Skinceuticals C + AHA is not generally suitable in rosacea treatment, although it may be used to good effect on rough skin with rosacea providing the program is managed by a dermatologist or skin specialist trained in rosacea management.
C + AHA is an easy to use dual anti-aging treatment for aging, flaccid skin. It combines the benefits of Skinceuticals Serum 15 with the re-texturizing effect of 10% alpha hydroxy acids (specifically, glycolic acid and lactic acid, which work better together than alone).
The overall effect of the treatment is a moisturizing one, as lactic acid is a superior moisturizer and glycolic acid serves to eliminate dead cells (which are impossible to hydrate for extended periods of time).
The exfoliating effect also probably serves to enhance penentration of the 15% stabilized l-ascorbic, however no studies have been performed to compare the absorption of Skinceuticals C + AHA with Skinceuticals Serum 15 or Serum 20, as they have been between Skinceuticals Serum 15 and 20:
From left to right, normal mean skin level of l-ascorbic acid; then absorption levels for Skinceuticals 5% l-ascorbic acid, Skinceuticals Serum 10, Skinceuticals Serum 15, Skinceuticals Serum 20, l-ascorbic acid 25%, l-ascorbic acid 30%.
In summary, Skinceuticals Serum C + AHA provides a simple one-step exfoliating/antioxidant treatment skin care to improve the appearance of aging skin using two different mechanisms (collagen rebuilding through l-ascorbic acid and skin resurfacing through glycolic and lactic acid).
Skinceuticals Serum C + E Complete Ingredient List – Water, L-Ascorbic Acid, SD Alcohol, Laureth-4, Zinc Sulfate, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Bioflavonoids.
Overview of Ingredient Function:
L-Ascorbic Acid – considered one of the most important water soluble anti-oxidants; inhibits UVA and UVB radiation-induced damage in conjunction with rosacea sunscreens; photoprotective capabilities; promotes collagen synthesis; anti-inflammatory properties reduce rosacea symptoms and lessen the progression of broken capillaries. Should be utilized for several months pre and post rosacea laser (IPL).
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) – speeds healing of rosacea papules and pustules, one of the most important lipid, or fat-soluble, antioxidants; has significant antioxidant functions, especially in cell membranes and lipoproteins; photoprotective capabilities; helps to protect the cellular membrane from free radical damage; improves the skin’s water binding abilities; anti-inflammatory properties.
Bioflavonoids - bioflavonoids possess antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals; antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory benefits which reduce redness and help stabilize capillaries, preventing further leakage of inflammatory proteins.
Zinc - accelerates healing rosacea lesions such as papules and pustules; offers protection against UVB radiation; promotes collagen synthesis in the dermis; useful in acne treatments since it lowers sebaceous secretion, although ascorbic acid is not normally used in severe acne treatments.
Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) – natural humectant with excellent water binding capabilities ; capable of attracting and retaining 1,000 times its own weight in water; assists as a carrier for other agents to be delivered below the skin’s surface; ability to retain water gives immediate smoothness to rough skin; occurs naturally in the dermis; allows the epidermis to achieve greater suppleness, proper elasticity, and turgor. Can reduce the appearance of broken capillaries by having a plumping effect on the skin. Oil-free and non-comedogenic, compatible with any moisturizer.
Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid which occurs naturally; Skinceuticals use sodium hyaluronate because it is water soluble.