RESVERATROL

A naturally-occurring polyphenol from the skin of grapes, certain berries, peanuts, and some plants, resveratrol has been the subject of a huge research effort in recent years.

Studies have shown that it works in multiple pathways to produce protective and anti-inflammatory effects when applied to skin, especially against sun-induced damage.

And since sun exposure is responsible for most of the signs of skin ageing, this antioxidant is a valuable addition to many of our formulas.

AZELAIC ACID

A naturally-occurring acid derived from rye, wheat and barley (although typically made in a lab from vegetable oils to ensure its purity and safety), azelaic acid acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and depigmenting agent.

The anti-inflammatory action of azelaic acid, combined with its antibacterial and pore unblocking functions, makes it a great treatment for mild-moderate acne, especially when combined with a prescription retinoid. This variety of actions make azelaic acid a useful topical treatment for rosacea, acne, melasma and hyperpigmentation (and a Qr8 MediSkin fave!), and safe to use in pregnancy.

HYDROCORTISONE

A tried and true corticosteroid, hydrocortisone does double duty when it comes to treating melasma – decreasing irritation caused by other actives and superpowering the depigmenting effect of tretinoin and hydroquinone.

And contrary to popular belief, hydrocortisone is safe when used for topically for short periods and under medical supervision. Read more about the safety of topical steroids HERE.

*Not pregnancy & breastfeeding safe

HYDROQUINONE

Hydroquinone is the gold standard treatment for pigmentation (especially melasma) when delivered under medical care. It inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme which is responsible for melanin production.

Due to its extreme effectiveness in reducing pigmentation, it has a chequered history of being abused and sold illegally at high concentrations, leading to it being regulated as a prescription in many countries. At Qr8 MediSkin we only use Hydroquinone within the safest concentration range and always with the supervision and support of our medical team. Read more about Hydroquinone Safety HERE.

*Not pregnancy & breastfeeding safe

KOJIC ACID

Kojic Acid is an organic acid first isolated from the fungus Aspergillus orizae in 1907, and commonly used to preserve the natural colour of fresh foods. In skin terms, kojic acid is used topically for its depigmenting and antioxidant benefits. Like hydroquinone, kojic acid works by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme to prevent melanin synthesis.

It can be used as both an alternative and adjunct to hydroquinone treatment, especially in combination with other non-hydroquinone depigmenting ingredients such as Tranexamic Acid, Azelaic Acid and PAD.

ECTOIN

Ectoin, an amino acid discovered in bacteria that survive in extreme conditions (think volcanos and deserts!), is a powerful skincare ingredient that helps to protect cells from extreme environmental conditions.

Ectoin’s long-term moisturising effect, ability to reduce inflammation, and protection from environmental stressors like UV radiation, make it beneficial for sensitive, dry skin and conditions such as dermatitis.

At Qr8 MediSkin we are all about restoring and maintaining healthy, functioning skin which is why you will find Ectoin as a standard ingredient in our skin-supporting Barrier+ Base cream, and at additional concentrations in specific formulations for stressed or damaged skin.

NIACINAMIDE

Niacinamide (also called Vitamin B3) has anti-inflammatory, skin barrier lipid regulating, sebum-regulating, depigmenting, antimicrobial and photo-protective effects when applied topically.

It is very well tolerated – so well in fact that you will find it in many cosmetic products. Because it is such a great all-purpose ingredient for just about any skin, niacinamide features in all of our Qr8 MediSkin formulas alongside other skin supporting ingredients like Aloe Vera, Ectoin, Ceramides and Essential Fatty Acids.

METRONIDAZOLE

A topical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medication that is used to treat mild-moderate rosacea.

Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of this drug in treating rosacea and reducing facial redness.

*Not pregnancy & breastfeeding safe

TAZAROTENE

A third-generation topical vitamin A, Tazarotene produces similar effects to tretinoin.

It has a more selective action than tretinoin, only binding to specific skin cell retinoic acid receptors (RARs). In practical terms, this means that tazarotene decreases acne papules and open comedones (blackheads) at a more rapid rate than tretinoin.

*Not pregnancy & breastfeeding safe

TRANEXAMIC ACID

One of the newer players in the war against melasma, Tranexamic Acid is often used in combination with other topical agents to address multiple pigment-formation pathways.

You’ll find this in our Active and Prevent formulations to fade pigmentation, and manage pigment return after fading treatment.

*Our doctors do not prescribe oral Tranexamic Acid as it is not required with our topical formulations

TRETINOIN

Tretinoin is the bioactive form of topical vitamin A. It encourages and normalises skin cell turnover, breaks up pigmentation, increases collagen production and decreases collagen break down caused by skin enzymes called matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs).

Tretinoin also functions in depigmenting treatments by removing pigment granules from skin cells and inhibiting the melanin-producing enzyme, tyrosinase. It is often used in combination with hydroquinone and hydrocortisone to treat pigment and melasma.

