A recent study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology has highlighted a six-step skincare regimen that improves signs of photoaging.
This skincare regimen, called Essential Six (RATIONALE), includes a set of “protection products” and “repair products.” This “wish-list” of ingredients was found to improve the appearance of extrinsically aged skin in Caucasian subjects.
What is referred to as the “protection products” include a serum made up of niacinamide, vitamin C, and other botanical extracts, a light crème with skin-identical antioxidants; and a tinted serum SPF 50+ with zinc oxide as the active ingredient. This is applied in the mornings.
The “repair products”, which are applied in the evenings, include a cleanser with ceramides, triglycerides and cholesterol; another serum with alpha and beta hydroxy acids; and a night crème containing DNA repair enzymes, retinaldehyde and retinol.
According to Patricia K. Farris, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine, “This is a well curated skincare regimen containing a wish list of skin beneficial ingredients.” She notes that during the study, “Improvement in overall appearance was seen as early as 2 weeks while other parameters of skin aging improved significantly over the course of the 12-week study.”
The study, which included a total of 30 men and women between the ages of 35 to 65 years with signs of mild-to-moderate photoaging applied this skincare regimen daily for 12 weeks. Results showed that all signs of photoaging, except for deep-set wrinkles, were seen to steadily improve over the 12-week period. Additionally, firmness, clarity/even skin tone and overall appearance also improved by the end of the study.
