At the forefront of cosmeceutical research and development, Vital Assist® has delivered tomorrow's technology today, through its Stimulysin® Lifts.  The Stimulysin® C Lift contains a proprietary Vitamin C, and utilizes a patented delivery system to maximize skin cell turnover rates, with minimal chance of irritation.  For more information, please call 800.366.7067, or email info@AdvancedSkincareDist.com.  See the article below for more on topical vitamin C.

"The effects of topical vitamin C on the skin BY FIRAS AL-NIAIMI / POSTED IN DERMATOLOGY ON JANUARY 20, 2016

Firas Al-Niaimi reviews the evidence surrounding the mechanisms of action, applications, and future use of topical formulations of vitamin C….

Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in human skin1. The importance of vitamin C for our health was signified in 1937 by Dr Albert von Szent-Györgyi who won the Nobel prize for discovering vitamin C deficiency as the main cause of scurvy2. Unlike plants and some animals, humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C due to the absence of an enzyme called L-glucono-gamma lactone oxidase. Therefore, we rely entirely on oral supplementation either in the form of tablets or diet (citrus fruit and green leafy vegetables), and topical application in the case of cosmeceuticals for the skin3. With increasing evidence of the protective effects of vitamin C and its derivatives on the skin, vitamin C has become a popular cosmeceutical agent.
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Biochemically, vitamin C has a 5-hydrocarbon ring similar to that of fructose4. When ingested in usual doses of up to 100 mg per day, complete absorption of vitamin C occurs in the distal small intestine. The plasma half-life is reported to be between 8–40 days. With higher levels of intake, more rapid renal excretion occurs and the half-life is thought to decrease markedly to about 30 minutes5. Absorption of oral vitamin C is limited by active transport mechanism and despite high doses of oral supplementation, only a small fraction of it will eventually be biologically available and active in the skin. Hence, for any discernible role of its actions in the skin, vitamin C needs to be supplied topically2."        ​continue reading here.

What makes this product a winner?

• pH neutral
• up regulates/stimulates defensins
• contains anti-microbial properties
• acts as an anti-inflammatory
• promotes healthy epidermis development
• visibly reduces pores
• helps fight acne
• contains antioxidants
• protects and moisturizes skin
• contains a proprietary probiotic and peptide complex
• removes makeup and impurities without stripping away natural oils

Part 3 - GF Crosstalk Technology™

Stimulates interaction between the epidermis and dermis via bioactive ingredients to increase the proliferation process, but not the inflammatory response, to mimic the actions of more youthful skin.  This technology is exclusive to Vital Assist® STIMULYSIN®.  ​See the Vital Assist® Resources section of this website for more information.

Part Two - SERT:  Selective Enzyme Release Technology®

The release of targeted bioactive ingredients over time, allowing maximum stimulation with minimal chance of irritation.  The molecules are delivered in an inactive form, which slowly releases into the skin, then activates once absorbed.  This technology is exclusive to Vital Assist® STIMULYSIN® .  See the Vital Assist® Resources section of this website for more information.

Part One - Interval Treatment Technology®

An intense, bioactive workout for the skin, which utilizes action periods and rest periods at one week intervals.  This allows for maximum renewal, differentiation, and repair.  Incorporating a dual-system approach utilizing oil-soluble and water-soluble actives, allowing the highest levels of actives to be used.  This technology is exclusive to Vital Assist® STIMULYSIN®  See the Vital Assist® Resources section of this website for more information.

The following excerpt from an article, by Katerina Steventon, Ph. D., offers great insight to the role enzymes play in exfoliation.

