What are SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products?
SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C
products are an innovative skin care line featuring stabilized
L-ascorbic acid at a low pH. Originally developed as a preventative
skin care treatment to protect skin from environmental damage,
SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products, over time, visibly improve
skin clarity, tone and texture and minimize the appearance of
fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin with a firmer, smoother,
younger looking appearance.
What is the science supporting SkinCeuticals Topical
Vitamin-C products and how do they help the skin?
Everyday skin is exposed to environmental
elements like sunlight, smoke and air pollution which cause oxy
radicals to form in the skin. These oxy radicals attack the skin's
collagen layer and break it down, causing lines and wrinkles to
appear.
What is SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C High Potency
Serum 15?
SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C High Potency
Serum 15 contains fifteen percent concentration of stabilized
L-ascorbic acid at an acid pH in a cosmetically elegant formulation.
The specific ingredients in SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C High
Potency Serum 15 are L-ascorbic acid (vitamin-C) and zinc sulfate,
an antioxidant that aids in tissue repair. Other ingredients include
purified water, bioflavinoids, and sodium hyaluronate.
What products are included in the SkinCeuticals family
of Topical Vitamin-C products and how do I know which products
are best for my skin type?
In addition to Topical Vitamin-C High Potency
Serum 15 which contains a fifteen percent concentration of L-ascorbic
acid, the SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C skin care line includes
Topical Vitamin-C High Potency Serum 10 with a ten percent concentration
of L-ascorbic acid, and Topical Vitamin-C Eye Gel with a five
percent concentration of L-ascorbic acid. The higher concentrations
are for use on the face, neck, hands, chest and problem spots
and the lower concentrations are for use around the delicate eye
area. The serum and the gel products are suitable for most skin
types.
For dry, sensitive or mature skin, SkinCeuticals
also offers their Topical Vitamin-C in a cream version. Topical
Vitamin-C Skin Firming Cream contains a ten percent concentration
of L-ascorbic acid and Topical Vitamin-C Eye Cream contains a
five percent concentration of L-ascorbic acid.
All five SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C
formulations work optimally with SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel,
which contains hyaluronic acid - - the skin's natural moisturizer
- - to help replenish moisture lost during any topical vitamin-C
treatment.
Rather than use SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products,
can't I just rub oranges on my skin or take more vitamin-C tablets?
No. SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products
contain vitamin-C in the form of L-ascorbic acid at a precise
acid pH which allows it to be absorbed by the skin. No matter
how much vitamin-C one ingests, body control mechanisms tightly
limit the amount of vitamin-C that can enter the skin through
ingestion. Until Dr. Pinnell and his colleagues at Duke proved
that L-ascorbic acid at low pH is necessary for vitamin-C to be
absorbed by the skin, the only way to feed the skin vitamin-C
was through diet or vitamin supplements.
Duke University research shows that stabilized
L-ascorbic acid at low pH delivers 20 to 40 times more vitamin-C
to the skin than can be achieved by diet or by supplement. Research
also shows that Vitamin-C is necessary to stimulate collagen synthesis.
What is the difference between SkinCeuticals Topical
Vitamin-C products and other skincare products which feature vitamin-C
as an ingredient?
SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products
contain stable L-ascorbic acid at a low pH, which allows vitamin-C
to be absorbed by the skin. Most commonly marketed products utilize
vitamin-C derivatives such as ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium
ascorbyl phosphate, which must be converted to L-ascorbic acid
in order to be used by the skin.
To be effective, vitamin-C derivatives
must first get into the skin and then must be chemically converted
by the skin's cells into L-ascorbic acid. Because the skin is
difficult to penetrate and the enzymes necessary to convert these
derivatives into L-ascorbic acid are not always available, derivatives
are not very effective in delivering vitamin-C into the skin.
It is the Duke patented
technology and the stability technique developed by Dr. Sheldon
R. Pinnell and his colleagues which renders the SkinCeuticals
Topical Vitamin-C products effective. In addition, SkinCeuticals
Topical Vitamin-C products are designed to reduce the temporary
stinging sensation that was inherent in early topical vitamin-C
formulations.
Can I use SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products with
alpha and beta hydroxy acids, retinoids (including Retin A and
Renova) and other popular skin care products?
Generally, yes, although it is recommended
that you consult your doctor or skin care professional to be certain.
SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products should not be used at
the same time of day as these other products. The recommended
regimen is an application of SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products
in the morning and use of other acid or retinoid based products
at night.
How often should SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products
be applied?
Like daily vitamins, the recommended regimen
for SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products is one application
per day to help diminish the appearance of fine lines. Using the
products more than once a day may cause irritation. Therefore,
they should only be applied more frequently if directed by a skin
care professional.
Because topical vitamin-C photo protects
the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, daytime application is
ideal. Duke University research shows that once topical vitamin-C
gets into skin, it cannot be washed, rubbed, or perspired off
and it remains active for up to 72 hours. Therefore, SkinCeuticals
Topical Vitamin-C products are ideal for active individuals and
athletes who spend a good amount of time outdoors.
SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products
will start to be absorbed by the skin almost immediately. Because
these vitamin-C products were developed as a preventative treatment
with the goal of protecting the skin from further environmental
damage, the skin should benefit the moment the vitamin-C is applied.
Vitamin-C is necessary for the production
of collagen, the major structural protein of the skin and although
visible differences will not be seen for approximately two months,
you may notice a visible difference in skin texture, color and
tone in as early as a few days. The appearance of fine lines and
wrinkles should become less noticeable within three to eight months.
Individual results may vary, depending upon the condition of the
skin at the time of initial use.
Do I need to change my skin care regimen and how do I
use the products?
No. This is what makes SkinCeuticals topical
vitamin-C formulations so unique. SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C
products can be used in conjunction with any skin care regimen.
Given the precise formulation of SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C
products, it is important to apply them only onto clean, dry skin.
Do not mix immediately with other products; simply wait a few
minutes for the SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C product to be
absorbed, then proceed with the rest of your skin care regimen.
SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products
are not moisturizers, so a water-based moisturizer should be applied
afterwards to prevent dryness. Since the SkinCeuticals Topical
Vitamin-C High Potency Cream and Eye Cream already contain moisturizing
ingredients, it may not be necessary to use an additional moisturizer
with these products. However, to further protect skin from the
harmful effects of the sun, a sunblock such as SkinCeuticals Daily
Sun Defense or Ultimate UV Defense should be used with any vitamin-C
product.
Daily Sun Defense SPF 20 is a state-of-the-art
sunblock and lightweight daily moisturizer. Formulated with two
of the most innovative and effective sunscreen ingredients available,
it features a five percent concentration of Z-Cote® , a transparent,
micronized form of the proven broad spectrum physical sunscreen
ingredient, zinc oxide and sunCaps®, a patented micro-encapsulated
form of the sunscreen ingredient octyl methoxycinnamate for true
broad spectrum protection against harmful UVA (aging) and UVB
(burning) radiation, including long range UVA which is now proven
to cause photoaging and is linked to skin cancers.
Specially formulated for photo-sensitive
skin, Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 combines a never before available
seven percent concentration of Z-Cote with sunCaps to provide
the ultimate defense against UV radiation. Ultimate UV Defense
is ideal for individuals with conditions of increased photo-sensitivity,
as well as for individuals exposed to tropical climates, high
altitudes or prolonged sun exposure.
To what extent have SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products
been used by the public?
Today, there is a network of thousands
of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and licensed estheticians
that recommend SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C to their patients
daily. Many individuals now benefit from the stabilized L-ascorbic
acid technology. SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products are
physician recommended and patient preferred, with the number of
satisfied users continuing to grow.
Are there any side effects associated with SkinCeuticals
Topical Vitamin-C products?
Less than one-tenth of one percent of all
people using SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products has had
any difficulties. Some individuals experience a mild stinging
when the product is first applied, which is attributable to the
high acidic concentration necessary to get the L-ascorbic acid
(vitamin-C) into the skin. Many individuals find this sensation
subsides with continued use, specifically as the skin begins its
natural healing process.
SkinCeuticals' extraordinary Topical Vitamin-C
products are specially formulated to benefit the skin with less
discomfort. This unique stabilization process provides higher
concentrations with minimized irritation.
Are there precautions to be taken when using SkinCeuticals
Topical Vitamin-C products?
Yes. Due to a high concentration of vitamin-C
and the acidic nature of the product, it is important to follow
the instructions carefully. Products should be applied only to
clean, dry skin and users should avoid placing the product directly
on the eyelids. It also is recommended that contact lens wearers
insert their contacts before application, or that they apply the
product at night after their contacts have been removed.
Is it safe to go out into the sun with SkinCeuticals
Topical Vitamin-C products?
Yes. As a matter of fact, research shows
that topical vitamin-C offers photoprotective qualities. However,
it is important to note that topical vitamin-C is not a sunscreen,
so additional sun protection is still necessary.
Most individuals find the ideal time to
apply vitamin-C is in the morning, because during the day you
are more susceptible to sun exposure and L-ascorbic acid provides
photoprotection from UVA/UVB radiation.
The best combination to prevent photoaging
is to use SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C in conjunction with
a true broad spectrum sunblock such as SkinCeuticals Daily Sun
Defense SPF 20 or Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30.
What should consumers look for when choosing a topical
vitamin-C product?
Consumers should look for a product that
lists L-ascorbic acid as the leading ingredient, in either a fifteen
or ten percent concentration for the face and a five percent concentration
for the eyes. In evaluating any topical vitamin C skin care product,
the following questions should be asked:
• Is the vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid (the
only true form of vitamin C the body can use)?
• If yes, is the L-ascorbic acid at low pH so it penetrates
skin?
• If yes, is the L-ascorbic acid at high enough concentration
to have an effect?
