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SkinCeuticals
What are SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products ?     top

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.

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What is the science supporting SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products and how do they help the skin ?     top
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.
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What is SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C High Potency Serum 15 ?     top

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.

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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 ?     top
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.
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Rather than use SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products, can't I just rub oranges on my skin or take more vitamin-C tablets ?     top
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.
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What is the difference between SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products and other skincare products which feature vitamin-C as an ingredient ?     top
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 developed by Dr. Sheldon R. Pinnell and his colleagues and the stability technique mastered by Dr. Mostafa Omar which render 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.
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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 ?     top

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.

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How often should SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products be applied?     top
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.
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How soon does an average user see results using SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products ?     top

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.

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Do I need to change my skin care regimen and how do I use the products ?     top

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.

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To what extent have SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products been used by the public ?     top

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.

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Are there any side effects associated with SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products ?     top
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.
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Are there precautions to be taken when using SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products ?     top

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.

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Are there any known drug contradictions with this product ?     top
No.
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Is this product suitable for use on all skin types and colours ?     top
Yes.
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Is it safe to go out into the sun with SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products ?     top
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.
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What should consumers look for when choosing a topical vitamin-C product ?     top
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.

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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 ?     top
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.
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How soon will these creams and gels reverse sun damaged skin, such as age spots and wrinkles ?     top

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.

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At what age should you start using these products ?     top
It is never too early to protect the skin from photo ageing.
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Are reactions, such as a stinging sensation, common with these products ?     top

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.

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Can you use these products in tandem with other moisturisers or cleansers ?     top

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 moisturisers, cleansers, eye products and body treatments.

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I realise these sun creams protect the skin from sun damage, but can they make the skin more sun sensitive ?     top
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.
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In terms of the SkinCeuticals hydroxy acid treatments, how often should you use them for best results ?     top

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).

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If these products have been available for eight years in the United States, why are we only getting these products now ?     top

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 developing market 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 who are highly trained to give advice in the products and regimes.

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Do SkinCeuticals have any celebrity clients?     top
Yes.
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How long in the making were these products ?     top

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.

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I've heard that pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) can loosen the skin. Is this true ?     top

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.

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