Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) | Antioxidants | Pigment Control
Peptides | Acne Control Ingredients

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

All alpha hydroxy acids have the effect of dissolving the bonds between skin cells, to allow for exfoliation that will bring newer cells to the surface.  Each AHA also has additional benefits:
Lactic Acid – hydrating and helps even skin discoloration
Malic Acid – hydration
Glycolic Acid – fast penetration [which can be a negative] and oil control
Citric Acid – prevents and corrects the thinning of the skin associated with aging and aids in hydration
Tartartic Acid – antioxidant action from grapes
Mandelic Acid – possible effect on evening skin discoloration

Many of the PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products contain a blend of lactic and citric acids which promotes healthy cell turnover and allows the products to remain pH balanced.

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Antioxidants

Antioxidant – A group of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that help repair and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for premature aging by damaging cells and breaking down collagen and other proteins within the skin.
Green Tea- Tea is an excellent source of antioxidant polyphenols and anti-inflammatory agents. EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), which is a component of green tea, is considered the most powerful polyphenol of them all. It offers skin soothing benefits, protects the skin from UV induced damage and is being studied very carefully for possible anti-tumor and anti-cancer capabilities.
Tocotrienols and Tocopherol (Vitamin E)- these forms of vitamin E have superior antioxidant benefits due to their exceptional ability to penetrate the skin cells.
Grapes –The flesh, skin and seeds of the grape all contain polyphenols that offer many skin health benefits.
Olives – a great source of antioxidant polyphenols and vitamin E.
Retinol (Vitamin A)- has strong antioxidant properties along with the ability to increase cell turnover for healthier and brighter looking skin.
Soy – the isoflavones found in soy are potent members of the polyphenol family.  They work to plump and hydrate the skin. They fight aging and wrinkle formation by building the collagen matrix. They also effectively quench the free radical damage that speeds the aging process.
Cherries- help to fight free radicals and acts as potent anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Citrus Fruits – are a great source of polyphenols. A number of citrus fruits not only have antioxidant value but also increase the amount of vitamin C within the cells.

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing antioxidants:
pHaze 24 Rejuvenating Serum
A powerful epidermal growth factor formulation with a full complement of antioxidant polyphenols.
pHaze 15+ C-Quench® Antioxidant Serum
A stable and effective ascorbic acid serum with the addition benefit of a well-rounded blend of polyphenols.      
pHaze 16 C-Strength 15% (L-ascorbic acid) with 5% Vitamin E
A stable and effective topical cream utilizing the superior antioxidant properties of both vitamin C and E. 
pHaze 16+ C-Strength 20% (L-ascorbic acid) with 5% Vitamin E
A stable and effective topical cream utilizing the superior antioxidant properties of both vitamin C and E. 

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Pigment Control

Hydroquinone -the only ingredient currently approved by the FDA as a skin lightener.  HQ works primarily by bleaching existing skin discoloration and also prevents future pigment from occurring.
Kojic Acid –an antibacterial and antifungal agent that evens skin tone.
Licorice – a very effective ingredient for gently evening skin discolorations that also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lactic Acid – (sour milk) evens skin discoloration, hydrates and reduces the build up of dead skin cells.
Ascorbic Acid- (primarily citrus fruits) acts as a natural skin brightener.

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing pigment control ingredients:
pHaze 23 A&C Synergy Serum
Formulated with a blend of skin brightening, strengthening and antibacterial ingredients.
pHaze 13 Pigment Gel® Dyschromia Controller
The gold standard in the treatment of skin discolorations. An artful blend of pigment control ingredients (including hydroquinone) combined with AHAs to provide maximum results.
pHaze 13 Pigment Bar
The cleansing companion to our pigment control program designed to enhance and maintain results.

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Peptides

Peptides are synthesized protein fragments designed to perform specific functions in the skin and body.

Here are a few peptides of note:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)- works by relaxing facial muscles that cause repeated facial expression.
Dipeptide-2 - improves lymphatic circulation to more effectively remove toxins in the skin.  Improved lymphatic flow will help to minimize dark circles and puffiness by having fresher healthier looking skin and less pooling of fluid and blood under the eyes.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3-increases skin firmness and elasticity while diminishing eye area puffiness
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide – Palmitoyl Tetrapatide-3 (Matrixyl 3000™) a blend of two advanced peptides that provide visible anti-wrinkle activity.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 (Matrixyl®) has been proven to increase collagen production to strengthen and firm the skin, and dramatically reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing peptides:
pHaze 12 eyeXcellene
A peptide eye remedy designed to soothe and hydrate the eye area while strengthening the skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and reduces under-eye puffiness.
pHaze 25 ExLinea™ Peptide Smoothing Serum
A wrinkle reducing serum designed to hydrate, smooth and firm the skin with a blend of powerful peptides and skin strengthening agents. 
PCA® MEN Total Strength Line & Pore Minimizer
A peptide serum designed specifically for men that leaves the skin clear, firm and younger looking.

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Acne Control

Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO)- reduces the number of skin surface bacteria and acts as an oxidizing agent, making it appropriate for clearing comedones or blackheads and disabling the acne causing bacteria, p. acnes.
Salicylic Acid- works to dissolve dead skin cells and impurities within the skin.  Salicylic acid also helps break down and reduce blackheads and whiteheads.
Sulfur- acts as an antibacterial agent that softens blemishes and blackheads to reduce the occurrence of acne related scarring.
Azelaic Acid- has gentle yet effective antibacterial properties, making it suitable for most acne suffers. Also can help to reduce skin discolorations often left behind following breakouts.

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing acne control ingredients:
pHaze 31 BPO 5% Cleanser
A gentle cleanser containing 5% benzoyl peroxide for antibacterial properties.
pHaze 32 Blemish Control Bar
An excellent antibacterial cleansing bar containing layers of salicylic acid and sulfur.  Can be used to cleanse areas of breakouts on the face or body.
pHaze 33 Acne Cream
A benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment that effectively delivers oxygen into the follicles to help kill the bacteria responsible for acne.
pHaze 35 Acne Gel
A gentle yet effective spot treatment for acne that combines salicylic and azelaic acids to reduce and treat acne breakouts.

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