Tried & Tested – ROC’s new Retin-Ox Wrinkle Correxion Serum

Women queued in the streets of London’s West End when ROC announced a new range of anti-wrinkle creams combining all the lastest scientific discoveries.

ELIXIR has managed to get a sample of ROC’s new Retin-Ox Wrinkle Correxion range to find out if it really does live up to the hype. This is what we found:

We are big fans of serums, mainly because they are light and less greasy and mature skins seems to absorb them better. So we chose to review the Intensive Serum (pictured) in the range.

Luxuriously packaged in gold and lapis blue, this serum contains pure Retinol (Vitamin A), Hyaluronic Acid (the natural humectant and collagen building block in the skin), Biopeptide (an intelligent biopeptide that signals the skin to produce more collagen) and squalan (a lipid that improves skin texture.)

Our tester (in her 50s)used the serum morning and evening before the daily moisturiser, as recommened by ROC. After just two weeks this is what she said:

“This product smelled wonderful and the fine texture of the serum meant that it was easily absorbed by my skin. I am only two weeks into the 8 weeks that ROC says it takes to see results but my skin is definitely looking smoother and firmer. Many wrinkle creams have strong ingredients in them and my skin ends up looking far worse because I get an allergic reaction. But I had absolutely no problems with this product. Another bonus is that a little goes a long way. So its a great product, great price and it delivers. After just two weeks of use I would give this product 8/10 Costs £26.99 Available at Boots stores in the UK.

ROC’s new Retin-ox Wrinkle Correxion range

Cosmeceutical

Usually a wrinkle cream that has sophisticated ingredients far beyond a run-of-the mill product.

Renew Medica opens new clinic in Harrods London

image

Renew Medica, a leader in non-surgical cosmetic procedures in London and the South East, has opened a new clinic at Harrods in London.

On offer at Harrods and its other 14 clinics in the South East is a full-range of of on invasive skin treatments on offer including Laser Hair Removal, Photo-Rejuvenation (IPL), Skin Health Restoration, Micro-Dermabrasion, Botox, Wrinkle Treatment, Hyperhidrosis Control, Dermal Fillers and MesoGlow, to VISIA Complexion Analysis System, Remedial Electrolysis, (spelling) Micro-Pigmentation, Facial Chemical Peels and Sclerotherapy.

Clinical Director, Dr Sach Mohan, leads Renew Medica’s impeccable team of doctors, nurses and aestheticians.

He comments, “With such a fantastic team of skin experts and specialists, I am proud to say that Renew Medica is leading the Industry in advanced skin treatments and laser hair removal, with the highest level of service and clinical results. To announce the opening of our new flagship site within the Urban Retreat, Harrods is another milestone for us, but we will continue to make Renew Medica more accessible and affordable to all, and we look forward to build on our current 14 clinics.”

Renew Medica’s Harrods Flagship Site will also conduct Body Contouring and Skin Tightening treatments – The Accent System – a painless dual mode radio frequency device used for the treatment of Cellulite, body and facial skin tightening and contouring to help eliminate stubborn fat areas that diet and exercise alone are unable to remove. The Accent system is already accruing a phenomenal response, and this safe, non invasive treatment requires fewer sessions than other popular systems with longer lasting results, and finally gives a genuine alternative to those not wishing to go under the knife.

The most popular chain in London for Laser Hair Removal, Renew Medica is the one of the few practices that offers a variety of Laser treatment systems, according to different skin types, contrary to most clinics, who only offer one treatment type for all. The three types of Laser treatment that Renew Medica offers are: YAG – for ethnic skin types; Alex – for extremely fair skin; and Diode – for all other skin types. Renew Medica will also be launching the new Soprano XL System, the revolutionary painless laser hair removal system.

“Not all Lasers are the same, and clinical results and efficacy vary, depending on the technology used and whether this is appropriate for your skin type.”