I am a skin scientist and beauty therapist, and my approach to skin care has always been evidence-based, yet natural. I believe that effective results can be achieved using a subtle approach. This includes monitoring an individual’s progress over time and should take the following factors into consider­ation: age, skin type and concerns, seasonal and hormonal changes, health, lifestyle and budget, and skin care application techniques. Correct skin type diagnosis is the first step toward achieving the results for client. I respect the powers of plant materials in skin care and their benefits to skin, recommending organic and natural skin care where appropriate.
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Enzymatic exfoliation is a plant active based therapy. Enzymes have a proteolytic effect and induce superficial exfoliation on the cells of the stratum corneum. Enzymatic exfoliation has seen a slight decline lately, but it has a place, in particular for those skin types where mechanical and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliation is too strong.

Exfoliation and Enzymes

While the skin naturally sheds superficial skin cells (corneoc­ytes), this shedding process slows down with age, and an irregular build-up leads to patches of dull skin and an uneven complexion.

Most clients are familiar with mechanical exfoliation from scrubs like oatmeal, coffee, polyethylene or jojoba beads in addition to chemical exfoliation from AHAs like lactic, glycolic and azelaic acid. Few, however, are aware of enzymatic exfoliators, which are particularly beneficial for resilient oily and mature skin types. While mechanical exfoliators physically remove dead skin cells, chemical and enzymatic exfoliators work on the bonds, which hold the skin together. Exfoliating enzymes remove the dry superficial, dull skin cells (corneocytes) by digesting the proteins of the stratum corneum into smaller fragments, preventing a build-up.

Enzymes can work more gently than AHA in breaking down the bonds, which hold shedding skin cells together and accelerate the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This is because they are activated by water and not pH and they are limited in the exfoliation they can achieve. They can prevent the increased keratinization around follicles, which block sebum flow and create blackheads in acne. 

See the article in its entirety here.

Advanced Skincare has been approved as a Cosmetology Continuing Education Provider by the State of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Stay tuned for information regarding upcoming CE courses!

1. Is this product right for me?
 
Yes! This product appeals to women, men and teens. Unless you are allergic to Vitamin C or you have *ultra-sensitive skin, you can enjoy the benefits of using it. It is perfect for all skin types and specifically treats skin that is congested, thickened, sun damaged, aging, has uneven pigmentation, or has a dull cast to it.
 
*If you have sensitive skin, mix together 1 part Vitamin C Micro Scrub™ and 2 parts Activator before application.
 
2. How often should I use this treatment?
 
For most people, using it up to 2 or 3 times a week is enough. Using it more frequently for the first 3 to 4 weeks will help break through the layer of encrusted skin that may have built up over time. For rough patches on the body, it can be used every day.  Many people use it not only on their faces, but on their hands, elbows, and the heels and soles of their feet.
 
3.  Why don’t I feel the warm, foaming action?
       
Most people don’t use enough of the Activator. The Activator is what gives you the “peel”, dissolves the crystals, and causes the warm, foaming action. For the face and neck area use approximately  ½ a teaspoon of the Vitamin C Micro Scrub and 1 teaspoon of the Activator. Always use twice as much Activator as you do Scrub.
 
4. What is Spirulina?
 
Spirulina is a micro-algae that contains high concentrations of phyto-nutrients, protein, beta-carotene, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. It is also a natural detoxifier and offers protection from pollution and environmental damage.
 
5. What are the purposes of Lactic Acid in the product?
 
Lactic Acid is a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid that is utilized because of its special ability to penetrate the skin and to “unglue” the bonds between dead, dull, and/or thickened surface skin cells. This promotes cell turnover, bringing healthy, fresh new cells to the surface.   Additionally, Lactic Acid is excellent for unclogging congested pores, softening dry and thickened skin, and overall improving skin texture and color.
 
6.  What benefits will I get from the Vitamin C in the Micro Scrub?
 
The use of Vitamin C provides many benefits. It suppresses pigmentation which commonly appears in excess in the form of age spots, pregnancy mask, blotchiness, and freckles. Just as importantly, Vitamin C offers anti-oxidant protection against damaging free-radicals, pollution, and environmental factors.  Most notably, Vitamin C stimulates collagen and elastin production for better tone and texture of the skin which helps create more youthful looking skin.