DermExcel™ | Aging.Dry.Breakouts.Mild Treatment Plan

your dermal diagnosis™ results

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We're thrilled you're taking proactive steps to understand your skin better. Below, you'll find your most recent Dermal Diagnosis™ results. Use this data as a roadmap to achieving healthier skin.

Date	Dermal Diagnosis™	Profile and Treatment Plan

DERMAL DIAGNOSIS™ RESULT BREAKDOWN

Aging Score	Hydration Score	Pigmentation Score	Inflammation category

Date	Dermal Diagnosis™

DERMAL DIAGNOSIS™ RESULT BREAKDOWN

Aging Score
Hydration Score
Pigmentation Score
Inflammation category

's Dermal Diagnosis™ Profile

Aging . Dry . Breakouts . Mild

Embarking on the skincare journey with your ADBM (Aging.Dry.Breakouts-Mild) Skin Type, you navigate a path that's both widespread and uniquely personal. Your skin's narrative is marked by the intersection of aging, the quest for hydration, and the nuanced challenge of managing mild, sporadic breakouts. These elements weave together, forming a tapestry that depicts your skin's current state and its needs.

At the heart of your skin's condition lies an impaired barrier function, a crucial aspect that renders your skin more susceptible to the encroachment of allergens, bacteria, and environmental irritants. This vulnerability underscores the importance of fortifying your skin's defenses, ensuring it remains resilient against these potential disruptors.

Mild congestion in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, and occasional breakouts punctuates your skin's landscape, adding a layer of complexity to your skincare regimen. These breakouts, while not severe, demand attention and care to maintain the delicate balance of your skin's ecosystem.

Dehydration presents another pivotal challenge, as essential moisture escapes from your skin, leaving it feeling parched, tight, and devoid of its natural glow. This lack of hydration not only diminishes your skin's radiance but also accentuates the textural irregularities and signs of aging that you're keen to mitigate.

Your skincare odyssey, therefore, is dual-faceted: it's about embracing a regimen that not only addresses the visible signs of aging and restores hydration but also gently manages and prevents the mild breakouts that sporadically arise. The key lies in consistent, daily use of targeted products meticulously chosen to nurture, protect, and rejuvenate your skin. This balanced approach promises to not only correct and forestall premature aging but also to soothe and prevent the mild inflammatory responses leading to breakouts, guiding you towards a complexion that's both resilient and radiant.

benefits

barriers

goals

YOUR SKIN'S MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

Dehydration

Aging skin

Acne Breakouts

Benefits of your ADBM skin type

Reduced Oiliness

matte skin texture

Even Skin Tone

Reduced Oiliness: You are less likely to experience the sheen and discomfort associated with oily skin types. This can contribute to a matte finish and potentially less clogged pores outside of breakout areas.
Matte Texture: Due to the inherent dryness, ADBM skin types often have a matte texture, which many find desirable. This texture can contribute to a smoother appearance of makeup and less shine throughout the day.
No Pigmentation: Your skin likely maintains an even tone without the common issues of dark spots or uneven pigmentation. This indicates a balanced distribution of melanin, which, while beneficial for an even complexion, may suggest a need for extra protection against UV radiation due to lower melanin levels.

Barriers to your skin health

Dehydrated Skin

Aging skin

Acne Breakouts

Dryness: Chronic dryness challenges the skin's ability to retain moisture, leading to discomfort and enhancing the visibility of aging signs.
Premature Aging: The combination of dryness and external stressors can accelerate the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity.
Breakouts: Despite being less oily, your skin type is still prone to breakouts, possibly due to dead skin cell accumulation and a compromised moisture barrier. Managing breakouts without further drying out the skin or causing irritation requires a delicate balance in your skincare routine.

your frustrations

Congested pores in the form of blackheads and in some cases also whiteheads.
Impaired and dehydrated skin barrier.
Premature skin aging.
Rough skin texture with congested pores and mild or occasional breakouts.

your goals

Bright, hydrated, and healthy skin.
No allergic skin reactions.
Prevention and correction of premature skin aging including lines and wrinkles.
Smooth skin texture with no breakouts and inflammation.

Aging . Dry . Breakouts . Mild

treatment objectives

Smooth skin texture

Replace dull and dead skin cells with remodelled skin layers. Resurfacing procedures can induce new collagen formation with a more structured pattern.

Deeply Hydrate and Nourish

Advance the skin's hydration capabilities by boosting its capacity to attract and retain moisture at a cellular level. Promote the enhancement of the skin's own hydrating agents, ensuring sustained moisture balance and preventing dryness.

Skin Barrier Restoration

Repair damaged skin barrier and restore barrier function. Boost the protective skin layer by increasing the production of elastin, collagen, ceramides, and lipids.

Prevent & Repair Premature Aging

Protect the skin from factors that accelerate aging, such as UV exposure and pollution, and correct existing signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.