Renew Medica is also renowned for the unique Botox Wrinkle Treatment it offers to clients. Creating a natural look by perfecting the technique, avoiding the frozen look associated with American practitioners, the artistry adopted by the Renew Medica specialists revolves around appreciating each individual’s facial anatomy. As well as the obvious purpose of removing facial lines, the Botox treatment at Renew Medica is also effective in inducing and augmenting eyebrows, eliminating tension headaches and excessive sweating, especially popular amongst the hand shaking right palms of city executives.

With climate change and increased exposure to environmental pollution accelerating the rise in poor skin health, another popular service offered by Renew Medica is the superior quality skin analysis. Adopting the technologically advanced Visia skin mapping system, which allows for the identification and monitoring of common skin conditions such as the extent of sun damage to the skin, wrinkling, vascular lesions and hyperpigmentation, Renew Medica has established itself as the leading provider of Skin Health Restoration treatments, and a full range of treatment options are provided, to improve the client’s skin.

Cosmedix, the cosmeceutical range of plant botanicals-based skin care products carried by Renew Medica offers a variety of retinol based creams.

Hailed as the Holy Grail in Anti-aging, retinol helps in increasing skin cell production, collagen synthesis and blood supply. Renew Medica skin experts also offer effective treatments for acne, sun damage, dark patches and open pores, that are available following a thorough skin analysis and consultation using the Visia or Woods Lamp.

For further information on Renew Medica please visit www.renewmedica.com or call 0800 027 2029. Renew Medica clinics in London are located in Oxford Circus, Bayswater, Hampstead, City, Knightsbridge, New Kings Rd, Winchmore Hill, Weybridge, Croydon, Richmond, Muswell Hill, Barnet, Holloway Rd and Harrods.

Website www.renewmedica.com

• Appointments can be made by calling free-phone 0800 027 2029, or emailing info@renewmedica.com

• Renew Medica Clinics:

Oxford Circus 28 Maddox Street, Oxford Circus, London W1S 1PR
T: 020 7499 4904 E: maddox@renewmedica.com

Bayswater 160 Queensway, London W2 6LY
T: 020 7221 2219 E: queensway@renewmedica.com

Hampstead Oriel Court, 12 Heath Street, Hampstead, NW3 6TE
T: 020 7435 1199 E: hampstead@renewmedica.com

City 26 Widegate Street, London E1 7HP
T: 020 7247 0500 E: widegate@renewmedica.com

Knightsbridge 26 Beauchamp Place, London SW6 4RE
T: 020 7584 6691 E: knightsbridge@renewmedica.com

New Kings Road 291 New Kings Road, London SW6 4RE
T: 020 7348 7111 E: newskingsroad@renewmedica.com

Winchmore Hill 948 Green Lanes, London N21 2AD
T: 020 8360 3108 E: winchmorehill@renewmedica.com

Weybridge 11-15 Baker Street, Weybridge, KT13 8AE
T: 01932 858 099 E: weybridge@renewmedica.com

Croydon 105 High Street, Croydon CRO 1QG
T: 020 8681 7318 E: croydon@renewmedica.com

Richmond 157 St Margarets Road High, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 1RD
T: 020 8744 2427 E: richmond@renewmedica.com

Muswell Hill 22-24 Muswell Hill, London N10 3RT
E: muswellhill@renewmedica.com

Barnet 152 High Street, Herts EN5 5QP
T: 020 8440 0443 E: barnet@renewmedica.com

Holloway Rd 258 Holloway Road London N7 6NE
T: 020 7607 5212 E: holloway@renewmedica.com

Harrods Urban Retreat, Fifth Floor, Harrods, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
T: 020 7893 8333 E: info@renewmedica.com

Scientists discover new wrinkle cream elixir

New York: A study of a recently patented ingredient based on naturally occurring skin lipids has shown that it reduces wrinkles and improves the texture of sun-damaged skin.

The study, published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, suggests that salicyloyl-phytosphingosine (SP), reduces wrinkle depth and improves the texture of photoaged skin.

The recent study on SP, funded by Germany-based fine chemicals group Degussa, manufacturer of the product.

Thirty women, aged between 41 and 69, with moderate photo damage to facial skin, were asked to apply the SP cream to half of the face whilst applying a placebo cream to the other half, twice daily for four weeks.

