Comprehensive Wrinkle Cream
Derm Exclusive lives up to its claim of only using clinically-proven ingredients. It appears to be a high quality product, although many people did not notice results from using it.
- Ingredient Quality
- Safety
- Negative Side Effects
- Value
Derm Exclusive is a skincare product collection designed to replace expensive surgeries and in-house doctor procedures. This product supposedly matches the results of Botox, microdermabrasion, and photo-facial treatments without ever making you leave your bathroom.
Derm Exclusive comes highly recommended by Californian plastic surgeon Andrew Ordon and actress Minnie Driver. There is a plethora of infomercials and advertisements claiming to have scientific research behind each ingredient.
I wanted to test the validity of the claims, so I researched the active ingredients found in Derm Exclusive.
Ingredient Details
The Derm Exclusive skin routine consists of 4 products designed to build on each other to achieve maximum results. Because each product has its own lengthy ingredient list, I decided to only list the top active ingredients in each product:
Micro Peel Resurfacing Pads
Salicyclic Acid is used to perform superficial chemical peels and treat photo-damaged skin. A study lead by D. Kligman and A.M. Kligman proves salicyclic acid is successful at fading pigment and age spots, decreasing skin roughness, and reducing fine lines.[1]
Glycolic Acid is used to treat melasma patients. Melasma describes dark brown facial spots caused by sun damage. Glycolic acid is also proven effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun exposure.[2]
Galactoarabinan is a polysaccharide that reduces trans-epidermal water loss, helping skin stay hydrated. It also an exfoliant that works best when used with another exfoliation tool such as the Resurfacing Pads.[3]
Galactoarabinan stimulates cell renewal and increases natural cell turnover rate. When skin is exfoliated, old skin layers fall away to reveal strong, new cells underneath. It boosts skin’s natural rejuvenation abilities.[3]
Intensive Repair Serum
Tocopheryl Acetate is a dry form of vitamin E used in many skincare products. Vitamin E is essential for youthful skin and postponing signs of aging.[4]
Studies show “topical administration of a-tocopherol protects cutaneous tissues against oxidative damage induced by UV radiation.”[5]
Lactic Acid is commonly used for improving skin quality. Clinical studies prove it enhances skin firmness and thickness, while making skin texture soft and smooth. It is also effective at diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.[6]
Collagen Lift
Teprenone is used to heal and reverse signs of aging. It detoxifies skin cells and removes harmful environmental free radicals. It reduces redness and sun spots and minimizes skin pore size. It also firms and tightens sagging skin.[7]
Diacetyl Boldine promotes the natural production of collagen. It firms and plumps skin and reverses crease muscle-memory that causes fine lines and wrinkles.[8]
Retinol is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin formation. It treats wounds, sunburns, cold sores, and eczema.[9]
Vitamin A is also effective for preventing acne breakouts. One study shows vitamin A prevents the formation of acne comedones and uproots existing ones.[10]
Fill & Freeze Wrinkle Treatment
Adipic Acid is an amino acid found naturally in skin collagen. Adipic acid content increases until maturity, and then decreases with age. Applying adipic acid topically promotes collagen production and strengthens skin’s elasticity. It is effective for reversing signs of aging.[11]
Ascorbic Acid is another name for vitamin C. One study found vitamin C protects against sun damage and heals existing damage, such as redness or spotting. It also significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles, especially forehead “furrow” lines. In addition, it repairs elastic skin tissue, resulting in tighter, firmer skin.[12]
Citric Acid is used to improve the appearance of photo-damaged skin. It strengthens skin keratin. This results in thicker, plumper skin.[13]
Derm Exclusive Daily Regimen
Dr. Andrew Ordon, the plastic surgeon who helped develop Derm Exclusive, offers specific guidelines for use.
Step 1: Micro Peel Resurfacing Pads – Begin with a freshly-washed face. Take one Resurfacing Pad and begin to gently buffer facial skin by moving the pad in small circular motions using very light pressure.