In short, it is the holy grail of anti-ageing, and our all-time favourite Qr8 MediSkin ingredient!

*Not pregnancy & breastfeeding safe

BISABOLOL

Bisabolol (also called -bisabolol or levomenol) is a lipid-like substance, originally isolated from the oil of Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile).

It has anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties.

TACROLIMUS

Tacrolimus is a topical drug that inhibits production of a pro-inflammatory chemical in the body called calcineurin.

It is used to treat perioral dermatitis (instead of a topical steroid cream or in conjunction with an anti-inflammatory oral antibiotic) where it reduces inflammation and calms overactivity of the skin’s immune response.

4-T-BUTYLCYCLOHEXANOL

A high-tech soothing ingredient that has been shown in clinical studies to reduce skin stinging and burning.

You will find this in our perioral dermatitis emollient cream, where it is included to hydrate skin and protect the skin barrier to minimise perioral dermatitis flares caused by skin dryness.

PLANT STEROLS

These are oils derived from plant sources that promote skin barrier repair and wound healing. You will find these in our perioral dermatitis emollient cream, that can be used to hydrate skin and protect the skin barrier to minimise perioral dermatitis flares.

HYDROXYPHENYL PROPAMIDOBENZOIC ACID

Also called Symcalmin® or Oat Avenanthramides. Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid is a skin soothing, anti-itch, and anti-redness ingredient, originally extracted from oats. You will find this in our perioral dermatitis emollient cream, that can be used to hydrate skin and protect the skin barrier to minimise perioral dermatitis flares.

OXYMETAZOLINE

Oxymetazoline is an evidence-based medication for treating persistent facial redness associated with rosacea.

It works by activating α1-adrenergic receptors on blood vessels, tightening them both temporarily and in the long term to reduce redness.

This topical ingredient is available in our Calm Day Cream and significantly improves the appearance of persistent redness, offering better results than many other treatments. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the formation of papules and pustules in rosacea, further enhancing its efficacy in managing rosacea symptoms.

*Not pregnancy & breastfeeding safe

POTASSIUM AZELOYL DIGLYCINATE (PAD)

IVERMECTIN

MINOXIDIL

Minoxidil is a well-known hair growth treatment. Its hair-regrowth effects were discovered accidentally, leading to the development of topical formulations for hair loss.

Minoxidil promotes hair growth by stimulating hair follicles to enter and stay longer in the active growth phase. Clinical trials have shown significant increases in hair density and reductions in hair loss, making it a widely accepted and evidence-based treatment for hair loss, especially when combined with tretinoin.

*Not pregnancy & breastfeeding safe

BIMATOPROST

CHOLESTEROL

The primary function of our skin barrier is to do just that – form a ‘barrier’ to substances entering the body through our skin. When this breaks down, our skin feels dehydrated, irritated, red and itchy, and lines, wrinkles and pores become accentuated. You are also more prone to reactions.

Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of the lipids in our skin barrier, and is an essential component of the structures (‘lamellar bodies’ for the skin nerds) that house other pro-barrier skin lipids.

So whilst cholesterol might not be good for our arteries, it is definitely essential for healthy skin.

This is why you will find it in the Barrier+ bases that our pharmaceutical actives are added to – because protecting your skin barrier is our priority!

CERAMIDES

These are waxy substances that make up most (40-60%) of the oily ‘glue’ between the skin cells of our epidermis. Ceramides play a key role in making our skin barrier perform its ‘barrier’ function – regulating excessive water loss and passage of substances through the skin.

Topically applied ceramides (when combined with essential fatty acids and cholesterol such as in our Barrier+ base) can penetrate skin to supplement our own natural ceramides, which decrease with age. They can improve skin barrier function, moisturise skin, and help provide long-lasting protection against water loss, even when used at very low concentrations.

DEXPANTHENOL

Yet another of our skin barrier-loving ingredients, dexpanthenol (the bioactive form of panthenol, also known as D-panthenol and Vitamin B5) has been shown in multiple studies to have moisturising and skin barrier enhancing properties. It can prevent skin irritation, promote wound healing and regenerate the epidermis.

Dexpanthenol is a very useful ingredient in treating dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin – which is why we included it in our Barrier+ base creams.

ECTOIN

Ectoin, an amino acid discovered in bacteria that survive in extreme conditions (think volcanos and deserts!), is a powerful skincare ingredient that helps to protect cells from extreme environmental conditions.

Ectoin’s long-term moisturising effects, ability to reduce inflammation, and protection from environmental stressors like UV radiation, make it beneficial for sensitive, dry skin to support it during use of prescription skincare ingredients that can cause initial dryness in the skin.

At Qr8 MediSkin we are all about restoring and maintaining healthy, functioning skin which is why you will find Ectoin as a standard ingredient in our skin-supporting Barrier+ Base cream.