The three dimensional profile of the subjects’ skin was then measured; changes were quantified using skin smoothness and skin roughness parameters, and measuring the distribution of wrinkle depth.

Results showed both an improvement in skin smoothness and a reduction in wrinkle depth, suggesting positive applications for the ingredient in anti-ageing products. How the product works is still a bit of a mystery but scientists believe it is due to SP’s ability to stimulate the skin’s own production of ECM proteins.

Botox maker launches new generation wrinkle eraser

IRVINE, Calif: Allergan, Inc. (NYSE:AGN), the maker of BOTOX(R) Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A), today announced the launch of a ‘next-generation’ hyaluronic acid dermal filler family of products, called JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA and JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA PLUS.

“We are pleased to now provide JUVEDERM(TM) dermal fillers to physicians and their patients across the country,” said Robert Grant, President of Allergan Medical, a division of Allergan, Inc. “We believe that the unique scientific benefits and technologically advanced, smooth formulation of JUVEDERM(TM) will establish the brand as a leader alongside BOTOX(R) Cosmetic in Allergan’s TOTAL FACIAL REJUVENATION(TM) offering.”

The JUVEDERM(TM) dermal filler family of products provides physicians with the flexibility to tailor each treatment to a patient’s particular needs. JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA is a highly cross-linked formulation for more versatility in contouring and volumizing facial wrinkles and folds; and JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA PLUS is a more highly cross-linked, robust formulation for volumizing and correction of deeper folds and wrinkles.

“In the clinical trials, I found JUVEDERM(TM) injectable gel to be a smooth-flowing product to inject, providing patients with a natural and smooth correction of facial wrinkles and folds,” said Dr. Mark Pinsky, clinical investigator in the JUVEDERM(TM) dermal filler study. “I have seen similar results with the patients I have currently enrolled in the JUVEDERM(TM) Experience Trial, and I look forward to providing both JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA and JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA PLUS dermal fillers to many more of my patients now that the product is widely available. The ease of the injection and its long-lasting smooth and natural results make JUVEDERM(TM) an important facial rejuvenation tool in my practice.”

JUVEDERM(TM) is the only hyaluronic acid dermal filler developed using the proprietary HYLACROSS(TM) technology, an advanced manufacturing process resulting in a malleable gel that flows easily into the skin and creates a smooth, natural look and feel. All other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers currently on the market, including Restylane(R) are granular consistency gels. An example of the granular consistency of Restylane(R) (under 2.4X magnification, 0.05 mL) can be seen in the accompanying photo and can be compared to JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA and JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA PLUS (under 2.4X magnification, 0.05 mL). The clinical significance of the differences has not been established.

Physicians and consumers are encouraged to visit www.Juvederm.com to receive additional information about JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA and JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA PLUS dermal fillers. The Web site also offers a physician locator to help consumers find a trained and qualified health care provider in their area.

Like BOTOX(R) Cosmetic treatment, JUVEDERM(TM) dermal fillers should only be administered by a trained and qualified health care provider. Further product and prescribing information is available by visiting www.Juvederm.com and www.BotoxCosmetic.com.

Important JUVEDERM(TM) Dermal Filler Safety Information

In clinical studies, adverse events were usually mild to moderate in nature, did not require intervention and lasted seven days or less. The most common side effects included temporary injection site reactions including redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps and bumps and bruising. For complete patient safety information, please visit www.juvederm.com

Important BOTOX(R) Cosmetic Safety Information

BOTOX(R) Cosmetic is indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age. BOTOX(R) Cosmetic is the only product of its type approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. BOTOX(R) Cosmetic should only be administered by a trained and qualified health care provider.

Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely. If you think you are having an allergic reaction or other unusual symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, call your doctor immediately. The most common side effects following injection are temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

About Allergan Medical

Allergan Medical, a division of Allergan, Inc., offers the most comprehensive, science-based, aesthetic product offerings under its TOTAL FACIAL REJUVENATION(TM) portfolio, including BOTOX(R) Cosmetic; hyaluronic acid and collagen-based dermal fillers; and physician-dispensed skin care products. Allergan Medical also offers the industry’s widest range of silicone gel-filled and saline-filled breast implant options for reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery, and leading minimally invasive devices for obesity intervention treatment.

