Pharmacymix.com, Skin Care Pharmacy and Blog Specializing in Anthelios and Mexoryl Sunscreens

Argireline - Is It Better Than Botox?

As we grow older, the fine lines and wrinkles on our face deepen and become more pronounced. This is a result of skin losing its elasticity while the collagen fibers begin to break down. Many women have benefited from the use of Botox injections. Botox works by reducing muscle contractions that result in persistent facial lines that develop over time.

You may have come across a topical Botox solution consisting of argireline which distinguishes itself as an alternative to Botox injections. Argireline was created by a company named Lipotech and can be found in a number of serums and creams as a treatment for reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Just how effective is argireline?

Understanding How Argireline Works

According to Lipotech, argireline reduces wrinkles in a manner that is similar to Botox. That is, it relaxes facial muscles to lessen the amount of repetitive movement that causes frowns and lines. The company claims that argireline accomplishes this by preventing the brain’s release of neurotransmitters that cause the facial muscles to contract. Over time, the wrinkles and fine lines begin to diminish because the repetitive motion of the facial muscles has been largely eliminated.

Beneath The Claim’s Surface

Lipotech offers research that proves the efficacy of argireline. What they don’t offer as readily is the fact that Lipotech sponsored the research; there have been few results from long-term studies published from an outside source (independent of Lipotech). Another issue involves the inhibited release of neurotransmitters (specifically, catecholamines) from the brain. Many of these neurotransmitters, such as epinephrine and dopamine, are required by your body to maintain your health. Inhibiting their release could have long-term health impacts.

There is yet another potential problem with Lipotech’s claim of efficacy. One of the reasons why Botox is administered by injection is because the agent must be delivered to the muscles. The needle goes through the epidermis and connective tissue before being delivered into the underlying facial muscles. A topical agent that is applied as a cream is unlikely to penetrate as effectively through the skin and tissue before reaching the muscles underneath.

So, Which Is Better?

A cream that can be easily applied to reduce wrinkles with the level of success claimed by Lipotech would indeed be an impressive formula. Unfortunately, based upon what we know about the skin and the tissue underneath the epidermis, it’s highly unlikely that argireline will have the same effect as Botox. If you are looking for a way to relax and soften facial lines then Botox is the more effective option.

Does Oxygen Skin Care Work?

Skin care product manufacturers have discovered a new way to lure the public to buy their solutions. They advertise their products as having the ability to “oxygenate” the skin. These products supposedly contain oxygen molecules that are absorbed into the skin and delivered to those areas that need oxygen the most. By delivering this oxygen through the skin, companies claim that their products can cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. They also claim that the oxygen from their products helps to deliver essential nutrients throughout the body, slowing the skin’s aging process. Tempting as it sounds,  oxygen skin care products probably don’t deliver much benefit to skin.

Your Skin Is An Organ

Like the heart or lungs, the skin is an organ and needs oxygen to function properly. But, oxygen can’t be effectively absorbed through the skin. Instead, the oxygen is carried throughout the body by the circulatory system. The veins under the dermis transport oxygen through the bloodstream. Unfortunately, the topical application of oxygen is not an effective method of delivering oxygen. 

Unsubstantiated Claims

Claims can arise from some truth. In this case, oxygen has been found to be useful in wound healing when individuals with slow healing wounds were placed in hyperbaric chambers to inhale oxygen at an increased pressure. The body uses more oxygen when fighting infection. Oxygen can also be helpful in increasing the production of connective tissue.

Oxygen Can Generate Free Radicals

Though oxygen is essential to life, its topical application can lead to an increase in free radical damage. Rather than it helping to eliminate or ‘cure’ wrinkles, studies have shown that oxygen may be involved in wrinkle formation and the aging of skin. What you’re getting with a product claiming to oxygenate the skin is hype and potentially more harm than good to your skin.

Protection And Moisturization

It’s important to separate fact from fiction. Avoid the hype and stick to a well researched and effective skin care regimen that involves the use of a well formulated sunscreen like Anthelios, antioxidants, effective exfoliants and moisturizers suited to your skin type. With the right blend of active ingredients, the best products can protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays and help to  prevent loss of moisture. By doing so, they can slow down the skin’s aging process, improve its appearance and elasticity while preventing cellular damage from UV radiation.

