OUR INGREDIENTS
The Transparancey of our Ingredients is important to us
Our daily skin treatment is customized to your personal skin needs. Bespoke skin treatment means that the ingredients may be unique to that individual. Here is a list of commonly used ingredients.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a prescription strength topical cream that belongs to a family of compounds called retinoids that are all derived from Vitamin A. What are topical retinoids used for? Tretinoin works to accelerate new skin cell growth, speeding up the removal of dead cells and debris that can block pores. It also works to repair sun-damaged cells, and boosts the production of collagen; a protein that acts like scaffolding for your skin. Tretinoin in the treatment of: -sun damaged cells -acne -making pores appear less visible -fine lines and wrinkles -texture -pigmentation -Melasma Are there potential side effects of tretinoin? Everyone's skin is unique and responds differently to tretinoin. If you do experience side effects, they tend to be in the first few weeks while your skin adjusts to the ingredient. Dryness: Tretinoin can cause dryness and peeling as it promotes exfoliation and the turnover of skin cells. This is often temporary and improves as the skin adjusts to the medication. Redness and Irritation: The initial use of tretinoin may lead to redness and irritation, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. This is a normal reaction and tends to subside as the skin becomes acclimated to the medication. Purging: As you mentioned, an increase in cell turnover can lead to purging, where existing acne may temporarily worsen before improving. This is a normal part of the process as the medication helps to clear out clogged pores. Sensitivity to Sun: Tretinoin can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, making it important to use sunscreen regularly and avoid prolonged sun exposure. What should be considered prior to using tretinoin? Although tretinoin can be an effective treatment, it may not be appropriate to use in certain situations. Rosacea and Eczema: Individuals with underlying skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema may experience increased sensitivity. Before using Tretinoin, it's essential to address and control the inflammation associated with these conditions. While Tretinoin can be beneficial in certain situations, its use should be approached with caution in the presence of skin sensitivities. Pregnancy: Tretinoin is a prescription-only active ingredient that should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of congenital abnormalities in infants. It's crucial for individuals who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to discuss alternative skincare options with their healthcare provider. Skin Irritation: Skin irritation is a common side effect, particularly during the initial stages of Tretinoin use. It is recommended to start with the lowest concentration prescribed for your skin type and gradually increase potency as tolerated. Avoiding other active skincare ingredients, such as AHA/BHAs and harsh cleansers or toners, during the initial phase can help minimize the risk of irritation. Individualized Treatment: The appropriateness of Tretinoin for an individual's skin should be determined by a healthcare professional. Factors such as skin type, previous retinoid use, specific skin concerns, and any other existing skin conditions are taken into consideration when prescribing Tretinoin. reference- dermnetNZ
Clindamycin
Topical clindamycin is a widely used prescription antibiotic medication in the treatment of acne. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to combat the growth of bacteria on the skin, particularly the acne-causing bacterium known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Here's how topical clindamycin treats acne: Antibacterial Action: Clindamycin is an antibiotic that inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria, specifically targeting P. acnes. P. acnes is a bacteria that resides on the skin and plays a significant role in the development of acne by contributing to inflammation and the formation of acne lesions. Reduction of Inflammation: By inhibiting the growth of P. acnes, clindamycin helps to reduce the overall bacterial load on the skin. This reduction in bacteria leads to a decrease in the inflammatory response triggered by P. acnes, resulting in less redness and swelling associated with acne. Suppression of Acne Lesions: Topical clindamycin is particularly effective in treating inflammatory acne lesions, such as papules and pustules. It helps prevent the formation of new acne lesions by controlling bacterial activity in the affected areas. Complementary Therapy: Clindamycin is often used in combination with other acne medications, such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, to enhance its effectiveness and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Combining different mechanisms of action helps target multiple aspects of acne development. Clindamycin is available as a topical treatment to be applied to to the affected skin.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, found in various foods such as grains, fish, meat, and beans. It is converted from niacin when consumed. Topical Application: Niacinamide can be used both as a dietary supplement and applied topically to the skin. Skincare Benefits: Antioxidant Properties: Acts as an antioxidant, combating harmful compounds caused by sun damage. Skin Concerns: Addresses a range of skin concerns, including oil regulation, barrier repair, and cell rejuvenation. Compatibility: Mixes well with other skincare ingredients, making it versatile and suitable for combination with more potent actives. Specific Uses and Benefits: -Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Improves the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. -Hyperpigmentation: Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots, contributing to a brighter complexion. -Moisturization: Moisturizes the skin and helps regulate oil production, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. -Barrier Function: Enhances the skin's barrier function, reducing water loss and preventing dryness. -Anti-Aging: Contributes to a more youthful appearance by addressing signs of aging. -Texture and Tone: Improves the overall texture and tone of the skin. -Inflammation and Redness: Helps reduce inflammation and redness, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid produced by yeast that lives on normal skin and is also found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. It acts as a chemical exfoliator unblocking pores, while targeting and eliminating the acne-causing bacteria, Cutibacterium Acnes. Azelaic acid is an antioxidant, fighting inflammation, reducing redness and treating the spots caused by acne and rosacea. What is azelaic acid used for? As well as fighting inflammation, reducing redness and treating the spots caused by acne and rosacea, Azelaic acid also slows down the production of melanin, helping to fight pigmentation caused by sun damage, melasma and acne. Its exfoliating properties have also been shown to improve skin texture. In the treatment of acne, azelaic acid works by clearing bacteria from pores that can cause irritation or breakouts. It’s also an anti-inflammatory that makes spots less irritated, red and visible. Lastly it encourages cell turnover, healing skin and reducing scarring. With hyperpigmentation, azelaic acid stops discoloured skin cells from populating, with rosacea its anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to improve the appearance of swelling and visible blood vessels.
