Retinoic acid esters are also known as Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Retinyl retinoate, and Granactive retinoids. Granactive retinoid or Hydroxypinacolone retinoate: Granactive retinoid or Hydroxypinacolone retinoate is an ester of retinoic acid (tretinoin). There is a suggestion that HPR is as powerful as prescribed retinoids, without any side effects such as skin irritation, redness, and flaking. In some countries, HPR is regulated like a prescription retinoid. No conversion is needed and HPR directly binds to the retinoic acid receptor. Retinoids bind to the retinoic acid receptor and retinoid x receptor, in turn leading to biological actions that include an increase in cell turnover, collagen synthesis, pigmentation, and oil reduction. There are limited…

Polypodium leucotomos is a fern grown in Central and South America. Extracts from its aerial parts are rich in polyphenols and are said to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant (|can neutralize free radicals), and photoprotective effects. Now polyphenols can be divided into flavonoids (flavanols, flavonols, and anthocyanidins) and non-flavonoids (phenolic acid and stilbenes). The most abundant polyphenols in Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) are phenolic acid (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-Coumaric acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid). Effects of Polypodium leucotomos extracts based on in-vitro and in-vivo studies: Antioxidant: It enhanced plasma antioxidant capacity (neutralized free radicals). It decreased ultraviolet radiation induced damage to DNA. Photoprotective: It showed a significant reduction in sunburn response.…

What is Boroline? Boroline is an over-the-counter multipurpose cream in India. It is made to treat dry skin. What does Boroline contain? The 3 main ingredients that makeup boroline are boric acid, lanolin, and zinc oxide. Boric acid (1%): Caution when using Boric acid: Lanolin: Caution when using Lanolin: Zinc oxide (3.1%): Caution when using Zinc oxide: Make sure you don’t use boroline as a substitute for sunscreen. The zinc oxide present in boroline is too little to provide any protection against sun damage. Boroline’s claim: Is it safe to use Boroline? Avoid Boroline in the following situations: Frequently asked questions: Can I use Boroline for fungal infections? No, you…

No, antioxidants are not sunscreens but using them together is really effective. Antioxidants are secondary photo protectors, the main way you can reduce the risk of sun UV radiation damage is to use sunscreen and avoid sun exposure. The only way to treat photodamage (damage caused to skin by UV radiation) is sunscreen. UV filters in sunscreen block the UV radiation from entering your skin. They do so by forming a film layer onto your skin and absorbing UV radiation. The damaging UV radiation has a wavelength between 240 to 400 nm. So it is important that a sunscreen contains filters that can absorb UV radiation within this range. Antioxidants…

Coenzyme Q10 is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that is naturally present in our bodies. It means that it can quickly absorb into your skin. It is also naturally present in our body to fight free radicals and keep the skin tight, but it decreases as we age. Let’s learn more about coenzyme q10. What are the benefits of Coenzyme Q10? Who all can use it? Coenzyme q10 is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and skin of colour, but those with vitiligo should consult a dermatologist before use. How to choose the best Coenzyme C10 products? Coenzyme q10 is present in lotions or serum, creams, and moisturizers. So you…

Sulfur is an underrated ingredient that not many people know about it likely due to the fact that it has an egg like-smell, but many formulations are able to mask this odor. Let’s dive into this ingredient and understand it. Benefits of using Sulfur: Cons of using Sulfur: Who can use it? Sulfur won’t be suitable for all skin types because it can be drying and is super sensitive to skin. Make sure to still conduct a test patch as it can be irritating at high concentrations. What skin ingredients can I use Sulfur with? Sulfur can be very effective with other anti-acne ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and…

Arbutin is a naturally occurring compound found in many plants such as barberry, mulberry, pomegranate, cranberry, and wheat. It is the derivative of hydroquinone without irritation and burning that normally comes with hydroquinone. Benefits of Arbutin: Cons of using Arbutin: Different types of Arbutin: 1. Alpha arbutin: this is a more potent form of arbutin. It is water-soluble and has antioxidant properties. It can help with pigmentation and is safe for all skin types and skin colors. 2. Beta arbutin: this is also another form of arbutin and can address the problems of pigmentation, but alpha arbutin is shown to be more effective than beta arbutin. 3. Deoxyarbutin: deoxyarbutin is…

Astaxanthin is an underrated ingredient that not many companies use mainly because pure astaxanthin is very expensive and it is tedious to manufacture. It is derived from the microalgae called Haematococcus Pluvialis. Benefits of using Astaxanthin: Antioxidant: an in-vitro study found that astaxanthin can help with UV-induced skin damage by preventing melanin formation. It increased skin elasticity, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, improved the moisture level in the skin. Helps with wound healing. Helps with fine lines and wrinkles: one study showed astaxanthin showed improvements in reducing wrinkles, skin elasticity, and skin texture. Astaxanthin can be taken as a supplement or used topically. (consult a doctor if you want to…

Urea is one of the most underrated ingredients in the skincare industry and It has a lot of benefits that you won’t find much in many ingredients. Let’s look more into this ingredient. Benefits of using Urea: Urea is used in prescriptions and OTC products to increase the penetration of active ingredients. It does this by removing the dead skin cells on the top of the skin and allowing the actives to pass through. Who all can use Urea? Urea is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and skin of color. It mainly used to treat dry skin, dehydrated skin, calluses, and cracked heels. It’s suitable for hyperkeratotic…

Dioic acid is derived from the bio-fermentation of oleic acid, which naturally occurs in animal and vegetable oils, and fats. One study showed that 1% dioic acid cream was effective as a 2% hydroquinone cream, but with less irritation. What are the benefits of Dioic Acid? Who can use Dioic Acid? Dioic acid is suitable for all skin types. It has shown to be tolerated with minimal irritation, but still do make sure to conduct a patch test. Dioic acid is used as an alternate to azelaic acid (20% concentration can be irritating) with effective results at lower concentrations (it has a low potential for irritation). What skincare ingredients can…