SkinCeuticals, the gold standard for topical antioxidant formulations, reaffirms its antioxidant leadership and integrated skincare model with new clinical evidence.
With over 30 years of research, four generations of antioxidant breakthroughs, seven patents/ patents pending and more than 20 peer-reviewed studies, SkinCeuticals provides advanced, clinically proven, synergistic formulations of potent antioxidant formulations.
The company’s integrated skincare approach, incorporating its highly efficacious formulas with clinical procedures, has helped make it the #1 physician-dispensed skincare brand in the world.
New clinical studies on targeting the effects of ozone pollution and enhancing the outcome of laser treatment further cements the brand’s position as a leader in antioxidants and integrated skincare.
Setting the global standard
SkinCeuticals has been behind some of the most pivotal skincare discoveries in recent history. As one of the first companies to provide scientific evidence that supports its product benefits by publishing clinical studies in peer-reviewed journals, SkinCeuticals continues to raise the bar for skin science.
Founding scientist Dr Sheldon Pinnell established SkinCeuticals as the skincare industry’s antioxidant authority with his 2001 landmark study1 on vitamin C. His research on the three parameters for optimal absorption and efficacy of topical vitamin C ultimately resulted in the Duke University Antioxidant patent, which is now the gold standard for topical antioxidant formulations and licensed exclusively to SkinCeuticals.
Additional research, subjected to rigorous clinical studies, has resulted in additional patents, including the formulation used in SkinCeuticals C+E skincare products and SkinCeuticals phloretin skincare products.
Together, these patents provide a firm foundation for all SkinCeuticals antioxidant products – with the proven evidence that SkinCeuticals antioxidants neutralise free radicals while helping to maintain and improve the overall appearance of skin.
Clinically proven: C E Ferulic + Phloretin CF
C E Ferulic officially launched in 2005, the result of 40 years of academic research by Dr Pinnell.
C E Ferulic is backed by more than 20 international peer-reviewed dermatological publications and is arguably the most globally recognised antioxidant in the skincare industry. Dr Pinnell’s patented specific combination of ingredients – 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) and 0.5% ferulic acid – is shown to yield 8x the skin’s natural environmental protection2 and provides more than twice the protection of its most efficient competitor.3
The addition of another plant antioxidant, phloretin, defined an entirely new class of protection, known as broad spectrum antioxidants. SkinCeutical’s patented Phloretin CF exhibits broad-range activity to combat the entire range of reactive oxidative species.
New scientific breakthrough: antioxidants and ozone pollution
A new SkinCeuticals study4, led by Giuseppe Valacchi, PhD, Associate Professor in Regenerative Medicine at NC State University, USA, exposed skin explants to different combinations of ultraviolet light (UV), ozone (O3), and diesel engine exhaust (DEE) that one would experience in a typical, urban environment. The study demonstrates that the combination of these atmospheric aggressors increases levels of oxidative and inflammatory markers, and decreases levels of key epidermal proteins required for healthy skin barrier function.
Traditionally, the effects of atmospheric aggressors on skin have been tested individually. ‘This is the first study analysing the combined effect of three different pollutants: ozone, UV and particulate matter. The data suggests that those pollutants act synergistically in terms of skin oxidative damage, inflammation and skin barrier disruption,’ says Dr Valacchi.
‘Oxidative stress activates an inflammatory response in a positive feedback mechanism. Several proteins and enzymes involved in cutaneous matrix degradation are modulated by inflammatory stimuli (ie, MMPs) and this leads to affect skin consistency, cutaneous barrier and cell-to-cell junctions.’ The study found that application of SkinCeuticals antioxidants C E Ferulic and Phloretin CF significantly reduced the damage caused by ozone exposure by neutralising free radicals on the upper layer of the skin.
‘Both compounds are able to prevent ozone-induced skin oxinflammation mainly via the activation of tissue endogenous protection (NRF2 system) that lead to an upregulation of detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes. This leads to a decrease in oxidative stress status and lower inflammation and less NFkB activation,’ Dr Valacchi explains. ‘This study confirms that SkinCeuticals antioxidants are able to protect not only from one single pollutant but also from the combination of additional outdoor stressors similar to a real-life scenario.’
Groundbreaking research into antioxidants and laser treatment
With seven clinical trials demonstrating efficacy and safety with post-ablative and non-ablative laser and more than 30 presentations globally, C E Ferulic is unique in its proof of safety and efficacy when used in conjunction with laser treatments.
Research5 by Miami dermatologist Dr Jill Waibel and Brazil dermatologist Dr Valeria Campos et al, published in Lasers Surgery and Medicine, showed that ablative CO2 fractional laser resurfacing can be looked at not only as a treatment but simultaneously as a delivery tool for actives.
The research demonstrated that when combined, laser treatments and SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic work synergistically. The laser-assisted delivery allows C E Ferulic to penetrate further into the skin and therefore work more effectively, while the antioxidant reduces patient downtime post-treatment. In the study, patients using C E Ferulic both immediately post-laser and in a continued homecare regimen reported a decrease in redness and swelling and reduced downtime.
