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.