About Allergan, Inc.

With more than 55 years of experience providing high-quality, science-based products, Allergan, Inc., with headquarters in Irvine, California, discovers, develops and commercializes products in the ophthalmology, neurosciences, medical dermatology, medical aesthetics, obesity intervention and other specialty markets that deliver value to its customers, satisfy unmet medical needs, and improve patients’ lives.

Injectable fillers and implants

All of these treatments are best used for deeper lines such as deep mouth to nose and around the lips. Aimed at individuals who would prefer to avoid surgery, such as a facelift.

Autologous fat

Fat is taken from the stomach, thights or bottom and after being processed is can be injected into lips, hands, nose to mouth lines, cheeks or acne scars. The results last up to two years.

Arteplast (Artecol)

A combination of collagen and polymermethyl-methacrylate used on superficial facial lines such as the forehead.

Collagen

A connective substance found naturally in the skin and which helps it maintain elasticity. As you get older it diminishes giving way to to lines, particularly around the mouth and eyes. In these procedures the collagen is created from bovine sources, steralised and suspended in saline. It is injected, using a fine needle, into the required areas that need plumping out. The effect lasts for several months and treatments can be repeated time and time again. Anyone considering this would need to have an allergy
test beforehand. About $400 to $500 for each area.

Polymethylmethacrylate

One of the new permanent injectable skin fillers that is awaiting FDA approval is polymethylmethacrylate, made from a mixture of micronized plastic spheres and bovine collagen. When polymethylmethacrylate is injected into the skin, the collagen works by holding the synthetic spheres in place until it dissipates after injection — leaving the spheres behind to prop up the wrinkles. These spheres stimulate the body’s own production of collagen, which then forms around the spheres.

One side effect of polymethylmethacrylate include permanent or long-term lumps and temporary swelling and redness, especially when used in the lips.

Hydroxyapatite with a Methylcellulose Vehicle

For patients looking for longer-lasting results than collagen but not the permanent results of polymethylmethacrylate, a new filler known as hydroxyapatite with a methylcellulose vehicle — which is currently FDA approved for other purposes — is being studied as an injectable skin filler. The synthetic compounds used in this filler contain beads of calcium hydroxyapatite, which is a substance used to replace missing bones.

Hydroxyapatite with a methylcellulose vehicle provides a temporary correction of wrinkles that lasts about one year, but the exact duration of this filler has not been demonstrated yet. If not injected properly, the calcium beads could clump together and result in lumpiness in the treated area.

Poly-L Lactic Acid

Poly-L lactic acid is not really considered a skin filler, but a “dermal stimulator” because it stimulates the skin cells to make collagen — providing a slow correction over time. Patients are treated every month for four to five months until the correct results are achieved, results typically last one to two years.

Research studies of poly-L lactic acid for FDA approval of wrinkles are just beginning and it could be a new option for patients looking for a safe, long-lasting fix for wrinkles.

Before considering any skin filler treatment, it is recommended that patients ask the following questions:

1. Are the results permanent or temporary?
2. What are the potential side effects?
3. Is the filler approved by the FDA for this use?
4. How long has the physician used the filler? How many patients has
the physician treated? Are before and after photos available?

Isolagen

Cells are taken from behind the patient’s ear, where there is less sun damage, and cultured in a laboratory and then injected back six to eight weeks later into the face. Isolagen was launched in the UK in 2003 and although the results are not immediate it appears that top up injections are not needed as the results last.It has also proved successful in treating acne, scars and burns. It may also be used to help receding gums. It has yet to get the go-ahead of the FDA in the US. www.isolagen.com

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Recently approved by the FDA as a skin filler, hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring component of the skin that functions by holding together collagen and elastin, providing a framework for the skin. When injected into the skin in gel form, hyaluronic acid binds to water and provides volume to easily fill in larger folds of skin around the mouth and cheeks. Patients notice an immediate plumping of the skin in the treated areas.