• Is the preparation both color and L-ascorbic acid
stable (the color should never be brown)?
• Finally, is the product backed by science
All SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products
feature the Duke patented technology for stable L-ascorbic acid
at an acid pH, in concentrations ranging from five to fifteen
percent, in cosmetically-elegant formulations. All SkinCeuticals
products are backed by science.
How can an individual or professional obtain SkinCeuticals
Topical Vitamin-C products?
SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products
are chiefly sold through dermatologists, plastic surgeons and
licensed skin care professionals. However, consumers and professionals
may also call 020 8997 8541 to order products directly, or to
be referred to a retailer in their local area. In addition, SkinCeuticals
also sells products directly off this web site.
I understand the Vitamin-C in these products is L-ascorbic
acid. Is that acid directly from oranges and lemons, or is it
a synthetic type?
A: The Vitamin-C in SkinCeuticals products
is indeed, L-ascorbic acid, the only form of Vitamin-C the body
can recognize and use. The Vitamin-C used is derived from Citrus
fruits. It is batch tested and authenticated to the highest level
with an appropriate certification of purity. Once the formulation
is produced, it remains pure L-ascorbic acid, there are absolutely
no derivates, it is stable, and it is at an acid ph level below
3.5.
How soon will these creams and gels reverse sun damaged
skin, such as age spots and wrinkles?
A: Just as one takes oral vitamins daily,
SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin-C should be applied daily and combined
with a broad spectrum sun screen for optimum results. Although
visible differences will not be seen for approximately 12 weeks,
improvements in the appearance of skin tone and texture may occur
in as little as a few days. Given the anti-oxidant properties
of vitamin-C, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles will become
less noticeable within three to eight months, with individual
results varying based on the condition of the skin at the time
of initial use.
Are reactions, such as a stinging sensation, common with
these products?
No they are not common, this may happen
if you are saturating the skin with too much Vitamin-C. Alternatively,
the skin may not be fully cleansed from previous products, and
this may cause a reaction. Generally, any reactions experienced
will very soon subside as it is a completely natural product,
replacing what should be in our skin anyway.
Can you use these products in tandem with other moisturisers
or cleansers?
SkinCeuticals products can be used in conjunction
with other products, for example, you may like to use a Vitamin-C
Serum and sun protection product with their current moisturizer
or cleanser. The SkinCeuticals brand does include moisturizers,
cleansers, eye products and body treatments.
I realise these sun creams protect the skin from sun
damage, but can they make the skin more sun sensitive?
No. Not at all. Using SkinCeuticals UV
defense products, you have the broadest spectrum possible, in
conjunction with using Vitamin C, both of these products give
you more protection from the sun than either of them alone.
In terms of the SkinCeuticals hydroxy acid treatments,
how often should you use them for best results?
The Intense Line Defense should be used
at night only – it acts as a mild exfoliator but is also
particularly good for acne prone skin. The Clarifying Clay Masque
should be used between 3 and 4 times a week. In the case of cleansers
and toners, these are used daily, both morning and evening. They
contain 1% mixed hydroxy acids (malic lactic tartaric citric and
glycolic).
If eight years in the states, why are we only getting
these products now?
SkinCeuticals in America is primarily sold
to doctors, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons and highly professional
Beauty salons and Spas. Clearly, given the NHS situation in the
UK, rightly there was some confusion as to the route to market
as NHS doctors would not be able to prescribe SkinCeuticals products.
Moving forward, with the increase of very professional beauty
salons opening up in the market, and more and more doctors moving
into private aesthetic practice, there is now a developingmarket
for these products. However they will not be sold in High street
self-service outlets or in department stores, just the profile
of resellers highlighted above.
Research is on-going, Doctor Pinnell has
spent his life trying to find out the causes of photo-aging and
primarily skin cancer. We are already marketing second generation
Vitamin-C products with our Primacy C&E product.
Dr Pinnell has talked about Duke University's recent
discovery that Vitamins-C and E work best when used together.
Is SkinCeuticals working on such a product and, if so, how soon
will be see it on shelves?
Primacy C+E is a revolutionary, super antioxidant
serum which for the first time ever combines a 15 per cent concentration
of stable L-ascorbic acid (vitamin-C) with a one per cent concentration
of pure vitamin-E (Alpha Tocopherol) to deliver superior photo-protection,
while helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Until now, this potent mixture of aqueous
(vitamin-C) and oil-based (vitamin-E) was considered impossible.
Recent studies show that when combined, vitamins- C and E provide
better protection from UVA and UVB damage than C or E alone and
when used in conjunction with a true broad-spectrum sunscreen,
C and E provides near complete protection from UVA and UVB damage. £110.00 for 30ml
£58.00 for 15ml
I've heard that pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) can
loosen the skin. Is this true?
L-Ascorbic Acid does not "loosen"
upper layers of the skin. It helps to provide photo-protection,
as well as stimulate collagen, which can provide a tightening
and toning effect to the skin. It does not make the skin more
susceptible to sun damage.
