HA Serum

HA Serum consists of a high concentration blend of low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid fragments, in the range of 20kDa, 55kDa and 1200kDa, mixed into OptoDerm’s well proven, phospholipid, biomimetic moisturising base. It also contains hydrolysed collagen, Kombucha black tea ferment, xyloglucans and the well-known peptide Argirelene® (Acetyl Hexapeptide-11).

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG), naturally distributed in human body. Hyaluronic acid is the major component of the extra cellular matrix. It is found in high quantity in the skin where it is produced by fibroblasts and keratinocytes. One of its main functions is to hold water in the intercellular matrix of the connective tissue. This water-binding capacity contributes significantly to the elasticity of the skin, since HA plays the role of water pump, maintaining skin elasticity by acting as a water reservoir. It is also involved in tissue repair and while it is abundant in extracellular matrices, it also contributes to tissue hydrodynamics, movement and proliferation of cells, and participates in a number of cell surface receptor interactions, notably those including its primary receptor, CD44.

The second barrier of the skin, below the horny layer or stratum corneum, consists of so-called ‘tight junctions’. During ageing this second barrier is weakened.  OptoDerm’s PenetrX technology facilitates efficient skin permeation of the low molecular weight hyaluronic acids in HA Serum. These fragments are able to induce gene activation, such as occludin and claudins, which are involved in the formation of tight junctions in the upper part of the epidermis. Image analysis after two months of use, confirm the anti-wrinkle activity of this product, especially relating to deep wrinkles.

The key benefits of a blend of low molecular weight hyaluronic acids are:

• • Deep wrinkle depth is decreased
  • Appearance of fine lines is visibly reduced
  • Skin is smoother with a softer touch and improved overall young looking appearance
  • Skin appears plumper
  • Skin appears firmer
  • Skin elasticity is improved

The presence of skin-identical phospholipids and biomimetic moisturising factors help repair and hydrate the skin’s natural barrier and replenish depleted NMF (Natural Moisturising Factors). These are: Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Glycine, Fructose, Urea, Niacinamide, Inositol and Lactic Acid. Hydrolysed collagen provides the skin additional nutrients and essential collagen-building amino acids.

Xyloglucans (or Tamarindus indica polysaccharides), endowed with remarkable filming and hydrating properties, enhance the serum’s hydration activity by stimulating the production of filligrin, a protein crucial in maintaining skin hydration.  Research shows that cutaneous hydration immediately improved by >59% at 30 minutes, and, over a longer period (30 days) improved skin hydration by >35%, providing a strong moisturizing effect, both short and long term. Xyloglucans also inhibit senescence-related β-galactosidase, which is typically overexpressed in aging keratinocytes, especially those exposed to UV radiation damage and oxidative stress. Research also shows that xyloglucans improved overall skin elasticity by >19%, and decreased skin roughness by >21%, providing a visible anti-wrinkle effect. Furthermore, the combination of xyloglucans and hyaluronic acid stimulates the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10.

Kombucha black tea ferment is rich in organic acid and B-group vitamins. Research shows that:

• • it has antiglycation activity – inhibiting glycation by as much as 79%
  • it has a re-densifying, restoration effect on the adipocyte population. This lipo-filling activity is especially interesting in more mature skins which show a loss of volume due to aging. G3PDH (the marker for adipocyte maturation) activity increased by 136%
  • it improves overall skin quality by enhancing skin smoothness. It significantly smoothes the microdepressionnary network of the skin by 16.2% after 29 days
  • it enhances skin luminosity and clarity. This increase was perceived in 75% and 81% of two trial populations.

Argirelene® is a fragment of SNAP-25 (a substrate of botulinum toxin). It works by limiting the ability of neurotransmitters to activate movement in your facial muscles, for example, when forming facial expressions such as smiling or frowning. By inhibiting the nerves that cause facial muscles to contract, subtle facial expressions are limited and wrinkles are subsequently reduced. Argireline has also been shown to promote collagen production. As we age, the body produces less and less collagen. In fact, after the age of 20, a person produces about 1 percent less collagen in the skin each year. Moreover, environmental free radicals (from things like excessive UV radiation, smoking, pollution, etc.) can degrade collagen proteins. The result is skin that becomes thinner and more fragile with age. By promoting collagen production, Argireline increases skin firmness. It also helps to extend the life of existing Botox® treatments.