Normalize problem skin with Hydroviton.CR

Problem skin can look gray and blotchy, feel dry and itchy, or be slick and oily — often at the same time. These symptoms of hyperkeratinization, a thickening of the epidermis due to overly tenacious cell bonding, make us look and feel old.

Hydroviton.CR, the most advanced cleanser and normalizing treatment, perfects problem skin, making it thin, supple, moist, and pH-balanced again, because it contains both alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids for the deep desquamation (exfoliation) of mature corneocytes.

STRUCTURE OF SKIN. The stratum corneum (outer wall of the epidermis) consists of 12–16 layers of corneocytes (bricks) embedded in a continuous lamellar lipid bilayer (mortar).

Corneocytes — flat, dead, nonnucleated cells filled with keratin protein, about 1 µm thick — have shells made of tightly linked loricirn and involucrin proteins. Corneocytes can hold large reserves of water, both within and between themselves.

The lipid bilayer, formed by free fatty acids and ceramides released by lamellar bodies, creates much of the protective barrier of the cutaneous system.

Protein structures called corneodesmosomes adhere corneocytes together. These bonds must be broken to accomplish desquamation, a remarkably complex process only partially understood. Water and pH levels play important roles as enzymes degrade the corneodesmosomes, but the exact nature of the enzymes and trigger for their actions are not fully elucidated.

Types of attachments between corneocytes are 1) covalent bonds, in which atoms share electrons, and 2) ionic bonds, which rely on the negative and positive charges of atoms. Diseases in which excessive bonding leads to hyperkeratinization and pathogenesis include ichthyoses (fish-skin diseases), acne, verrucae, keratoses, psoriasis, some eczemas, and ordinary dry skin.

True keratolytics — strong acids, alkalis, thiols, urea, and lithium salts — disaggregate old corneocytes mainly in the mature upper layers of the stratum corneum.

GREATER DESQUAMATION. Organic alpha-hydroxy acids, including citric, glycolic, tartaric, and lactic acids, diminish corneocyte cohesion at the lower, newly forming levels of the stratum corneum, allowing more layers to desquamate, sometimes in visible sheets. This enhanced therapeutic action thins the surface of skin, improves its flexibility, and perfects it cosmetically. These compounds also increase the moisture content of skin.

Now used in Hydroviton.CR, alpha-hydroxy acids came to prominence as topical treatment for ichthyosis, a congenital disease characterized by rough, thick, scaly skin. Alpha-hydroxy acids convey similar benefits for other conditions of hyperkeratinization.

Ordinary dry skin, characterized by a thick dense stratum corneum, returns to normal under treatment with alpha-hydroxy acids, even after failing to respond adequately to common moisturizers. While alpha-hydroxys tend not to irritate in low concentration, their actions may be excessive for some sensitive patients with already thin strata cornea.

Beta-hydroxy acids, including salicylic, benzoic, and butyric acids, also have well established exfoliant properties, dissolving corneocyte bonds and allowing fresh cells to emerge. Beta-hydroxy exfoliation improves a variety of age-related skin problems, including wrinkles, spots, blemishes, and blotchiness. Used regularly in low concentration, these substances evacuate the environmental pollutants and excess sebum that contribute to acne. They also treat psoriasis, dandruff, and warts.

MOISTURE AND RADIANCE. Besides desquamation, moisture regulation is key to successful skin. To retain cutaneous moisture under arid conditions, Hydroviton.CR incorporates saccharide isomerate, which binds to keratin like a magnet, persists even when common humectants cannot, and continues to moisturize until shed through desquamation. The substance also counteracts potential irritation that may result from exfoliation.

A final step to boost complexion radiance is to stimulate the intracellular rate of adenosine triphosphate, the chemical that supplies energy to many biochemical cellular processes. Hydroviton.CR does this with Laminaria digitata (brown seaweed extract). After its application, participants in a research study reported a 78-percent improvement in dull skin and a 105-percent improvement in tired skin.

The highly effective combination of alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids for deep desquamation, plus Laminaria digitata for increased energy, means a quick return to normal skin color and texture.

The bottom line is that Hydroviton.CR perfects your skin every day, so you can engage your world with the utmost confidence.