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SkinGenesis Jargon Buster

Squeezing the Jargon on the Tube!

If you’ve taken part in our poll and are wondering what the true meaning of these terms is, then here is the SkinGenesis quick guide to marketing pseudo-science in the skin care products industry!

Penta-Peptide

A compound containing 5 amino acid molecules linked by peptide bonds. Amino acids are organic molecules that are the building blocks of protein and essential to human life. Peptides could be regarded as smaller protein molecules. By convention a protein is made up of one or more poly-peptides containing at least 50 amino acids. The body is capable of synthesising some amino acids but not others. The amino acids that the body cannot synthesise must be obtained from the diet (proteins) and are called essential amino acids. Synthesised peptides can mimic peptides that occur naturally in the skin and are specifically formulated to stimulate various skin functions. They are increasingly used to stimulate cell turnover and renewal as well as mimic other cosmetic interventions such as Botox.

Coenzyme Q10

A vitamin like substance (sometimes called ubiquinone) that helps stabilise cell membranes while bringing more oxygen into the cells and the mitochondria (the ‘power plant’ in cells). It facilitates healthy cell renewal and inhibits oxidisation. Good natural sources include red meat, oily fish and spinach.

Proxylane

(I think should be Pro-Xylane). Pro-Xylane is a derivative of xylose (wood sugar) produced by L’Oreal for its Skin Genesis (no connection with SkinGenesis Ltd) range of products. This product is known as DermaGenesis in the UK to avoid confusion with our clinics. L’Oreal’s publicity states that Pro-Xylane will replenish and tighten skin.

Marine Bio-peptides

It is hard to imagine a peptide that is not “bio”. This implies peptides derived from something in the sea, which could be anything from contaminated sea water off the Bay of Naples to the hearts of the endangered arrowtooth flounder. Worth avoiding if you have a shrimp allergy!

Pro retinol A

Pro retinol (there isn’t a ‘B’ or a ‘C’) is a form of vitamin A that has been formulated for topical application to the skin. It has proven characteristics of regulating cell growth and causing slight exfoliation. It is widely used as an anti-ageing ingredient and is particularly effective in treating sun damage, especially fine lines, coarse skin texture and unwanted pigmentation. It should be used with a certain amount of caution as it will cause the skin to be more sensitive to sunlight.

Pro Calcium

A form of calcium (hydroxyapatite) used by L’Oreal in its Re-Perfect range. The molecular size is small enough to be absorbed into the skin where it can supplement the calcium in the epidermis. Higher levels of calcium in the epidermis will stimulate skin renewal by increasing cell turnover. This process will have a rejuvenating effect. Research has linked premature skin ageing and skin cancer with low levels of calcium in the skin.

Poly Collagen Peptides

These refer to peptides designed to stimulate collagen production and renewal. The poly prefix implies there are many amino acids in the peptide.

Helping Women Avoid PMS Skin Problems

As national PMS Awareness Week approaches (08/09/08 – 14/09/08), SkinGenesis is focusing on the effects which the menstrual cycle can have on women’s skin.

To help women fully understand how much PMS can impact on the skin, we have devised the SkinGenesis essential guide to ‘Skin changes during the cycle’.

This unique guide looks into the four phases of the menstrual cycle and how they can affect the skin’s natural balance, while also offering simple help and advice on how to improve the health of your skin.

During the premenstrual phase, which lasts around 14 days, women’s bodies undergo a number of changes and it is throughout this time that the skin is at its most vulnerable. Skin cell membranes are at their weakest which can cause higher moisture loss, while varying levels of the body’s natural hormones and a higher skin bacteria count can lead to skin becoming more susceptible to spots and breakouts.

As result of these factors it is during the premenstrual phase that women should be the most selective when it comes to choosing good skincare. At a minimum, a low pH anti-inflammatory wash should be used to cleanse the skin. This will help to make the skin more acidic, reduce bacteria, strengthen the cell walls as well as helping to retain natural moisture.

To read more about PMS and your skin read our essential guide ‘Skin Changes during the Menstrual Cycle’.

First Ever Beauty Creams Amnesty!

As part of our campaign for better skin we have launched the first ever Beauty Creams Amnesty. “What is a Beauty Cream Amnesty?” I hear you say.

As you know, at SkinGenesis we are constantly looking at new ways to improve your skin and we have had a major breakthrough! Last month we launched our Expert Skin Analysis service which gives the most in depth view of your skin ever.

A major part of understanding your skin and selecting the right treatments is knowing the acidity (pH) of your skin, but not just your skin. The pH of the products you apply to your skin is also important.

The majority of over-the-counter anti-ageing creams have an alkaline pH of 7 or above. However, the skin’s pH should be acidic and the sustained use of alkaline products which break down the skin’s natural acidity can lead to weaker, ageing skin.

So this month, we are offering you the chance to bring in your lotions and potions and have them tested along with your skin to see if they are right for you.

In return for surrendering your creams, we will devise a bespoke skincare plan for you, as well as offering 10% off our entire product range during September.

For more about the Beauty Cream Amnesty including what our Director of Treatments, Peter Beard has to say about it, see our press release .

SkinGenesis BBQ 2008

This year the gods smiled on us - no rain!

Investors in People - The Results!

I am very pleased to be able to tell you that we have retained our Investors in People accreditation following a recent in-depth review. Our (third party) assessor wrote the following Executive Summary and Assessment Decision:

"Having conducted the review of SkinGenesis Ltd., I am convinced that they meet the requirements of the Investor in People Standard, and therefore, I confirm that they will continue to be recognised as an Investor in People.

SkinGenesis is a company that works to high professional standards, and is inspected regularly by the Healthcare Commission. These high standards are reflected in the quality of the training and development and management support that is offered to staff. I was delighted to see that the company has made excellent progress over the past three years in consolidating the management approach, as well as achieving business goals.“ June 2008.

We have always put training, development and support at the centre of our culture as this can only be to the benefit of our clients, and the company in general. We believe we have the best trained skin specialists in the industry and this report endorses that view.

The Investors in People '10 Indicators' require clear evidence of:

   1. A strategy for improving the performance of the organisation is clearly defined and understood
   2. Learning and development is planned to achieve the organisation's objectives
   3. Strategies for managing people are designed to promote equality of opportunity in the development of the organisation's people.
   4. The capabilities managers need to lead, manage and develop people effectively are clearly defined and understood.
   5. Managers are effective in leading, managing and developing people.
   6. People's contribution to the organisation is recognised and valued.
   7. People are encouraged to take ownership and responsibility by being involved in decision-making.
   8. People learn and develop effectively
   9. Investment in people improves the performance of the organisation.
10. Improvements are continually made to the way people are managed and developed.