Sun Damage | Targeted Treatment

Retinol: Oil soluble retinol penetrates the stratum corneum: Intracellular penetration is the main way of transport. Molecules move through the intercellular cement of structures composed of ceramides, sterols, phospholipids, and fatty acids and it also penetrates into the dermis. When retinol reaches a keratinocyte, it enters its interior and binds to an appropriate receptor • Retinols boost production of epidermal proteins and accelerate the process of keratinization. Retinol penetrates into the basal layer of the epidermis (composed of living cells that are producing new cells) and they also penetrate into the dermis. Retinol, by interacting with receptors inside keratinocytes, promotes their proliferation, strengthens the epidermal protective function, and reduces TEWL • Retinols influence the function of melanocytes, providing regular arrangement of melanin in the epidermis. They block transport of melanin to epidermal cells and diminish the activity of stimulated melanocytes • In the dermis, retinol stimulates fibroblasts to synthesize collagen fibers, improves skin elasticity, and promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessels). Retinol protects collagen against degradation and inhibits the activity of metalloproteinases which are responsible for degradation of the extracellular matrix. It enhances remodeling of reticular fibers and stimulates angiogenesis in the papillary layer of the dermis.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a polysaccharide and a compound that occurs naturally in every tissue of the body, with the highest concentrations occurring in tissues such as skin, cartilage and eyes. Providing protection to cell structures, HA is the natural gel between skin cells that serves as a water reservoir for the cells. As we age, skin loses hyaluronic acid and the ability to hold sufficient water in this reservoir. Feeding new hyaluronic acid to skin may help hydrate skin's inter-cellular reservoir, raising skin's moisture level, and smoothing down age lines. The benefits of HA being in the formulation are usually connected with reduction of the skin aging, reduction of the depth of lines and wrinkles (including fine lines), decrease of skin fragility, improvement of skin firmness and texture, decrease in pore size, restoration of skin brightening, and improvement of skin barrier function. •HA has an amazing capacity to retain water and stimulate fibroblast proliferation and migration. Key benefits of Hyaluronic acid in skin care: •Moisturizing and hydration •Reduce fine lines and wrinkles •Increase skin elasticity •Wound healing support •Restoring barrier function

Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10): Oil-soluble, vitamin-like molecule naturally present in every cellular membrane within our bodies. This enzyme is a regular component of our diet, although it is also synthesized endogenously. CoQ10 acts as antioxidant: protecting the biological membranes against oxidation, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, indirectly stabilizing the calcium channels to prevent calcium overload, and participating in the recycling of α-tocopherol. CoQ10 is crucial for efficiently transferring electrons within the mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain and producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Topically applied CoQ10 penetrates into the skin and acts an antioxidant, with 10-fold higher levels in the epidermis than the dermis. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant against the effects of both free radicals and UVA in epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. CoQ10 protects and reduces the effects of dermal fibroblasts from photoaging.

Glycolic Acid: has the smallest molecular weight amongst all the alpha-hydroxy acids and it penetrates into the skin easily • Dermal remodeling of the ECM: GA enhances collagen production by fibroblasts • Increases density of collagen and improves quality of elastic fibers • Ability to increase dermal and epidermal hyaluronic acid (glycosaminoglycans) • Increases epidermis thickness

Acetyl Hexapeptide Hexapeptide-1: Synthetic peptide composed of Alanine, Arginine, Histidine, Leucine, Phenylalanine and Tryptophan combined with acetic acid. • Peptide agonist (substance that binds to a receptor in a cell and causes the same action as the substance that normally binds to the receptor. Agonists can mimic the actions of a neurotransmitter or hormone to produce a response.) of the α-MSH (α- Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone). The α-MSH regulates melanin synthesis via the activation of its receptor MC1 -R. Because of its affinity with the receptor MC1-R, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 can be used as a natural photo-protector and as an inflammation modulator • Natural Photo-protection Factor: mimics the activity of the α-MSH and stimulates melanocyte activity as well as melanin pigment production and stimulates tyrosinase activity • Inflammation Modulation Factor: limits the expression of biochemical inflammation mediators such as IL-1 (interleukin 1), IL-8 (Interleukin-8) , and PGE2 (Prostaglandin E2) via the activation of MC1-R receptors and provides significant protection against UV-induced erythema.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C): acts as an effective antioxidant in which it delays or protects against cellular damage caused by reactive. Water soluble Vitamin C derivative with superior stability in formulations compared to L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a salt that converts to ascorbic acid when applied to the skin and is gentler and more stable on the skin compared to L-ascorbic acid. Acts on the melanin formation process to prevent hyperpigmentation and senile keratosis. Exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits. Works synergistically with Tocopheryl Acetate(Vitamin E).