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Environmentally compromised skin

Everyone has some level of environmental damage on their skin. Whether it is caused by UVA, UVB or blue light, pollution, weather, or lifestyle choices (diet, smoking, certain sports etc). Factors we either cannot avoid, or habits that are difficult to give up.

While genetics also largely determines when the skin starts to show signs of aging, environmental damage is a key factor, as it is an accelerator in the aging process, and unrelated to the human age. Unfortunately, environmental factors can negatively affect our skin from a very early age, and cumulative effects may start to show in the early 20s.

The main environmental effects on the skin

Light damage – UVA/UVB (sun, light bulbs), IR light, Blue Light (monitors, phones)
Pollution – smog, dust, dirt, irritants, makeup
Weather – cold, heat, wind, burn, heating/air conditioning
Lifestyle choices – diet (gluten or lactose allergy or intolerance, too much protein or glucose etc), smoking (nicotine caused iron deficiency and dehydration), too much alcohol, certain prescription and recreational drugs, certain sports or activities (skiing, swimming, sweaty sports etc)

The main environmental damages of the skin

Loss of nutrients – loss of antioxidants and vitamins
Loss of elasticity - fine lines, loose skin, loose pores
Dullness – pale, stressed, tired looking or anaemic skin
Dehydration – surface or deep layer moisture deficiency

Free radicals and oxidation

Skin aging is a complex process influenced by intrinsic (chronological) and extrinsic (environmental) factors that lead to cumulative and structural changes affecting the appearance of facial skin. Studies show that 3% of the factors associated with the skin aging process are genetic or physiological in nature, whereas 97% are extrinsic in nature and trigger the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that are missing an electron. These unstable molecules are created through normal body processes like metabolic functions, such as digestion. They are also produced when you're exposed to excess sun, pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, and other environmental factors. There are three known free radicals: superoxide, hydroxyl and peroxide.

As human skin ages, the generation of free radicals increases while the natural endogenous defenses of the skin decrease in efficacy. The inability of skin to counteract or repair the cumulative effects of free radical damage leads to oxidative stress. Coupled with everyday environmental exposure and the bombardment of free radicals, internal defenses can become overwhelmed and lose the ability to function efficiently, which leads to accelerated skin aging.

Free radicals are responsible for creating inflammation and prematurely aging the body, with high effect on the skin. Skin damage occurs as a result of oxidation, the chemical process in which unstable free radical molecules steal electrons from healthy cells while damaging them during the process. Examples of the most aging oxidative stressors that we expose ourselves to are smoking and sunlight (UVA and UVB lights alone account for 80% of the damage).

Antioxidants are the opposites of free radicals. They neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals by donating an electron. This essentially deactivates the free radical and prevents it from damaging healthy cells. Therefore, antioxidants give a protective effect against aging and disease.

Free radicals get a bad reputation, but they aren't entirely bad. For example, free radicals are used by the immune system to help fight off bacteria. They are important to the way our body functions. The problem occurs when there are too many free radicals compared to antioxidants. Without enough antioxidants to keep excess free radicals in check, they are free to damage cells. Aside from staying away from the above-mentioned environmental damage triggers, the best thing we can do for the skin health is to apply antioxidants.

Antioxidants

Balanced nutrient content is an essential prescription for healthy and vibrant skin. Aside from staying away from cigarettes and using sunscreen, the best thing we can do for the skin health is to apply antioxidants.

Supplementing skin with topical antioxidants can replenish depleted antioxidant levels, which can enhance the skin’s natural antioxidant defenses. In contrast to sunscreens that work on the top layer of the skin, topical antioxidants penetrate the skin to stabilize or deactivate free radicals before they damage cells. Topical antioxidants counteract free radical damage caused by UV light (290–400nm), visible light (400–700nm), and IR radiation (>800nm) as well as other environmental insults that sunscreens are unable to neutralize. Therefore, topical antioxidants are instrumental in skin protection and repair and provide multiple skin health benefits.

Hexapeptide-11 is able to induce the activity of extracellular MMPs (Matrix metalloproteinases) and suppress cell migration. It helps reduce wrinkles, combat skin-aging and improve the skin suppleness, firmness, smoothness, even tone and elasticity. It provides collagen support, and is a non-irritating, comparable alternative to retinol for anti-aging.

Antioxidants are a group of naturally occurring compounds, nutrients that protect body cells – including skin cells – from the damage of oxidative stress. Some of the more familiar antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene). Other, often less familiar, are collectively known asphytochemicals (there are hundreds of them), and they are found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and beans.

