself to you and JDNA, in honor of this special cosmetic issue, I booked my very first-ever facial. I know, sometimes it's a tough job, but someone has to do it! I told you, I was a middle-of-the-road girl-it had never before seemed like a good time to have a facial. Last week, I found myself lying comfortably in a soothing purplish and silver room, with quiet and relaxing music playing in the background. After the esthetician welcomed me and explained the procedure, I was treated to an experience I am sure many of you have enjoyed. After cleansing my skin twice, she performed an invigorating facial massage (effleurage is my new favorite thing!), followed by an exfoliating scrub, enzymes, a steam clean, and more massage. Of course, it was completed with the application of moisturizer and sunscreen! After the treatment, she shared with me that the enzymes applied were a combination of blueberries, wild pansies, oats, grapes, and Vitamin E. Wow! I could see myself getting used to this.
So I ask you, dear readers, what is your number? How many products do you use to get ready each morning? What do you think is the "bare minimum" that you could see yourself using? What cosmetic services do you use on a regular basis? How often do you enjoy those services? I would be interested to hear your feedback, advice, and recommendations. Secretly, I am hoping some of you say it's okay to indulge in the fun stuff every month!
Speaking of numbers, has anyone noticed how many practices are also turning their attention to the previously ignored male population that is also looking for the same cosmetic interventions that women have traditionally sought? Many product lines are specifically tailored for the concerns of our male patients and clients. A quick Internet search for "cosmetic treatments for men" results in 12.6 million hits in 0.46 seconds. This is certainly a trend that dermatology nurses need to pay attention to.
Bringing some of these cosmetic issues together for us is Jonel Gomez, MSN, RN, CRNP, a JDNA Editorial Board member who served as the guest editor for this issue. Ms. Gomez has worked hard to bring readers an issue of clinical significance, written by knowledgeable experts in the field. I applaud her efforts to bring the JDNA readers an issue of timely and professional importance and smile when I think of her dedication to the JDNA. Wait, a smile[horizontal ellipsis]that might be the biggest addition yet to anyone's beauty regimen!
In other news, the JDNA continues to be interested in working with dedicated individuals who would consider joining the Editorial Board. If you have been a consistent reader of JDNA, this is not likely the first time you've seen this invitation. I remind readers that the addition of new Editorial Board members will bring new ideas, new enthusiasm, and new energy to the journal, which, in turn, will strengthen the publication. Please consider being involved in the dermatology nursing community by serving on the JDNA Editorial Board.
Finally, I want to remind readers that our publisher, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, has again committed to giving JDNA writers three Writing Awards for 2013. Like last year, the three writing categories will be the following: The Best Clinical Article, Best Research Article, and Most Viewed on http://JDNAonline.com Article. Please consider submitting your best work so that you are eligible for consideration to receive one of these awards.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Angela L. Borger
Editor-in-Chief