It would seem that each new season brings along new “miracle ingredients,” from vampire facials to gold and diamond dust beauty masks, that have little scientific merit but still capture our attention. PCA SKIN®, only uses peer-reviewed ingredients that have consistently proven efficacy and safety. In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we want to spotlight four key ingredients that will leave your skin hydrated, supple, and well-protected: vitamin C, found in PCA SKIN’s C&E Strength and C&E Strength Max; the antioxidants caffeine and silybin found in PCA SKIN’s suite of broad spectrum sunscreens; and plant stem cells found in PCA SKIN’s skin-soothing Rejuvenating Serum.
Vitamin C
In the skin care world, vitamin C reigns supreme and was formulated as a major ingredient in PCA SKIN’s C&E Strength corrective cream. Topically-applied vitamin C is responsible for both maintaining and encouraging collagen growth, which is partially responsible for our skin’s full and supple appearance (Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center).
Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant by greatly inhibiting the effects of erythema and sunburn cell formation (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology), and also repairing wrinkled and dispigmented photo-damaged skin (Dermatologic Surgery). A 1999 study from the journal of the Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery found that topically-applied vitamin C also reduces the sallowness, fine wrinkles, and roughness of photodamaged skin while simultaneously improving skin’s elasticity. Similarly, vitamin C’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an appealing ingredient for wound-healing and soothing conditions like rosacea and acne (Indian Dermatology Online Journal)
Antioxidants
Each of the products in the PCA SKIN Suite of sunscreens are formulated with antioxidants such as caffeine and silybin, which add to their phenomenal effects in preventing and reversing photo-damage and eliminating free radicals and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the skin (Dermatologic Therapy),. Various antioxidants, from vitamins C and E to tea polyphenols, have also been shown to reduce UV-induced collagen degradation, the appearance of melasma spots and lentigines, the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin smoothness, and also to protect against UV-induced erythema (skin redness and inflammation) (Dialogues in Dermatology). Antioxidants have also been proven to protect against UV-induced oxidative stress and free radical generation (Dermatologic Therapy).
Caffeine and silybin, found in each of PCA SKIN’s SPF products, are of particular interest to those suffering from photo-damage, oxidative stress, or those who are looking to improve their general skin health, owing to their potent antioxidant abilities. A 2004 study from the journal Cancer Research found that silybin, extracted from milk thistle seeds, greatly reduced the size and quantity of skin tumors from photocarcinogenesis in mice when applied directly before or after UVB exposure (Cancer Research). Silybin was also found to significantly reduce UVB-induced DNA damage and skin cancer, as well as UVB-induced cell apoptosis (cell death) when applied directly after UVB ray exposure (Molecular Carcinogenesis).
Caffeine is a major antioxidant found in each of PCA SKIN’s sunscreens, renowned for its ability to reduce UV-induced skin roughness and its cancer-fighting abilities (British Journal of Dermatology, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA). For example, topically-applied caffeine reduced the instance of malignant and non-malignant skin tumors in mice by 72% and 44%, respectively (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA). Even better, caffeine is a proven anti-carcinogenic agent that encourages apoptosis (organized cell-death) in cells damaged by UVB rays (The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology). When applied before sun exposure, topically-applied caffeine also acts as a sort of sunscreen and blocks many UVB rays from penetrating the skin (Carcinogenesis). However, it is important to note merely applying liquid coffee or coffee grounds will not do much for skin protection or health. Rather, a product must be formulated with caffeine in order for the extract to benefit the skin to its highest potential.
Plant Stem Cells
Plant stem cells have gained popularity over recent years as a less controversial alternative to human skin cells, and are even present in PCA SKIN’s Rejuvenating Serum as grape fruit cell extract. Coupled with the antioxidant powerhouse EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) (Carcinogenesis) and skin cell-regenerating epidermal growth factor, Rejuvenating Serum’s grape fruit cell extract’s ability to protect against UV radiation-induced skin damage will surely keep your skin healthy, plump, and protected during the summer.
Humans have cutaneous stem cells located in the basal layer of our skin where they can quickly replace dead or damaged skin cells during wound repair. As our skin ages, its ability to generate new stems cells and repair skin can become inhibited. This problem is further compounded since human stem cells cannot become other types of cells, i.e. a skin stem cell can only ever become a skin cell, never a tissue cell or blood cell. Plant stem cells have the unique ability to become a variety of cells, and are being explored as a solution to sun-damaged stem cells in humans (Plastic Surgical Nursing). Though a relative new-comer and not as well-studied as its sister extracts – grape seed extract and grape skin extract, grape fruit cell extract has become a popular and promising new ingredient for skin health. Found in the PCA SKIN Rejuvenating Serum, grape fruit cell extract has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-carcinogenic agent (Plastic Surgical Nursing)
Bottom Line
When preparing for your summer skin care routine, it is critical that you incorporate multifunctional ingredients that can moisturize, repair, and protect your skin. Vitamin C, found in PCA SKIN C&E Strength and C&E Strength Max, repair photo-damaged skin while increasing skin’s hydration and collagen levels. PCA SKIN broadspectrum sunscreens’ use of the antioxidants silybin and caffeine to reduce the appearance of photo-damaged skin, the effects of UVB-induced DNA damage and skin cancer. Rejuvenating Serum makes use of grape fruit cell extract, which has been proven to treat oxidative stress caused by UV radiation and inhibit tumor growth. When selecting new products for your summer routine, we suggest consulting with a PCA SKIN Certified Professional to discuss which products and procedures will give you maximum protection and benefit.
Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 1999
British Journal of Dermatology, 2007
Dialogues in Dermatology, 2010
Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2006
Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2013
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2003
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2014
Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center – Vitamin C
Molecular Carcinogenesis, 2014
PCA Skin – C-Queen Antioxidant Serum
Plastic Surgical Nursing, 2014
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, 2002