It is clinically proven that topical antioxidants can make the skin look more youthful and protect against extrinsic aging (premature aging caused by external factors described above). However, antioxidants don't seem to slow intrinsic (chronological) aging.

Our body makes some antioxidants on its own, but the vast majority of antioxidants we must get from either foods and supplements (specifically for internal organs), or by applying topically (specifically for our skin). Research shows that most of the internally consumed nutrients are used by internal organs, and barely reach our skin. But good news is that many studies and reviews have appeared in medical journals confirming the high ability of antioxidants to be absorbed into skin cells. As they absorb into the cells of the stratum corneum (the topmost layer of skin), that is where they neutralize free radicals. Therefore, it is essential to apply antioxidants topically on a daily basis.

Studies also suggest that skincare products containing multiple antioxidant ingredients offer a higher combined antioxidant activity than individual nutrients alone. Comprehensive skin protection can be achieved by using combinations of antioxidants to facilitate their synergistic interaction and provide broad-based protection from different types of ROS at all cellular levels of the skin.

Some of the most important antioxidants

Vitamin C – You may also find it listed as L-ascorbic acid or ester-C. Besides fighting free radical damage, Vitamin C helps stimulate collagen production to keep skin firm and is the best antioxidant for fading dark marks.
Vitamin E – helps protect cell membranes and guards the skin against oxidative stress. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, it protects the lipid-rich cell components, such as the cell membrane.
Beta-carotene – is critical for skin health, is converted to vitamin A in the body and is involved in the growth and repair of body tissues. Also protect the skin against sun damage.
Resveratrol – is a compound found in grapes, berries, red wine, resveratrol is beneficial for UV protection and is anti-inflammatory. It may also boost collagen and elastin.
Lycopene – is a potent antioxidant that can help combat a number of diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, the human body is unable to produce lycopene and therefore must obtain this molecule from natural sources containing carotenoids.
Anthocyanins – offer various health benefits. Most importantly, they have antimicrobial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-mutagenic properties.

Ingredinets

The 4 most important ingredients

Sea Buckthorn: provides essential fatty acids, phytosterols and polyphenols, amino acids, carotenoids, vitamins (C, A, B-1, B-2, E folic acid and B12) and minerals
Cantaloupe: source of vitamins and antioxidants (including selenium, beta carotene, vitamin A, B, C, E and K, lutein, zeaxanthin and choline), potassium, folate, iron, selenium, magnesium and zinc.
Improved skin elasticity by average of 11% (in 92% of testers)
Elderberry: a rich source of antioxidants known as anthocyanins, vitamins C, A, B6 and E, potassium and iron, and phenolic acids.
Blackcurrant: have one of the highest antioxidant values for fruit, anthocyanins, polyphenolic substances, antioxidants, vitamins C, A, B2 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B1 (thiamine) and E, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, a very rare Omega-6 essential fatty acid).

QuadDefense™ Gentle Enzyme Refiner
with Sea Buckthorn and Pumpkin

200 ml / 6.8 fl oz, 50 ml / 1.7 fl oz

Here is a solution for daily skin renewal! The mildly exfoliating and antioxidant-boosting QuadDefense™ Gentle Enzyme Refiner with Sea Buckthorn and Pumpkin smooths lines, helps against free-radical activity to slow the aging process, and improves all over glow for a more even and radiant complexion. The pumpkin and fungal enzymes are so gentle, this product can be used 3-4 times a week. Probiotics balance the skin microbiome.

Active Ingredients: Sea Buckthorn, Pumpkin Enzyme, Cantaloupe, Elderberry, Blackcurrant, Botanical Enzymes, Probiotics (from Radish Root), Algae, Ascorbic Acid -- Carotene (Provitamin A), Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K and P, Bioflavonoids, Omega Fatty Acids, Lipids, Amino Acids, Folic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Pectins, Tocopherols, Phenols, Terpenes, Tannins, Sterols, Polysaccharides, Mineral Salts, Trace Elements

QuadDefense™ Essence with Sea Buckthorn

125 ml / 4.2 fl oz, 50 ml / 1.7 fl oz

Everyone has some level of environmental damage on their skin. Whether it is caused by UVA, UVB or blue light, pollution, weather, or lifestyle choices (diet, smoking, certain sport etc), the result may include loss of elasticity and nutrients with increased dehydration and dullness. As the first step of the daily hydration routine, our concentrated, Hyaluronic Acid based and antioxidant-boosting QuadDefense™ Essence helps against free-radical activity in the skin to slow the aging process, smooths lines, restores moisture, and improves all over glow and elasticity.

