Who it's for

• Everyone for increased exfoliation of old skin cells
• Patients with sundamaged skin to revitalise skin turn-over rates, thinning the stratum corneum and thinning the epidermis
• Patients with hyperpigmented skin to remove pigmented cells from the skin faster, fading pigmentation
• Patients prone to pore blockages and acne to dissolve and remove cellular debris and plugs that can become lodged in the pore, and reduce blackheads and whiteheads.

Main Points

• Exfoliation is extremely important for skin health and increasingly important as we age. Ageing skin loses its ability to desquamate, or shed old cells from the surface. As a result, the stratum corneum accumulates to a very thick layer, and the rate of epidermal turnover slows down dramatically. Skin begins to look sallow and lifeless. Exfoliation causes stratum corneum cells to shed more normally, which in turn reinvigorates the cell turnover rate. This results in fresher looking skin, and also improves skin health, as a faster cell turnover rate reduces opportunities for precancerous lesions to get a "foothold" in the skin.
• There are two main forms of exfoliation - mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation techniques include scrub-type cosmetic products and clinical techniques such as dermabrasion. While these techniques certainly provide effective exfoliation, they may also cause problems by working against the skin's natural function. Mechanical exfoliants tear at the corneosome bonds that adhere skin cells to each other, resulting in inflammatory processes and increased sensitivity. Long term use of mechanical exfoliation can result in sensitivity issues becoming chronic.
• Among the most common chemical exfoliants are the hydroxyacids, which effect a gentle exfoliation of cells by degrading corneosomes. This method of exfoliation is very similar to the way the skin naturally exfoliates. The resulting exfoliation is even and gentle. Over time, nightly use of the Skin Refining Serum can increase the skin's cell turnover rate to more youthful levels, resulting in smoother, more radiant skin. Nightly exfoliation is also useful in reducing pigmentation, as it encourages the pigmented cells to lift more quickly.
• The Skin Refining Serum contains a blend of 13% alpha and 5% beta hydroxy acids. The 13% consists of a blend of lactic, glycolic, malic and citric acids. Alpha-hydroxy acids are hydrophilic, meaning they are drawn towards the water-containing components of the skin. Using more than one kind of alpha hydroxy acid prevents irritancy.
• The 5% betahydroxy acid component is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is lipophilic, meaning it is attracted to the oil components of skin. It is drawn to the pilosebaceous unit, where it helps dissolve excess cellular matter and debris that may be in and around the follicle. This is particularly important in maintaining clear pores and preventing breakouts.

PATIENT BENEFITS
•    Gentle chemical exfoliant
•    Improves skin tone & texture
•    Helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts
•    Erases fine lines
•    Fades epidermal pigmentation
•    Promotes hydration levels
•    Helps decrease sensitivity to topical irritants and improve stratum corneum barrier function

NEED TO KNOW

• This item can only be delivered to addresses in New Zealand and Australia. 

PRODUCT USAGE

•    The Skin Refining Serum is normally used at night, after cleansing and before moisturisation
•    Patients will experience a tingling or prickling sensation upon application of the product. This quickly subsides. On subsequent applications, this sensation will become less pronounced.
•    Skin Refining Serum should be left on the skin (not rinsed off).
•    Patients may notice the stinging sensation temporarily returns when they apply moisturiser over the Skin Refining Serum. This is caused by water on skin temporarily lowering pH. This sensation will also quickly subside.

FURTHER READING
Uhoda, E. et al. “Hydroxyacids.” Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics. Ed. Elsner, P. and Maibach, H. Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis, 2005.

Ditre, Cherie M. “Exfoliants: AHAs and BHAs.” Cosmeceuticals. Ed. Zoe Draelos. Phildadelphia: Elsevier, 2005.    INGREDIENTS
Water (S), Water (and) Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract (and) Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract (and) Acer Saccharinum (Sugar Maple) Extract and Citrus Aurantium (Orange) Fruit Extract and Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon Extract) (Ex), Ethoxydiglycol (S), Salicylic Acid (Ex), Lactic Acid (Ex), Hectorite (and) Hydroxyethylcellulose (T), Sweet Orange Oil (AI), Chloracetamide (and) Sodium Benzoate (P)

Codebreaker: S=solvent, Ex=exfoliant, T=thickener, P=preservative. AI=anti-inflammatory.

EXPLANATIONS
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (13%)
Bilberry Extract (Lactic Acid)
Sugar Cane Extract
(Glycolic Acid)
Maple Extract (Malic Acid)
Orange Extract (Citric Acid)
Lemon Extract (Citric Acid)
    Hydrophilic exfoliants
Active in upper stratum corneum
Help remove excess corneocytes
Pro-differentiation
Beta Hydroxy Acid
(5%)
Salicylic Acid    Lipophilic exfoliant
Active in follicular lining
Help remove cellular debris

CONTRAINDICATIONS/PRECAUTIONS
Patients with sensitivity to salicylic acid.

FAQ
•    How does Skin Refining Serum work?

Skin Refining Serum helps exfoliate by lowering skin pH, activating the enzyme Cathepsin-D, which releases excess surface corneocytes.

•    What is the pH of Skin Refining Serum?

The pH is 3.8 to 4.1.

•    What is the balance of AHA and BHA in Skin Refining Serum?

Skin Refining Serum contains 18% hydroxy acids –13% AHA (hydrophilic exfoliant) and 5% BHA (lipophilic exfoliant).

•    Why is exfoliation so important?

Exfoliation is important for cell differentiation, the process by which keratinocytes migrate and transform to construct the stratum corneum. As we age, the rate at which keratinocytes migrate slows considerably. This results in a tired complexion, and can also have negative consequences for conditions such as skin cancer. Exfoliation helps to normalise the speed of the differentiation process, resulting in healthier, fresher skin cells on the surface more often.
Regulation and enhancement of exfoliation may improve many skin conditions including melasma, acne and rosacea.