4 Steps to Skincare Heaven

By: Marie Elizabeth Briden
Created on 11th August 2010

NeoStrata has been at the forefront of skincare since the discovery of AHAs. Dr Marie Elizabeth Briden, of The Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Institute, leads you through the breakthroughs that have led to their new wonder product – Sheer Hydration

First generation

Alpha Hydroxyacids or AHAs were discovered in the late 1960s when Drs Van Scott and Yu were researching ichthyosis – a particularly unpleasant, genetic skin disease – and were looking for something that was naturally occurring and gentle on the skin but also effective at clearing away plaques.

AHAs have since become the buzzword in cosmeceuticals and, in 1988, after witnessing the impact of their discovery, the doctors decided to launch their own pharmaceutical grade skincare containing AHAs: NeoStrata. But the discoveries didn’t stop there.

Second generation

Poly Hydroxyacids – these are actually multiple hydroxyacids that are strung together – provide enhanced hydration because each molecule binds water in the skin but its larger size means that it penetrates the skin much more slowly so you don’t get the stinging or irritation that sometimes occurs with products that contain AHAs.

Poly Hydroxyacids provide all the same benefits of AHAs but are suitable for more sensitive skins or those suffering from difficult skin conditions.

Third generation

Lactic bionic acids or bionic acids as they are called are larger molecules that are formed when you combine glactose with the PHAs. These are more moisturising and have a potent anti-oxidant that inhibits the process that degrades collagen.

So you have all the benefits of AHAs and PHAs – increasing collagen and elasticity, normalising of the epidermis, increased hydration – and also additional healing benefits so they are ideal for use post-treatment or on patients with eczema or rosacea.

Fourth generation

NeoStrata‘s new uber-product Sheer Hydration is the culmination of decades of cutting-edge science, as it takes all the wonderful properties of earlier discoveries and adds NeoGlucosamine.

A naturally-occurring component of hylauronic acid that has revolutionised the aesthetics industry, NeoGlucosamine helps build the skin’s matrix and has a firming action.

Combined with AHAs and PHAs, Sheer Hydration increases exfoliation and cell renewal, and also contains sun screen and botanicals for oil control, so great for those suffering from acne or problem skin.

All-year round product

Sheer Hydration works for you all year round. Containing botanicals which help with oil control, it is a great product in hot weather, but the hydrating properties mean it works just as hard in cold, harsh weather.