New SkinCeuticals Data Highlights Importance of ‘Double-Defence’ Antioxidant Approach
Clinical studies indicate that ozone pollution is emerging as a key threat to skin health, with levels at their highest since records began. Over-exposure to ground-level ozone (O3) pollution is known to contribute to key signs of premature skin ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Now for the first time, ground-breaking SkinCeuticals biomarker studies conducted in living tissue have shown that topical antioxidants CE Ferulic® and Phloretin CF® can help neutralise free radicals on the upper layer of the skin and significantly reduce markers of skin ageing caused by exposure to ozone.[i] A ‘Double Defence’ skin regime combining a topical antioxidant and UVA/UVB protection can therefore offer a comprehensive approach to shield skin against atmospheric ageing.
A Cascade of Cellular Damage at Each Skin Level
Whilst the sun has long been the focus of research on environmental causes of skin ageing, we now know that daily exposure to ozone pollution can also have a significant impact on skin health, causing excess oiliness, rough texture and increased sensitivity. Ozone pollution accelerates cellular damage through oxidisation of lipids and depletion of the skin’s natural antioxidant reservoir, triggering a progressive cascade of damage at every level of the skin which contributes to signs of premature ageing:[ii],[iii]
- Stratum Corneum: Ozone pollution causes lipid peroxidation and antioxidant depletion
- Epidermis: Ozone pollution activates the inflammatory pathway
- Dermis: Ozone pollution contributes to collagen degradation
Oily skin may be particularly susceptible to ozone-induced skin ageing, due to the higher content of sebum lipids.[iv]
Shielding Skin with SkinCeuticals Double Defence
SkinCeuticals in-vivo biomarker studies have shown that CE Ferulic® and Phloretin CF® are highly effective in addressing the specific markers caused by ozone pollution damage at each skin level:
- Preventing lipid peroxidation: Shown by a reduction in HNE proteins, which are generated by free radical attack on fatty acids in skin exposed to ozone pollution. CE Ferulic® and Phloretin CF® significantly reduced HNE levels in skin exposed to ozone pollution by 52% and 39% respectively.
- Preventing inflammation: Shown by a reduction in the NFkB pathway. CE Ferulic® and Phloretin CF® significantly reduced NFkB activation by 28% and 47% respectively.
- Preventing collagen degradation: Shown by decreased degradation of Type I (23% CE Ferulic® and 47% Phloretin CF®) and Type III collagen (35% CE Ferulic® and 95% Phloretin CF®).
These results show that a daily antioxidant regime of CE Ferulic or Phloretin CF provides a highly effective shield against ozone pollution-induced skin ageing, helping to maintain the integrity and function of the skin barrier and support the youthful appearance of skin. A combination approach with SkinCeuticals broad-spectrum sunscreens will help to protect skin against oxidative stress – ultimately, our skin will age better.
DOUBLE DEFENSE from SkinCeuticals
- C E Ferulic + Ultra Facial Defense SPF50
- Phloretin CF + Brightening UV Defense SPF30
- AOX+ Eye Gel + Mineral Eye UV Defense SPF30
[i] SkinCeuticals Data on File. Protocols available on request.
[ii] Valacchi, G. (2010). Effect of ozone on cutaneous tissue. In Farage, M.A., Miller, K,W., Maibach, H.I. (Eds.). Textbook of Aging Skin. (411-420). Berlin: Springer.
[iii] Cotovio, J., et al. (2001). Generation of oxidative stress in human cutaneous models following in vitro ozone exposure. Toxicology in Vitro. 15, 357–362.
[iv] Costa, C. et al., (2010). Exposure of human skin to benzo[a]pyrene: Role of CYP1A1 and aryl hydrocarbon receptor in oxidative stress generation. Toxicology. 271, 83-86.
