SILVER: A NATURAL ANTIMICROBIAL

SILVER: A NATURAL ANTIMICROBIAL

The antimicrobial properties of silver have been known for centuries. People in ancient Phonecia stored water in silver coated bottles. Silver was commonly used in treatments of wounds during World War I. Silver dollars were put in milk bottles to keep milk fresh. Water tanks of ships are silver coated to render water potable for months.

When antibiotics were discovered, the use of silver as a bactericidal agent decreased. However, antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria have increasingly emerged. There have been similar concerns raised against Triclosan, a widely used antimicrobial agent in skin care products. These developments generated renewed interest in silver, now considered an exciting safe alternative with a great deal of relevance in pharmaceutical and skin care formulations. 

A German company, BioEpiderm, has developed a complex process of manufacturing silver powder with highly porous, sponge-like structure. This 99.9% pure metallic silver is ECOCERT registered, and meets ecological standards for natural bio-cosmetics.  

DERMAX DEOWHITE deodorant
contains silver antimicrobial active. 

The fine silver powder can be used in creams, lotions, deodorants, and sprays for body care, hand and foot care and facial care, as well as in hair and scalp care preparations, and even oral care products such as mouthwash and toothpaste. Because there are no side effects, the active silver can also be used in child care formulations.

A product with this active releases silver ions slowly, with prolonged anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. This time-release feature helps destroy harmful bacteria continuously without affecting the skin’s natural flora. The skin is freed from the causes of irritation over an extended period. The result is a healthy and well-protected skin.

In a scientific study, a cream containing 0.1 percent of the active was tested on patients with atopic dermatitis. The skin returned to normal condition, redness disappeared and bothersome itching was significantly reduced.

SkinStation recently came out with DERMAX DEOWHITE, a natural deodorant with silver as the main deodorizing active. The silver worked well with other whitening actives in the formulation. With the success of the DERMAX DEOWHITE deodorant, more products containing the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritant silver are in the pipeline. 

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Skin Smart seeks to clarify facts and myths on skin care. This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on May 28, 2013. The author received the 2011 OutstandingChemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry.  The author is the CEO of SkinStation and can be reached at fred.reyes@skinstation.ph. 

HOW TO CONTROL AND PREVENT ACNE

How to Control and Prevent Acne

Many are still misguided into believing that acne is caused by poor hygiene, eating chocolate, French fries, and greasy food. Sexual overdrive is also mentioned as a culprit. Acne is not caused by anything you do. Acne occurs during your episodes of hormonal imbalance. It is triggered by a rise in androgen hormone, resulting in enlarged oil glands that pump more oil into the skin. The mixture of oil and dead skin cells can block pores, forming blackheads and whiteheads, which can deteriorate into acne breakouts.

AcneX Exfoliant Soap has nanoencapsulated
salicylic acid to keep pores unclogged. 

Keeping pores unclogged is the key to prevention of acne. Topical acne medications work by preventing whiteheads and blackheads from forming, and by breaking down comedones that have developed. You will find commonly used active ingredients such as resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur. They exfoliate and peel off the dead top skin layer that causes pores to become clogged. These are in the form of soaps, gels, pads, and creams.

If you have severe acne, you should see a dermatologist. You may be prescribed topical and oral antibiotics, like erythromycin, to combat the growth of P. acnes bacteria and reduce inflammation. Topical retinoids like tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene are prescription actives that prevent whiteheads and blackheads from developing. 

When all else fails, isotretinoin, a strong oral retinoid may be given by the doctor. There are many side effects associated with the use of isotretinoin, which is why it is considered the medicine of last resort.  

Acne injection is a popular procedure among those who want to get rid of pimples fast for some important event. The dermatologist will inject a diluted corticosteroid to lower the inflammation and speed up healing. The cyst will “melt” within a few days. Acne injection will also reduce the risk of scarring from inflamed cystic acne.

Acnelight therapy is a novel approach to the treatment of acne. A machine which emits blue light is used to sterilize the skin, eliminating P. acnes bacteria. It is recommended that it be used in conjunction with traditional topical acne medications.

For your acne problem, SkinStation offers free doctor’s consultation, Acnelight therapy, acne injection, Anti-acne facial, and AcneX transparent cleansing bar with double encapsulated salicylic acid.

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Skin Smart seeks to clarify facts and myths on skin care. This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on May 14, 2013.  The author  received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry.  The author is the CEO of SkinStation and can be reached at fred.reyes@skinstation.ph.