Metronidazole
Topical metronidazole is commonly prescribed for the treatment of rosacea, a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, flushing, and the presence of visible blood vessels. Here's how topical metronidazole treats rosacea: Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Metronidazole has anti-inflammatory effects, which are particularly beneficial in managing the inflammation associated with rosacea. In rosacea, the blood vessels in the skin can become dilated and contribute to redness and flushing. Metronidazole helps to reduce this inflammatory response. Antibacterial Action: Although the exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, there is evidence to suggest that certain bacteria, including Demodex mites, may play a role in its development. Metronidazole, as an antibiotic, has the ability to target and eliminate bacteria, contributing to the overall management of rosacea symptoms. Reduction of Lesions: Topical metronidazole helps to reduce the number and severity of inflammatory lesions associated with rosacea. It can be effective in treating papules and pustules, common manifestations of rosacea. Improvement in Skin Texture: The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions of metronidazole contribute to an improvement in the overall texture of the skin affected by rosacea. It helps alleviate the bumpy and uneven appearance often associated with the condition. Maintenance Therapy: Metronidazole is often used as a maintenance therapy to control and manage rosacea symptoms over the long term. Regular application helps prevent flare-ups and maintains the skin in a less inflamed state. Adjunct to Lifestyle Management: In addition to topical treatment, managing rosacea often involves lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding triggers (e.g., spicy foods, alcohol) and using gentle skincare products.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used topical treatment for various skin conditions, most notably acne. Here's an overview of its uses and benefits for the skin: 1. Acne Treatment: Antibacterial Action: Benzoyl peroxide has strong antibacterial properties, targeting and killing Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacterium associated with acne. Unclogs Pores: It helps to unclog pores by reducing the production of excess oil (sebum) and promoting the removal of dead skin cells. 2. Inflammatory Acne: Anti-Inflammatory: Benzoyl peroxide has anti-inflammatory effects, making it effective in reducing redness and inflammation associated with inflammatory acne lesions, such as papules and pustules. 3. Non-Prescription Availability: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products: Benzoyl peroxide is available in various OTC products, including cleansers, lotions, gels, and spot treatments. It can be easily incorporated into daily skincare routines. 4. Different Concentrations: Varied Strengths: Benzoyl peroxide comes in different concentrations (2.5%, 5%, and 10%). Starting with lower concentrations is often recommended to minimize the risk of irritation, with higher concentrations reserved for more severe cases. 5. Combination Therapy: Synergy with Other Treatments: It is often used in combination with other acne treatments, such as topical antibiotics or retinoids, to enhance efficacy and reduce the development of bacterial resistance. 6. Prevention of Resistance: Bacterial Resistance: Regular use of benzoyl peroxide can help prevent the development of bacterial resistance, a concern with some other acne treatments. 7. Treatment Duration: Long-Term Management: Benzoyl peroxide is effective not only for active acne but also as a long-term management strategy to prevent new breakouts. 8. Side Effects and Considerations: Drying Effect: Benzoyl peroxide can have a drying effect on the skin, and it may cause mild irritation or redness. Starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing can help minimize side effects. Bleaching Effect: It has a bleaching effect on fabrics, so caution is needed when applying it to areas where contact with clothing is likely.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a topical skin-lightening agent used to treat hyperpigmentation, which includes conditions such as melasma, dark spots, and certain types of uneven skin tone. Here's an overview of hydroquinone use: 1. Hyperpigmentation Treatment: Melasma: Hydroquinone is commonly used to treat melasma, a skin condition characterized by dark patches, often on the face. Dark Spots: It is effective in reducing the appearance of dark spots caused by sun exposure, age, or other factors. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Hydroquinone can also be used to lighten dark spots left after skin inflammation or injury. 2. Mechanism of Action: Inhibition of Melanin Production: Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Reduction of Dark Pigment: By decreasing melanin production, hydroquinone helps lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. 3. Concentration and Formulation: Various Strengths: Hydroquinone is available in different concentrations, ranging from over-the-counter formulations (typically 2%) to higher concentrations prescribed by dermatologists (up to 4% or more). Combination Products: It is often included in combination with other active ingredients such as tretinoin and corticosteroids for enhanced efficacy. 4. Application and Duration: Topical Application: Hydroquinone is applied topically to the affected areas of the skin. Duration of Use: Treatment duration may vary, and prolonged use should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to potential side effects. 5. Sun Protection: Importance of Sunscreen: Hydroquinone can increase sensitivity to sunlight, making sun protection crucial during treatment. Sunscreen Use: Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF is recommended to prevent further pigmentation and protect the treated skin. Potential Side Effects: Side effects may include skin irritation, redness, or a condition known as ochronosis (bluish-black discoloration of the skin), though the latter is rare.