Harnessing The Power Of Topical Ingredients

Science has shown the efficacy of topically applied products in producing many positive results. It is no wonder that there is an increased number of Plastic Surgery and Dermatology offices carrying skin care lines. They understand the importance of complementing their medical services with a professional skin care line that will augment their results and thereby create client loyalty and satisfaction. As consumers become more skin savvy, we need to ensure we stay ahead of the game, and educate ourselves on the latest ingredients, how they function, how they work in a finished formula and how they enhance professional treatments.

What Ingredients Are Noteworthy?

Arguably the most researched and proven ingredient is Vitamin A. It has a long history of success when treating multiple skin care concerns. There are variable forms, and the esters have a track record of producing the same results as more aggressive forms, but without the accompanying irritation.

Vitamin C has long been a staple in the skin care market. It’s a powerful antioxidant with many other benefits such as improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, along with having a brightening effect on the skin. Formulation is also key with Vitamin C, as the traditional form of L-Ascorbic Acid is well known to be very unstable and to oxidize quickly, rendering it less efficacious than the more stable oil-soluble forms.

Growth Factors are proteins that are actually produced by the body. Scientifically, they help to improve cell functionality. They unfortunately decline as we age, so topical application helps to restore the benefits of that which is being lost.

Peptides are newer in the skin care arena, and are notable players. Peptides are a compound consisting of two or more amino acids linked in a chain, and signal the skin to perform a specific function. In combination, studies have shown they can put you on a fast track to a more youthful appearance as they promote smoother looking skin and improve the appearance of sun damaged skin tone, create a visibly smoother, plumper and lifted skin appearance, and restore a firmer look that is characterized by youthful looking skin.

Sunscreens must be the most important addition to a regimen. Without it, all the best laid treatment plans will fall short. Exposure to the sun not only damages the skin, but depletes the skin’s stores of vitamins and ingredients. Sunscreens should include physical blockers such as Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, contain no chemicals, no per- fumes, be antioxidant enriched and at least SPF 25. It is a must to apply, every morning after your moisturizer and under your make up, and reapply later in the day. No exceptions!! Without sunscreen the benefits of all treatments will be undone when exposed to the damaging effects of the sun.