antioxidants

Shedding a Light on Skin Disorders, Ingredients and Products

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) | Antioxidants | Pigment Control

Peptides | Acne Control Ingredients |Products

~Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

All alpha hydroxy acids have the effect of dissolving the bonds between skin cells, to allow for exfoliation that will bring newer cells to the surface. Alpha hydroxy acids in various concentrations are used in chemical peels also. The concentration determines who can use it. AHAs that are used professionally are much stronger than those that are use in take home products. The professional chemical peels give results that are similar to microdermabrasion - erasing fine lines and giving the skin a smoother appearance with 1 to 3 applications depending on the skin’s response. However, these treatments must be repeated every 3 to 6 months to maintain this skin appearance. Home care products containing AHAs contribute greatly to maintain the skin’s appearance as well.

Each AHA also has additional benefits:

*Lactic Acid – hydrating and helps even skin discoloration

*Malic Acid – hydration

*Glycolic Acid – fast penetration [which can be a negative] and oil control

*Citric Acid – prevents and corrects the thinning of the skin associated with aging and aids in hydration

*Tartartic Acid – antioxidant action from grapes (see anti-oxidants)

*Mandelic Acid – possible effect on evening skin discoloration

Many of the PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products contain a blend of lactic and citric acids which promotes healthy skin cell turnover and allows the products to remain pH balanced.

~Antioxidants

*Antioxidant – A group of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that help repair and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for premature aging by damaging cells and breaking down collagen and other proteins within the skin.

*Green Tea- Tea is an excellent source of antioxidant polyphenols and anti-inflammatory agents. EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), which is a component of green tea, is considered the most powerful polyphenol of them all. It offers skin soothing benefits, protects the skin from UV induced damage and is being studied very carefully for possible anti-tumor and anti-cancer capabilities.

*Tocotrienols and Tocopherol (Vitamin E)- these forms of vitamin E have superior antioxidant benefits due to their exceptional ability to penetrate the skin cells.

*Grapes –The flesh, skin and seeds of the grape all contain polyphenols that offer many skin health benefits.

*Olives – a great source of antioxidant polyphenols and vitamin E.

*Retinol (Vitamin A)- has strong antioxidant properties along with the ability to increase cell turnover for healthier and brighter looking skin.

*Soy – the isoflavones found in soy are potent members of the polyphenol family. They work to plump and hydrate the skin. They fight aging and wrinkle formation by building the collagen matrix. They also effectively quench the free radical damage that speeds the aging process.

*Cherries- help to fight free radicals and acts as potent anti-inflammatory ingredients.

*Citrus Fruits – are a great source of polyphenols. A number of citrus fruits not only have antioxidant value but also increase the amount of vitamin C within the cells.

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing antioxidants:

~pHaze 24 Rejuvenating Serum

A powerful epidermal growth factor formulation with a full complement of antioxidant polyphenols.

~pHaze 15+ C-Quench® Antioxidant Serum

A stable and effective ascorbic acid serum with the addition benefit of a well-rounded blend of polyphenols.

~pHaze 16 C-Strength 15% (L-ascorbic acid) with 5% Vitamin E

A stable and effective topical cream utilizing the superior antioxidant properties of both vitamin C and E.

~pHaze 16+ C-Strength 20% (L-ascorbic acid) with 5% Vitamin E

A stable and effective topical cream utilizing the superior antioxidant properties of both vitamin C and E. (special order)

~Pigment Control

Hyper-pigmentation is caused by an increased deposit of melanin (pigment) in the skin. This includes more common hormonal problems and other conditions. This can be due to hormonal changes, sun damage, acne, and scaring to name a few reasons.

*Hydroquinone -the only ingredient currently approved by the FDA as a skin lightener. HQ works primarily by bleaching existing skin discoloration and also prevents future pigment from occurring. HQ can be irritation and cause hyper-pigmentation if client has low tolerance.

*Kojic Acid –an antibacterial and antifungal agent that evens skin tone.

*Licorice – a very effective ingredient for gently evening skin discolorations that also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

*Lactic Acid – (sour milk) evens skin discoloration, hydrates and reduces the build up of dead skin cells.

