The antioxidant benefits of topical Vitamin C and Vitamin E are well established medical facts. More recent studies have shown that using a combination of Vitamin C and Vitamin E provide far superior benefits than using either of these nutrients alone.
When used with a rosacea sunscreen, a combination of Vitamin C and E provides almost complete almost complete protection against UVA damage. The addition of ferulic acid in Skinceuticals C E Ferulic again doubles this already impeccable level of photo-protection.
In the body, Vitamin C is necessary for Vitamin E to replenish itself.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is water-soluable and Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is oil-soluble and it had previously not been possible to combine these two antioxidants.
A proprietary formulatory technique owned by Skinceuticals (Garland, Texas) has allowed for the production of a perfectly homogenous antioxidant serum that combines these nutrients.
Medical studies have confirmed and compared the respective abilities of:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C and E combined and
- Vitamins C, E and Ferulic Acid combined
to reduce sun burn cells and associated skin inflammation.
In summary, Skinceuticals Serum C + E provides far better protection than either antioxidant/nutrient alone.
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.