At the recent Pastiche – USA Symposium held in Las Vegas I was privileged to be part of discussions pertaining to hormonal mediated skin conditions.

Those who were there would have heard me speak about hormonal mediated acne, and within the lecture there were hints about what to look for in cosmetic chemistry that can address this skin disorder.

While I did discuss some other ingredients, I just mentioned zinc as a possible contributor. Dermaviduals® Zinc Liposome Serum was unavailable at that time, but now it is here, and I have to share why this should be in your dispensary if you plan to treat acne.

The trace element zinc is essential for the survival and function of all cells. The effects of zinc deficiency are particularly obvious in the skin, seen as an erythematous rash, scaly plaques and ulcers. Observations in clinical studies account for many of the features of zinc deficiency, including the presence of degenerate nuclei, chromatin aggregates and abnormal organization of keratin (immature corneocyte compaction) that may contribute to the development of problematic skin. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/)

Zinc is a constituent of many enzymes, particularly of dehydrogenases and some peptidases.
People who suffer from acne often show low zinc levels. Zinc is an essential trace element that plays an important role in metabolism and the proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc presumably influences the hormone metabolism. The product intensively supports the regeneration of the skin, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is used for prevention and care of blemished skin.

About the hormones related to acne:
Hormones such as Androgens, Dehyroepiandrosterone (DHA), Androstenedione (DHEA), and Testosterone are responsible for all cellular actions. The sebocyte and keratinocyte cells are the two cells that play a major role in a problem skin.

These androgens are responsible for the masculine qualities that develop; acne, hair loss, hirsutism (eccess facial hair) as well as an increase in both facial and body hair. The pilosebaceous duct keratinocytes have a presence of androgen receptors, thus suggesting that androgens may influence the pilocebacious duct keratinization, which can contribute to the problematic skin of teens. (Beautymag Online)

DHT is the major nuclear androgen ultimately responsible for the increased sebum production by the sebaceous gland in hormonal mediated acne. More efficient conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the sebaceous gland occurs as a result of locally enhanced ‘Type 1’ 5a-reductase activity and is a cause of hormonal mediated acne. (Beautymag Online)

The hormonal story is a complex one, and the main key to consider is that the ‘Type 1’ 5a-reductase enzyme enhances the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
What we can do, is come in at this enzyme level and inhibit the enzyme 5a-reductase.

Dermaviduals have products that do exactly this and it is a very effective treatment option for Hormonal Mediated Acne.

No enzyme means testosterone is not converted to DHT, which means there is no acne!

If you are ready to bring Dermaviduals® into your business e-mail info@dermalsystesms.com, and we will send you more information.

Make sure you join us at the Esthetique Spa Show in Vancouver, on February 15, to learn more about Hormonal Mediated Acne in our class. More information to follow on this in the coming months.

Dermal Systems is also proud to host Florence Barrett-Hill from 8-11 February 2014 for the 4 Day Advanced Skin Analysis! More details and how to register will follow soon, so keep following us!