*Ascorbic Acid- (primarily citrus fruits) acts as a natural skin brightener.

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing pigment control ingredients:

~pHaze 23 A&C Synergy Serum

Formulated with a blend of skin brightening, strengthening and antibacterial ingredients.

~pHaze 13 Pigment Gel® Dyschromia Controller

The gold standard in the treatment of skin discolorations. An artful blend of pigment control ingredients (including hydroquinone) combined with AHAs to provide maximum results.

~pHaze 13 Pigment Bar

The cleansing companion to our pigment control program.

~Peptides

As we age, communication diminishes within the skin, resulting in decreased collagen production and an accumulation of degraded elastin fibers.One peptide chain in particular, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 has been shown to decrease skin roughness by 13%, reduce wrinkle volume by 36%, and decrease wrinkle depth by 27% after four months of twice daily applications on the face and neck. Without harmful chemicals or surgical procedures, the skin can be significantly regenerated, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging without irritation.

Peptides and their features:

*Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)- works by relaxing facial muscles that cause repeated facial expression.

*Dipeptide-2 - improves lymphatic circulation to more effectively remove toxins in the skin. Improved lymphatic flow will help to minimize dark circles and puffiness by having fresher healthier looking skin and less pooling of fluid and blood under the eyes.

*Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3-increases skin firmness and elasticity while diminishing eye area puffiness

*Palmitoyl Oligopeptide – Palmitoyl Tetrapatide-3 (Matrixyl 3000™) a blend of two advanced peptides that provide visible anti-wrinkle activity.

*Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 (Matrixyl®) has been proven to increase collagen production to strengthen and firm the skin, and dramatically reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing peptides:

~pHaze 12 eyeXcellene

A peptide eye remedy designed to soothe and hydrate the eye area while strengthening the skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and reduces under-eye puffiness.

~pHaze 25 ExLinea™ Peptide Smoothing Serum

A wrinkle reducing serum designed to hydrate, smooth and firm the skin with a blend of powerful peptides and skin strengthening agents.

PCA® MEN Total Strength Line & Pore Minimizer

A peptide serum designed specifically for men that leaves the skin clear, firm and younger looking.

~Acne Control

Acne is a skin condition that occurs due to the overproduction of oil by the oil glands of the skin. The oil that normally lubricates the skin gets trapped in blocked oil ducts housing irritating bacteria, dead skin cells and oil. As a result, this causes redness or inflammation, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the surface of skin. The areas of the skin that are most susceptible to acne are those areas that contain the largest number of oil glands. For example, it is estimated that there are 2,000 oil glands per square inch on the forehead alone. Skin care products designed specifically to combat acne have ingredients to kill bacteria, dissolve the thickened oil and slough off the dead skin to open the pore. Using the proper skin care products to combat acne without dehydrating the skin is a must.

*Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO)- reduces the number of skin surface bacteria and acts as an oxidizing agent, making it appropriate for clearing comedones or blackheads and disabling the acne causing bacteria, p. acnes.

*Salicylic Acid- works to dissolve dead skin cells and impurities within the skin. Salicylic acid also helps break down and reduce blackheads and whiteheads.

*Sulfur- acts as an antibacterial agent that softens blemishes and blackheads to reduce the occurrence of acne related scarring.

*Azelaic Acid- has gentle yet effective antibacterial properties, making it suitable for most acne suffers. Also can help to reduce skin discolorations often left behind following breakouts.

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing acne control ingredients:

~pHaze 31 BPO 5% Cleanser

A gentle cleanser containing 5% benzoyl peroxide for antibacterial properties. (special order)

~pHaze 32 Blemish Control Bar

An excellent antibacterial cleansing bar containing layers of salicylic acid and sulfur. Can be used to cleanse areas of breakouts on the face or body. (special order)

~pHaze 33 Acne Cream

A benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment that effectively delivers oxygen into the follicles to help kill the bacteria responsible for acne.

~pHaze 35 Acne Gel

A gentle yet effective spot treatment for acne that combines salicylic and azelaic acids to reduce and treat acne breakouts. (special order) has been proven to increase collagen production to strengthen and firm the skin, and dramatically reduce fine lines and wrinkles