Skin is an excellent record keeper. Every moment of exposure to daylight adds up like money in the bank – the problem is the payoff known as sun damage (also known as photodamage). As the top cause of premature signs of skin aging, sun damage shows on skin in the form of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, and can lead to a repressed immune system and the potential for skin cancer. 



Statistics show that one in six individuals will develop skin cancer, and 90% of these cancers are the direct result of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Even if exposure is limited to brief outdoor lunches or a 20-minute walk, cumulative exposure is enough to cause the signs of skin aging and increase the risk for skin cancer.

The first line of daily defense against sun damage is daily use of SPF. Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV light can strike skin and cause damage, so simply wearing sunscreen on sunny days isn’t enough.

Research has found that antioxidant vitamins are as important as sunscreens when defending skin from the aging and burning effects of damaging ultraviolet (UV) light and free radicals. For this reason, Dermalogica products feature UV Smart Booster Technology, a customized microcapsule that safeguards active vitamins, then bursts open upon contact with UV rays, releasing an active ingredient complex of Vitamin C and Vitamin E for maximum free radical protection.

UV Smart Booster Technology actively diffuses free radicals when protection against them is most needed. This powerful vitamin complex, when formulated with sunscreens, also provides enhanced protection against UV-induced damage without the need for higher concentrations of potentially-irritating sunscreen ingredients found in products with high Sun Protection Factors (SPF).

UV Smart Booster Technology and sophisticated sunscreen formulations with skin health benefits (think less chalky, less greasy) make SPF a convenient addition to every morning routine!

The production of skin pigmentation is a multi-step process. Consequently, a multi-step system must be used to control discoloration and produce visible brightening results. When used morning and night, ChromaWhite TRx® delivers synergistic, around-the-clock treatment and prevention of hyperpigmentation.

prepare
Cleanse and exfoliate to lift dulling skin cells, which can interfere with penetration of treatment products and contribute to uneven skin texture and tone.

prevent
Targeted treatments that help obstruct the development of pigmentation on a cellular level to prevent discoloration.

protect
Nourish, moisturize and shield skin from environmental assaults that trigger discoloration.

The common thread behind irritation, flushing and stinging is inflammation. When paired with the loss of skin’s protective barrier, skin health is compromised and becomes highly reactive.

UltraCalming™ contains UltraCalming™ Complex, our exclusive complex clinically proven to control neurogenic and immunogenic inflammatory pathways that lead to skin sensitivity.

Immunogenic Inflammation
Triggered by the immune system, skin inflammation is caused by a foreign substance such as pollen or artificial fragrances.

Neurogenic Inflammation
Triggered by the nervous system, sensitized or inflamed skin may be the result of the environment, chemicals or physical and emotional stress. (Figure 1.)

Loss of Protective Barrier
Excess exfoliation, exposure to soap and water, even psychological stress can compromise the skin’s protective barrier, lowering tolerance against potential stressors resulting in sensitization and irritation. (Figure 2.)

UltraCalming™ contains UltraCalming™ Complex, our exclusive complex clinically proven to control neurogenic and immunogenic inflammatory pathways that lead to skin sensitivity.

key ingredients:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15
Targets neurosensitive skin by reducing painful sensations.

Boerhavia Diffusa (Red Hogweed) Root Extract
Targets neurogenic inflammation, restores tissue integrity and soothes to restore skin’s normal sensitivity level for immediate and long-lasting effects.

Avena Sativa (Oat Kernel) extracts
Natural anti-irritant and anti-redness properties.

Ginger Extract and Bisabolol
Work synergistically to help reduce redness and irritation.

The primary catalyst of adult acne is chronic stress: the constant, continued and heightened level of stress that throws our adrenal glands into overdrive, which in turn can boost sebum production, setting the stage for acne development.

While stress creates the trigger for acne, there are four main factors that contribute to the development of acne: overactive sebaceous glands (the production of too much oil), dead skin cell accumulation, bacteria and inflammation.

When overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil, this oil spills onto the skin’s surface, creating a slick, greasy appearance.

This excess oil acts as a binder, holding on to dead skin cells that were meant to be shed.

The follicle becomes clogged with a mixture of oil and dead skin cells, prohibiting oxygen from entering.

This creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to the swelling, redness and inflammation around the follicle, resulting in acne.

In order to control acne, we must interrupt the degeneration of the follicle by affecting the four main contributing factors. We have researched several new ingredients that are extremely effective in controlling acne. We can classify these ingredients according to the problem that each specifically addresses.

Help inhibit the activity of overactive sebaceous glands: Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Niacinamide, Yeast Extract, Horse Chestnut Extract, Acrylates Copolymer (microsponges), Sarcosine and Zinc Gluconate.

Help control cell accumulation: Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sulfur and Papain.

Help control bacteria on the skin’s surface and in the follicle: Benzoyl Peroxide, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Cinnamon Extract, Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Sulfate, Balm Mint Extract, Rosemary Exract, Sulfur and Sarcosine.

Oxygen Species (ROS, also known as free radicals), the generation of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the development of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs).

reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are dangerous oxygen molecules generated by UV rays and pollution. They attack and react with stable molecules within skin cells, cause non-reversible damage, cross-link collagen and elastin (the cause of wrinkles) and lessen skin’s natural ability to repair itself.

To defend against ROS:
AGE Smart® products include antioxidants, including polyphenols from White Tea, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP – a highly stable, non-irritating form of Vitamin C), Licorice and Vitamin E that work to inactivate free radicals and create stable molecules, preventing damage to the cell.

matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)
Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes activated by UV exposure or inflammation. They contribute to the breakdown of existing collagen while inhibiting the formation of new collagen. Long term activation of MMPs results in disorganization and destruction of the skin matrix – two key characteristics of photoaged skin.

To control the formation of MMPs:
AGE Smart® products include peptides, MAP, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A) and powerful plant extracts.

advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)
The same glucose (sugar) that provides energy for our cells can also react with proteins, including the skin’s collagen. This reaction results in the formation of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs), which can contribute to loss of elasticity, wrinkles, inflammation, inhibited skin cell growth and accelerated aging.

To control the formation of AGEs:
AGE SmartTM products include “sugar traps”: Soy proteins, Glucosamine and specific peptides intercept the sugar, bind to it and prevent sugar from reacting with collagen protein in skin.