*Sponsored Post in partnership with SkinCeuticals and Dermastore.co.za*
Written by Dr Ian Webster, Specialist Dermatologist
The causes of both acne and ageing of the skin are complex but they are linked.
The more traditional, simplistic explanation as to the cause of acne is that with puberty males as well as females produce the male hormone, testosterone. The testosterone stimulates sebum production from the sebaceous gland making the top layer of the skin stickier resulting in blockage of the pilosebaceous unit. As a result of this blockage, there is an overgrowth of the bacteria, Cutibacterium acnes, that causes inflammation resulting in red bumps, pustules, and possibly cysts on the skin.
More recent research has shown that stress, irritation of the skin, environmental pollution, and an incorrect diet can cause oxidation of the natural lipids produced by the sebaceous gland resulting in inflammation. Your body does produce its own natural antioxidants, but it has been shown in people with acne, that these natural antioxidants are at a lower level. It, therefore, makes sense that the application of antioxidants applied to the skin would help with this inflammation.
An antioxidant authority
The company SkinCeuticals was founded by Dr. Sheldon Pinnell, an American Dermatologist in 1997. His groundbreaking research was primarily on topical antioxidants especially in connection with topical Vitamin C serums for which the company has become a globally recognized leader. The French company, L’Oreal purchased SkinCeuticals in 2005. As L’Oreal is a large, multinational company, employing hundreds of Ph.D. Scientists, they have been able to continue with Dr. Pinnell’s legacy and research.
At the moment in South Africa, SkinCeuticals has three antioxidant Vitamin C serums namely:
- SkinCeuticals Serum 10 for more sensitive skin
- SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic for the dry, more mature ageing skin
- SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF for hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Image courtesy of Dermastore®
It is, therefore, very exciting that SkinCeuticals has just launched Silymarin CF in South Africa which is suitable for people with more oily, blemish-prone skin as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
Image courtesy of Dermastore®
Ingredients
This lightweight serum contains 0.5% Silymarin, 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 0.5% Ferulic Acid and 0.5% Salicylic Acid.
Silymarin for treating acne
Silymarin is extracted from the milk thistle plant (which contains various flavonolignans) which has received a tremendous amount of attention over the last decade as a herbal remedy for liver diseases. Applied topically, Silymarin has been shown to prevent oxidation of the lipids produced by the sebaceous gland and has powerful antioxidant protection against free radicals.
Clinical studies
Clinical studies have shown that SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF can reduce pore size, decrease oiliness of the skin, decrease post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, improve skin radiance, uneven skin tone, and skin texture.
It can also improve fine lines, wrinkles, skin firmness, and skin laxity.
Overall SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF was well tolerated by the subjects through the course of the clinical studies.
Image courtesy of Dermastore®
Final thoughts
In summary, SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF is a wonderful new addition to the SkinCeuticals stable of Vitamin C antioxidants.
In my Dermatology practice, I see many patients who suffer from adult acne but who are also starting to notice fine lines and wrinkles. They are often frustrated by the fact that they still have acne but are starting to see the first signs of skin ageing. This is the ideal product for this group of people.
SkinCeuticals have perfected the art of choosing a few well-researched ingredients at exactly the right concentrations, that work together synergistically to produce excellent results on the skin and of great importance, backed by clinical studies. It is an absolute pleasure to partner with such a great company.
Written by Dr Ian Webster, Specialist Dermatologist
Dr Ian Webster
Dr Ian Webster was born in Cape Town, South Africa. He did his undergraduate medical degree at the University of Cape Town where he also did his postgraduate specialist training in Dermatology at Groote Schuur. Dr Webster was one of the first Dermatologists to bring skin laser surgery to Southern Africa and underwent post-graduate training in laser surgery at Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA.
Dr Webster has been in private practice as a Specialist Dermatologist in Somerset West, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa since 1992. He has a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, laser treatments and general skin health, helping to solve problems associated with sun-damaged and ageing skin, and is able to offer a variety of treatments, procedures and products.
In April 2015, Dr Webster founded Dermastore®, using his 29 years of experience to expertly curate this online skincare boutique with leading scientific brands.
More information on SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals skincare professionals are trained to create customised protocols that address individual skin needs and concerns, they can also help prescribe home care products to benefit the results of your treatment.
To discover which SkinCeuticals professional peels, facial treatments and home products are ideal for you, schedule a consultation today.
Website: www.skinceuticals-za.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SkinCeuticalsZA
Instagram: www.instagram.com/skinceuticalsza
Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