Reduce Inflammation

Alleviate inflammation and redness by restoring equilibrium to the skin's microbiome. Focus on creating a harmonious skin environment that supports healthy bacterial flora, essential for maintaining skin health and preventing breakouts.

DNA Protection and Repair

Safeguard and repair UV-induced DNA damage, utilizing a blend of UV defense, Retinol, Niacinamide, and antioxidants. This strategy prevents future damage and aids in the repair of existing cellular impairments.

include

Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents.
Broad spectrum sunscreen with antioxidants - preventing premature aging and protecting DNA.
Chemical exfoliating ingredients that accelerate cell turnover and reveal new skin cells.
Effective barrier repair agents that restore your skin's natural barrier and prevent premature aging.
Skin-identical medical-grade ingredients that penetrate the skin to activate a biological response.

avoid

Damaging lifestyle habits, e.g., smoking, tanning beds, excessive sun, and sugar consumption.
Toners and foaming cleansers containing soap & sulfates.
Fragrance in skincare products.
Harsh anti-bacterial products that disrupt the skin's natural microbiome.
Irritating plant extracts and essential oils that will trigger adverse reactions.

Aging . Dry . Breakouts . Mild

Active Ingredients your skin needs

Retinoic acid analogue

Retinoic acid, often referred to as tretinoin in its pharmaceutical form, is the active form of Vitamin A. It is widely recognized for its powerful effects in dermatology and skin care, particularly in treating acne and signs of skin aging.

Retinoic acid works at the cellular level to modify gene expression and affect cell growth. In treating acne, it promotes the turnover of skin cells, reducing the likelihood of pore-clogging and helping to clear existing breakouts. Additionally, it decreases the cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells, further preventing the formation of comedones.

Retinoic acid's ability to stimulate collagen production is a key benefit in anti-aging skincare. This leads to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and an improvement in overall skin texture and tone. It also aids skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation by accelerating cell turnover, bringing new skin cells to the surface faster, and shedding pigmented and damaged cells.

Despite its benefits, retinoic acid can irritate the skin, causing side effects like redness, dryness, and peeling, especially during the initial period of use. Its potency means it is generally available by prescription and requires careful monitoring by a healthcare professional.

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a newer, esterified form of retinoic acid. Unlike cosmetic retinol, HPR binds directly to the retinoid receptors of the skin cells without needing conversion. This direct binding allows it to deliver similar benefits to retinoic acid, such as stimulating collagen production, improving skin elasticity, and reducing signs of aging, but with a lower risk of irritation.

HPR is considered more gentle and less irritating than traditional retinoic acid while offering comparable benefits. With HPR, everyone has access to the benefits of prescription retinoids without the risk of side effects.

Physiological Effects

Cell Turnover and Renewal: HPR promotes rapid cell turnover, aiding in the exfoliation of dead skin cells and generating new cells.
Skin Texture: Promoting cell renewal improves skin texture and addresses issues like roughness and dullness.
Collagen Production: It stimulates collagen production, which is essential for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.
Acne Treatment: Effective in treating acne by unclogging pores and reducing the size of sebaceous glands, it diminishes both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.
Pigmentation: It can reduce hyperpigmentation by accelerating the turnover of hyperpigmented skin cells and inhibiting melanin production.
Photoaging: Effective in treating signs of photoaging, reversing some of the damage caused by UV radiation.

Special Benefits

Retinoid Receptor Activity: HPR, an ester of retinoic acid, binds directly to retinoid receptors in the skin, enabling it to work without needing to be converted into retinoic acid.
Lower Irritation: Typically, it causes less irritation than retinoic acid, making it more suitable for sensitive skin types.
Collagen Stimulation and Anti-Aging: Like retinoic acid, HPR helps in stimulating collagen production and has anti-aging properties.
Acne and Hyperpigmentation: It effectively treats acne and reduces hyperpigmentation, often with fewer side effects than retinoic acid.
Stability and Penetration: HPR is more stable and lipid-soluble, so it penetrates the skin more effectively and is less prone to degradation.

References

Zaenglein, A. L., Pathy, A. L., Schlosser, B. J., Alikhan, A., Baldwin, H. E., Berson, D. S., ... & Thiboutot, D. M. (2016). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945-973.e33.
Fisher, G. J., Wang, Z. Q., Datta, S. C., Varani, J., Kang, S., & Voorhees, J. J. (1996). Pathophysiology of premature skin aging induced by ultraviolet light. New England Journal of Medicine, 337(20), 1419-1428.
Truchuelo, M. T., Jiménez, N., Jaén, P. (2018). Assessment of the efficacy of a new complex-based retinoic acid and retinol in a 3-month study using objective methods and skin biomarker analysis. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(3), 347-354.
Mukherjee, S., et al. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging.
Randhawa, M., et al. (2015). Hydroxypinacolone retinoate: a new retinoid and its use in dermatology. Skin Therapy Letter.