One of the main advantages of hyaluronic acid gel is that it does not pose an allergy risk for patients and there is no risk of transmitting animal diseases by injection. Since a skin check for allergies is not required with hyaluronic acid gel, patients can be treated on their first visit to the dermatologist. The results of hyaluronic acid last approximately four to six months and require less volume to fill wrinkles and hard-to-treat skin folds compared to collagen. The main brands are Restylane and Perlane which is a stronger version.

These are used to fill out lines as a result of ageing where the skin has lost its elasticity. The target areas include eyes lines, mouth lines, smile lines and frowns between the eyebrows. Treatment takes 10-20 minutes and results last for up to nine months before a top up treatment is necessary. There may be some redness and swelling after treatment but this normally goes in a couple of days.

Newfill

Newfill is a way of resculpting the face without surgery, using an injection which consists of a saline gel with a product called Newfill, a naturally occuring polylactic acid which stimulates the body to produce its own collagen. Initially the gel fills the wrinkles and hollows, but soon disperses in the body and the patient’s own collagen is given a kick-start.

Patients usually have two sessions, at least 15 days apart, and the final result can be seen 20 days later. Results from most fillers, such as Restylane, last only three or four months, But the improvement from Newfill typically lasts for a year or longer.Th amazing thing is that Newfill has been used in surgery for the last20 years, and as a polylactic acid is found naturally in the body, and as a a result allergic reactions are rare.Unlike collagen it is not derived from animals.It can be used to treat lines on the neck as well as to rejuvenate hands, knees and ankles.

Permanent/Semi Permanent Fillers

Silicone

Banned in the US because of the risks of infection and scarring but it is still used in the UK, although increasingly less so. The liquid is injected straight into wrinkles, is permanent but there is a greater risk of hard lumps.

Gortex

This is a man-made breathable membrane, is used as a permenant wrinkle-filler and comes in several differnt forms such as, sheets, strips and tubes. Since it is porous the skingrows into it. Used to correct wide scars and deep wrinkles.

Alloderm

Made in the US from a natural deep-layer skin collected from corpses, purified and freeze-dried. Prior to use it is reconstituted using saline and implanted in sheets or strips,acting as a frame for the patient’s skin. Overtime it may be partially reabsorbed but there is little risk of rejection. A similar treatment using pig tissue is also being developed.

There is always a risk of rejection with foreign materials. The injected collagen eventually breaks down and fades away. Top-up treatments will be needed every few months, dependingon the individual. Some people develop an allergy – a test is made prior to the treatment, and a furtherone percent may show a reaction is excessive redness and swelling after treatment.
Three months and silicon and Gortex are permenant. Alloderm is semi-permanent. Recovery is immediate with perhaps some redness and swelling which will go down after a few days.Discomfort is minimal as the procedures are carried out with local anaesthetic.A hospital stay nnecesssary as it can be done in a lunch hour and is available at various clinics.
The Collagen Information Service Freefone is run by Collagen (UK) 0800 888 000.

Botox

Botox, a prescription drug, is one of the most popular treatments for worry lines on the forehead and crow’s feet around the eyes, and also the neck which can be softened by a local micro-injection of the substance, which paralyses the muscles responsible for the lines.

The effect is temporary and will need to be repeated every three months or so. Anyone thinking of having this treatment should go to a proper doctor so that they can be tested for allergies and also in the event of any allergic reacton that may occur after treatment.

Tiny amounts of this purified toxin are injected into facial muscles to paralyse them temporarily; skin stretches out, and wrinkles soften or disappear. Target areas include frown lines between brows, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s-feet. Not recommended for the lower face, as it can prevent you from smiling. A treatment takes about 30 minutes. The paralysis isn’t permanent and muscles need to be retreated every three to six months. The injection may make the area red and there may also be some bruising. It costs around $400 per site (a pair of crow’s-feet constitutes one site, worry lines another). The results last for three to six months.