‘The randomised double-blind study was presented at the AAD in 2014 and demonstrated that the side treated with CE Ferulic experienced less discomfort, had a faster recovery and a greater reduction of wrinkles,’ says study author Dr Valeria Campos. ‘This drug delivery enables greater active ingredient penetration and causes them to reach the deepest skin layers, showing treatment results sooner.’
‘The use of C E Ferulic immediately after the fractional ablative CO2 laser procedure led to complementary efficacy with reduced downtime and no observed tolerance issues,’ says Dr Elena Skye, SkinCeuticals International Medical Relations. ‘As assessed by six blinded investigators, C E Ferulic use resulted in decreased edema versus vehicle on day 7 after the laser treatment and decreased erythema versus vehicle on day 3 and 5 after treatment. With the use of C E Ferulic, post-operative downtime was decreased by two days compared to a typical post-fractional CO2 laser downtime. The immediate use of C E Ferulic following fractional ablative CO2 laser was determined to be both safe and effective as a complementary treatment of photoageing.’
‘I use this drug delivery technique with SkinCeuticals AOX immediately after a skin rejuvenation procedure, and to treat scars and melasma,’ says Dr Campos. The procedure may be performed with microneedling, IPL or laser. I have achieved excellent results using laser and IPL, but since 2013 when I started drug delivery to optimise therapeutic molecule delivery, the results have been even better with a faster recovery.’
With its commitment to ongoing research into identifying the causes of skin damage, continual validation of its antioxidant formulas and new clinical research into the synergistic effects of in-clinic procedures, SkinCeuticals is proving to be the cornerstone of any skincare regimen to improve skin health and quality and optimise the results of cosmetic procedures. AMP
For more information call 1300 101 411 or visit www.skinceuticals.com.au
References:
1. Douglas, D; Sheldon, P. (1992). Stable Ascorbic Acid Compositions. US Patent: 5,140,043. Pinnell, S.R., et al (2001). Dermatol Surg 27: 137–142. 2. Pinnell, S.R., et al (2005). Ferulic Acid Stabilizes a Solution of Vitamin C and E and Doubles its Photoprotection of Skin. J Invest Dermatol 125:826-832. 3. Pinnell, S.R., et al (2005). J Invest Dermatol 125:826-832. Pinnell, S.R., et al (2008). J Am Acad Dermatol 59:418-425. Pinnell, S.R., et al (2008). J Cosmet Dermatol 7:290-297. 4. Valacchi, Giuseppe, et al (2017). Protective Effects of Topical Vitamin C Compound Mixtures Against Ozone- Induced Damage In Human Skin. J Invest Dermatol. doi: 10.1016/ j.jid.2017.01.034. 5. Waibel JS, Campos, V, et al. Laser-assisted delivery of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid formula serum decreases fractional laser postoperative recovery by increased beta fibroblast growth factor expression.
Before & After C E Ferulic treatment
For controlled results, subjects used SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser and Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 daily, and Emollience moisturiser as needed.
Before & After Phloretin CF treatment
For controlled results, subjects used SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser and a sunscreen daily.
Before & After Phloretin CF Gel treatment
For controlled results, subjects used SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser and Daily Sun Defense SPF 20 daily, and Daily Moisture as needed.
Before & AFTER AOX Eye Gel treatment
Integration with in-clinic procedures
The SkinCeuticals Integrated Skincare Model incorporates its clinically proven topical antioxidant formulas with clinical procedures for optimal pre-and postprocedure skin health.
‘Integrated skincare improves the outcomes of procedures, decreases the incidence of side effects, and increases patient satisfaction and patient return,’ says Brazil dermatologist Dr Valeria Campos.
‘Another advantage is the possibility of performing less aggressive procedures without compromising the final outcome. I also think it is genius to customise the treatment – it widens the ability of customising the patient experience to target their specific needs.’
‘I use a combination of SkinCeuticals Antioxidants immediately after a procedure to help decrease discomfort, reduce the chance of infection and side effects such as hyperchromia, as well as improve the outcomes.’
‘Applying a SkinCeuticals AOX immediately post procedure has shown no issues with sensitivity or allergy so far. We see erythema improve a little faster in patients that use antioxidants once a day while healing,’ says Dr Julie Woodward, Professor in Dermatology and Chief of Oculoplastics Ophthalmology at Duke University School of Medicine, USA.
‘I find that getting patients into regular use of antioxidants helps to not only improve their healing but also protects their long-term investment in maintaining and protecting their newly refreshed skin. I think patients also appreciate the extra attention and interest in their healing,’ Dr Woodward continues.
‘We find that patients have more trust if these skincare treatments are optional rather than required: SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm to help protect skin for the first week after laser; CE Ferulic once a day during the first week; pigment reducers at post-op week 3 if indicated; and retinol around week 4. The Phytocorrective Masque and Biocelluose Masque are also very soothing to the skin during the healing period. Additionally, the SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier has been shown to slow down the breakdown of hyaluronic acid, so some patients enjoy using this after HA fillers.’ ‘Physicians achieve great results inoffice, but the success of those results often depends on what the patient is doing at home,’ says Dr Elena Skye, SkinCeuticals International Medical Relations. SkinCeuticals’ Integrated Skincare Model offers improved results, shorter downtime, less chance of side effects and, therefore, higher patient compliance.