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is highly acclaimed for its remarkable exfoliating and rejuvenating properties. Its small molecular size enables deep skin penetration, fostering efficient exfoliation at the cellular level.

Glycolic acid’s water solubility allows it to penetrate the upper layers of the skin easily. Its primary mechanism of action involves weakening the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting their shedding, and revealing the newer, healthier skin beneath. This process of accelerated cell turnover is instrumental in addressing a range of skin concerns, from aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles to texture irregularities and hyperpigmentation.

Glycolic acid's efficacy extends beyond mere exfoliation. It's also recognized for stimulating collagen production, a crucial protein in maintaining skin's elasticity and firmness. This aspect contributes to its anti-aging benefits. Furthermore, its hydrating properties add to its appeal, as they help increase the skin's capacity to retain moisture, leading to a more supple and vibrant complexion.

Clinical studies have consistently supported glycolic acid's role in improving skin appearance. Research indicates significant improvements in skin texture and pigmentation and the visible reduction of wrinkles and fine lines with glycolic acid.

Physiological Effects

Exfoliation: Glycolic acid is a powerful exfoliant. It dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, facilitating their removal and revealing newer, healthier skin underneath.
Increased Collagen Production: It stimulates collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity and firmness. This action helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Enhanced Skin Hydration: Glycolic acid improves the skin's ability to retain moisture, enhancing hydration and a more plump, vibrant skin appearance.
Skin Brightening: Removing dead skin cells can brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Improved Skin Texture: Regular use of glycolic acid can lead to smoother, more even textured skin, making it beneficial for conditions like keratosis pilaris.
Acne Treatment: Its exfoliating properties help in unclogging pores, thereby reducing the occurrence of acne breakouts.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Aging Skin: Glycolic acid is widely used in anti-aging products to reduce signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Acne-Prone Skin: It helps manage acne by exfoliating the skin and removing blockage from pores.
Hyperpigmentation: It effectively treats hyperpigmentation by accelerating the removal of hyperpigmented skin cells.
Textural Irregularities: Glycolic acid can improve skin texture and is beneficial for treating keratosis pilaris and other conditions of rough skin.
Sun-Damaged Skin: It helps rejuvenate sun-damaged skin by accelerating cell turnover and collagen synthesis.

References

Bernstein, E. F. (2001). Glycolic acid treatment increases type I collagen mRNA and hyaluronic acid content of human skin. Dermatologic Surgery.
Kornhauser, A., Coelho, S. G., & Hearing, V. J. (2010). Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Sharad, J. (2013). Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Smith, W. P. (1996). Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 35(3), 388-391.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide offers several benefits for the skin, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It reduces the redness and inflammation associated with acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Additionally, niacinamide's ability to improve the skin's barrier function benefits all skin types, particularly those with eczema or mature skin.

Another significant benefit of niacinamide is its role in reducing hyperpigmentation. Studies have shown that it can decrease the transfer of melanin to the epidermis, helping to fade dark spots and even out skin tone.

Niacinamide also plays a role in reducing the visible signs of aging. It has been found to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Its antioxidant properties further protect the skin from environmental damage, such as pollution and UV radiation, which contribute to premature aging.

The efficacy of niacinamide and its ability to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously has led to its growing popularity in both over-the-counter and prescription skincare formulations.

Physiological Effects

Barrier Function Enhancement: Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin’s barrier function by increasing the production of ceramides, lipids that keep the skin hydrated and protect against environmental damage.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: It has notable anti-inflammatory effects, which are beneficial in reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Sebum Regulation: Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production, which controls excess oiliness and can benefit acne-prone skin.
Hyperpigmentation Reduction: It reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, leading to an even skin tone.
Anti-aging Effects: Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production and improving skin elasticity.
Antioxidant Activity: It has antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and environmental aggressors like UV radiation and pollution.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Acne and Oily Skin: Niacinamide effectively manages acne and oily skin by regulating sebum and reducing inflammation.
Hyperpigmentation and Melasma: Its ability to reduce melanin transfer benefits it in treating hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Aging Skin: Niacinamide targets wrinkles and loss of firmness.
Skin Barrier Disorders: Niacinamide is beneficial in treating skin barrier disorders like atopic dermatitis and eczema by enhancing barrier function and hydration.
Photodamage and Skin Protection: It helps mitigate the effects of photodamage and provides some degree of protection against environmental damage.

References

Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Bissett, D. L., Oblong, J. E., & Berge, C. A. (2005). Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatologic Surgery.
Snaidr, V. A., Damian, D. L., & Halliday, G. M. (2019). Nicotinamide for photoprotection and skin cancer chemoprevention: A review of efficacy and safety. Experimental Dermatology.
Navarrete-Solís, J. et al. (2011). A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial of Niacinamide 4% versus Hydroquinone 4% in the Treatment of Melasma. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2011.