Super Intensive Moisturizer

Professional Review

It’s that time of the year (no, I’m not talking about the holidays) when we notice our old products just aren’t packing the same punch that they used to. Our skin is feeling tight and dry and just looking a little dull. If this sounds like you, MDSUN Super Intensive Moisturizer may be what you need to retain your summer glow well into January. It contains high concentrations of some powerful ingredients like 10% panthenol, 7% gluconolactone, 7% niacinamide, and my favorite, 7% sodium hyaluronate.

It also contains other exciting ingredients that make MDSUN Super Intensive Moisturizer a stand-out product.

Allantoin

Allantoin is a natural chemical compound that is produced by many organisms, including animals, bacteria, and plants. For instance, it can be found in botanical extracts of the comfrey plant as well as in urine from cows and other mammals. Allantoin can also be chemically synthesized. Chemically synthesize bulk allantoin is reportedly identical to natural allantoin, and is therefore considered safe and non-toxic (Examiner).

Allantoin works to soothe inflamed skin, as well as red, flaky patches of skin. Allantoin was noted to reduce hypertrophic scarring as a part of a therapeutic gel in a peer-reviewed scientific study as well (Dermatologic Surgery, 2010).

Caviar Extract

Caviar isn’t just a luxury hors d’oeuvre anymore. This amino acid and omega-3 fatty acid-packed delicacy are included in MDSUN Super Intensive Moisturizer in part because of its anti-aging benefits (Cosmetics Design Europe). In a double-blind study done by Aqua Bio Tech ASA on its Aquabeautine XL®, 32 women between the ages of 40 and 65 saw improvement in wrinkles, fine lines, roughness, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and sagging compared to baseline after 12 weeks (Aqua Bio Technologies ASA).

Epigallocatechin Gallate

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) has been shown to have remarkable preventive effects against photocarcinogenesis and phototoxicity. In a 2001 study in the journal Carcinogenesis, topical application of EGCG to human skin resulted in decreased oxidative stress and an increase in antioxidant enzymes after UV irradiation. Specifically, catalase and glutathione activity were increased due to the application of EGCG. A further 2003 study in Molecular Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention found that the polyphenols in green tea prevent UVB-induced oxidation of lipids and proteins and prevents against the depletion in antioxidant enzymes experienced after UVB exposure in mouse skin.

Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract

Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract has been found to act as an anti-inflammatory agent and alleviate some of the dryness and itching that is seen on dried scalp skin (Skin Pharmacology and Physiology). While these extracts’ anti-inflammatory properties certainly can help to alleviate irritation and erythema, it is also important to note that by mediating the skin’s inflammatory response, these extracts are also likely to minimize the appearance of pores, as inflammation commonly enlarges the pores.

Gluconolactone

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) with multiple hydroxyl groups. They represent a new generation of hydroxy acids (HAs) because they give similar results as AHAs, without the irritation that usually comes hand-in-hand. Furthermore, PHAs like gluconolactone (GUL) provide additional hydration due to the additional hydroxyl groups, which can attract more water as humectants. I also find it exciting that gluconolactone has been shown to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide (BP) at reducing acne lesions, without the irritation! That’s great because if you can avoid BP, which operates by generating ROS and ages the skin prematurely, you can deal with acne without hurting your skin.

Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract

Ginkgo Biloba acts primarily by taking down inflammation in the skin. Cyclooxygenases are enzymes that are associated with inflammatory pathways. A study in Planta Medica found that Ginkgo Biloba substantially takes down cyclooxygenase activity, and helps reduce inflammation in vivo (in human skin) as well. It has also been suggested Ginkgo may increase the proliferation of skin’s fibroblasts, presumably resulting in faster and more dense collagen production. In one study, six of the flavonoids found in Ginkgo Biloba — quercetin, kaempfe-rol, sciadopitysin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin — were all found to significantly impact fibroblast activity (Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 1997).

Phospholipids

Phospholipids attract water from the surrounding air and hold water where an increased level of hydration is needed. They are also occlusive agents, so they hold water in and prevent it from leaving the skin. Phospholipids have been shown in studies to have the same function when they are produced by the skin as when they are topically applied. Several studies have demonstrated the value of phospholipids in skin care – it is found that environmental factors (sun, wind, pollution) and the detergents and solvents found in many non-natural skin cleansers, actually stripped the natural phospholipid content from the top layer of skin. This loss resulted in a rough feel and a pitted appearance under a microscope. Remarkably, the study showed that topically applied plant phospholipids restore the barrier function of the skin, protecting it from substances such as bacteria and harmful chemicals. Natural phospholipids contain relatively high amounts of linoleic acid, which play an important role in the human skin’s own synthesis of Ceramide 1, a lipid that is important for intact barrier function. As a result, skin care products can leave the skin soft, hydrated, and protected.

Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan helps out the skin with an assortment of compounds, including 60-64% polysaccharides, lipids, enzymes, saponins, prostaglandin synthetic inhibitors, vitamins, and flavonoids (Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008). It has been shown to penetrate the skin deeply to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines over time.

Bottom Line

If your skin is feeling tight and dry I highly recommend giving MDSUN Super Intensive Moisturizer a try!