Active Ingredients: Sea Buckthorn, Cantaloupe, Elderberry, Blackcurrant, Algae, Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid -- Carotene (Provitamin A), Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K and P, Bioflavonoids, Omega Fatty Acids, Lipids, Amino Acids, Folic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Pectins, Tocopherols, Phenols, Terpenes, Tannins, Sterols, Polysaccharides, Mineral Salts, Trace Elements

Skin type: mature, dry, surface and deep layer water deficiency, oily seborrhea (seborrhea oleosa), 40+
Usage: applied 2 times a day (am & pm) to clean face and eye area for 4 weeks
Source: Report No. 90931/21 JSHH report of use test and instrumental test under dermatological control.
User test under dermatologist control: 25 people.

Results: The product is safe to use per the instructions, no contraindications. After 4 weeks of use:

100% reported that the product deeply hydrates
84% reported that the product reduced wrinkle appearance
92% reported decrease in aging symptoms, such as wrinkles
88% reported the feel of skin detoxification
96% reported increased elasticity and pleasant feeling of the skin
100% reported that the product is easy to use and easy to spread
80% said that the aroma of the product was pleasant
80% said that the intensity of the product was adequate

Machine tests: 10 people, 4 weeks of usage

Corneometer CM 825 hydration test: for test useability, the parameters defining skin hydration level has to increase.
- Result: The parameters defining the hydration level of the skin increased for all testers compared to before product use, therefore the product hydrates the skin.
Cutometer MPA 580 elasticity test: for test useability, the parameter defining skin elasticity level has to increase, and the parameter for skin tightness has to decrease.
- Result: The product increased the elasticity of the skin by an average of 8% and improved the tightness by an average of 17% compared to before product use.
Primos 3D wrinkle test (images are attached):: for test useability, the wrinkles need to show decrease in length, quantity, volume, and area compared to before product usage.
- Results (after 4 weeks of regular usage):
  - Length of wrinkles decreased by an average of 6%
  - Number of wrinkles decreased by an average of 18%
  - Volume of wrinkles decreased by an average of 8%
  - Area of wrinkles decreased by an average of 4%

Study Images

QuadDefense™ Mask with Sea Buckthorn

125 ml / 4.2 fl oz, 50 ml / 1.7 fl oz

Weekly skin repair treatment that helps against free-radical activity to slow the aging process, smooths lines, rehydrates, and improves all over glow and elasticity.

Active Ingredients: Sea Buckthorn, Bentonite Clay, Cantaloupe, Elderberry, Blackcurrant, Soybean Oil, Algae, Sunflower Seed Oil, Ascorbic Acid -- Carotene (Provitamin A), Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K and P, Bioflavonoids, Omega Fatty Acids, Lipids, Amino Acids, Folic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Pectins, Tocopherols, Phenols, Terpenes, Tannins, Sterols, Polysaccharides, Mineral Salts, Trace Elements

QuadDefense™ Moisturizer with Sea Buckthorn

200 ml / 6.8 fl oz, 50 ml / 1.7 fl oz

Antioxidant-boosting moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid that helps against free-radical activity to slow the aging process, smooths lines, improves overall elasticity, and restores stressed, tired or dehydrated skin for a radiant complexion.

Active Ingredients: Sea Buckthorn, Grapeseed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Cantaloupe, Elderberry, Blackcurrant, Algae, Hyaluronic Acid, Sunflower Seed Oil, Ascorbic Acid -- Carotene (Provitamin A), Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K and P, Bioflavonoids, Omega Fatty Acids, Lipids, Amino Acids, Folic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Pectins, Tocopherols, Phenols, Terpenes, Tannins, Sterols, Polysaccharides, Mineral Salts, Trace Elements

QuadDefense™ Eye Cream with Sea Buckthorn

30 ml / 1 fl oz

Dark circles? Tired eyes? Loose undereye skin? This antioxidant-boosting eye cream with Hyaluronic Acid helps against environmental damage and free-radical activity to slow the aging process, improves skin tone, promotes firmness and elasticity, and plumps the skin from the inside out.

Active Ingredients: Sea Buckthorn, Shea Butter, Cantaloupe, Elderberry, Blackcurrant, Grapeseed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Soybean Oil, Algae, Hyaluronic Acid, Sunflower Seed Oil, Ascorbic Acid -- Carotene (Provitamin A), Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K and P, Bioflavonoids, Omega Fatty Acids, Lipids, Amino Acids, Folic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Pectins, Tocopherols, Phenols, Terpenes, Tannins, Sterols, Polysaccharides, Mineral Salts, Trace Elements.

QuadDefense™ Facts

Environmentally compromised skin

The main environmental effects on the skin

The main environmental damages of the skin

Free radicals and oxidation