Physical Vs. Chemical Sunscreens

Protecting your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays is an essential part of maintaining your skin’s health and youthful appearance. However, there is some confusion about the types of sunscreens that can be used to protect your skin. Sunscreens are available in two types: physical and chemical. Both types are effective and each has its inherent benefits and potential drawbacks. Today, I’ll explain how physical and chemical sunscreens work to protect your skin and help you decide which solution is better suited for you.

Physical Sunscreens

Physical sunscreens work by shielding your skin from UV rays. This is achieved by covering the surface with small particles. Ingredients used in physical sunscreens include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These ingredients deflect the UV rays and prevent their penetration into your dermis. Physical sun filters can protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. In order to provide full spectrum coverage, sunscreens must include zinc oxide which protects against a broader spectrum of ultraviolet wavelengths. 

A major drawback of using sunscreens with physical sun filters is that they can leave white streaks and a heavy residue when applied. Though manufacturers continue to use new technology to try to minimize this effect, they have successful only partially. Those of us with darker skin types often find physical sunscreens aesthetically unpalatable.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens use synthetic agents such as avobenzone, Tinosorb S and Tinosorb M, Octylcrylene along with Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL as active ingredients. Rather than coating your skin like a physical sunscreen, the active agents in chemical sunscreens are absorbed into your skin. Instead of blocking UV rays from the top of your skin’s surface, they absorb the UV radiation before converting and releasing it as energy. Chemical sunscreens can offer broad protection against both UVA and UVB rays. What is important is in selecting one that does offer protection against both, generally achieved with a combination of filters.

Though generally well tolerated, chemical filters may irritate some skin types. The newer ones such as Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S, Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX are less likely to do so. As well, dermatologists often recommend sticking with a physical blocking sunscreen in very young children.

Which Sunscreen Is Better?

Both physical and chemical sunscreens can effectively protect your skin from UV radiation. Both have inherent strengths and potential weaknesses. In the end, the main drawback of sunscreens containing physical filters is their tendency to leave behind a white residue. Chemical sunscreens are usually preferable due to their high efficacy and the fact that they’re mostly invisible once applied to the skin.

The important thing is to identify your skin type and any skin conditions you may have. Then, select a sunscreen that protects your skin from a wide spectrum of UV rays. The decision between using organic (chemical) or inorganic (physical) compounds is less important than getting into the habit of applying sunscreen liberally on a regular basis.

What Does Non-Comedogenic Mean?

You may have noticed the label “non-comedogenic” attached to certain skin care products. The truth is that the term non-comedogenic is a marketing term that can be applied to any product. Let’s look at this phrase and see if it’s an important factor in deciding whether or not to purchase a skin care product.

Are Non-Comedogenic Solutions Important?

Skin care products labeled “non-comedogenic” are formulated to minimize the clogging of the pores. They may also be labeled “non occlusive.” In the skin care industry, these phrases are often used interchangeably and carry similar meanings. The benefit of using skin care products that are non-comedogenic involves how your skin produces oil and what happens when that oil is trapped within your pores.

Your pores have sebaceous glands which produce an oil called sebum. This oil is useful because it helps to keep your skin moisturized. However, in order for that to happen, the sebum must be able to exit the pores. When the pores are blocked or clogged, the oil is trapped inside and can result in blackheads, whiteheads, or similar skin conditions.

What Types of Products are Comedogenic?

This is the tough part, because technically, any skin care product/ingredient has the potential to block pores in any given individual. This is especially true for products containing ingredients that are thick, waxy or emollient. So this means that products designed to moisturize the skin may be problematic in blocking pores.

Skin varies amongst individuals and whether or not a product will block your pores also depends on how much you apply, how often you apply and how long you leave it on. This is further complicated by the fact that most skin care products are not applied on their own; they are often combined with other products. This process may alter a product’s composition causing it to block pores in combination with another product.

It’s important to note that while many skin care products may be labeled non-comedogenic, their ability to avoid obstructing pores may vary on different skin types. For example, some moisturizers and sunscreens may not clog pores when applied to dry skin, but may be occlusive when used on oily skin. Other products, such as Anthelios XL 50+ Fluide Extreme Visage, can be used on dry or oily skin without fear of clogging pores.

Conclusion?

If you have oily or combination skin, then products labeled non-comedogenic will have significant appeal for you. Seek out products with a lower viscosity (serums and gels like UltimaSkin Alpha Lipoic Acid Lifting Serum, for example) while staying away from those that are thicker and creamier. Though not a guarantee that your pores will remain unblocked it does give some guidance about which type of non-comedogenic product will be most suitable for your skin type. As with any skin care product, the true test will be applying it to your skin and determining if it is right for you or not.