Using too much pressure is harsh on skin and can result in temporary damage. Buffer all areas of the face, avoiding delicate skin such as underneath eyes and the corners of the mouth. This step is only repeated 2-3 times per week. On days off, begin the regimen with Step 2.
Step 2: Intensive Repair Serum – This is applied every morning when you wake up and every night before bed. Apply two pumps of serum and gently rub it into facial skin until completely dry. Avoid the eye area.
Step 3: Collagen Lift – This cream was designed as a facial lotion and an eye cream. Apply a dime-sized amount to the face, starting from the eyes and working your way out. Make sure to cover lower and upper eyelids. This cream should not irritate eyes. Use the Collagen Lift once every day.
Step 4: Fill-N-Freeze – Is meant to be worn either over or under makeup. For application under makeup, take the pen brush and gently paint a small amount of serum into trouble areas such as “crow’s feet” and “smile lines”.
To apply over makeup, apply a tiny amount to the back of your hand and then dab the formula onto affected areas. This can be applied to any wrinkles or crease marks.
Although Dr. Ordon claims you can see the Fill-N-Freeze working after only 4 minutes, it may take up to one month of continued use to see noticeable results.
Collection Options
Derm Exclusive can be purchased in one of three collections from BeachBody.com.
You can choose from the Introductory Collection, the Advanced Collection, and the Ultimate Collection.
Introductory Collection – 30 day supply (one payment of $39.95 + $6.95 S&H)
• Resurfacing Pads (15 pads)
• Repair Serum (1 fl. Oz.)
• Collagen Lift (1 fl. Oz.)
• Fill-N-Freeze (0.04 fl. Oz)
The Introductory Collection features a 30 day money-back guarantee and includes a bonus Fill-N-Freeze pen.
Advanced Collection – 90 day supply (three payments of $39.95 + free shipping)
• Resurfacing Pads (45 pads)
• Repair Serum (2 fl. Oz.)
• Collagen Lift (2 fl. Oz.)
• Fill-N-Freeze (0.12 fl. Oz)
The Advanced Collection features a 90 day money-back guarantee and comes with a bonus Fill-N-Freeze pen as well as a complimentary travel bag.
Ultimate Collection – 90 day supply (three payments of $54.85 + free Shipping)
• Resurfacing Pads (45 pads)
• Repair Serum (2 fl. Oz.)
• Collagen Lift (2 fl. Oz.)
• Fill-N-Freeze (0.12 fl. Oz)
• Facial Cleanser (6 fl. Oz.)
• Age Defense Moisturizer SPF 30 (1 fl. Oz.)
• Volume Lip Therapy SPF 15 (0.33 fl. Oz.)
The Ultimate Collection is backed by a 90 day money-back guarantee and includes a bonus Fill-N-Freeze and travel bag.
When you order a collection, you are entered into the Beauty Circle Club. This means you will be billed and delivered a fresh supply at the end of every supply period. You can cancel this service at any time by calling Beach Body’s customer service at 1(866) 482-6401.
People Who Bought Derm Exclusive
Both men and women have seen noticeable results after using Derm Exclusive.
“I was skeptical because I have acne prone skin, but I figured I’d try the product for the trial period. I was pleasantly surprised! The serum, collagen, fill and freeze, and peel make my skin feel great. The skin under my eyes were starting to become wrinkled and dry due to the cold winter and over this summer, they have improved an impressive amount. I am pleased with the product.” – Rid, BeachBody.com
Some people experienced a reduction in facial scars after using Derm Exclusive for at least one month.
“I just completed my first 30 days using Derm Exclusive, and honestly it is the first product that has made such a huge different in the clarity of my skin. It clears up redness and discoloration, as well as erasing any acne scars I’ve had.” – Rachel Wallace, YouTube.com
Customers reported some technical issues with certain Derm Exclusive products.
“I have to say that the cream and serum are ok, but the pads for exfoliating were very dry and didn’t work. The serum also was very irritating to my eyes and made my eyes water even when I was very careful to not get too close to the corners of my eyes. This is also difficult since the crowsfeet area is one that I was trying to treat. The biggest issue I have with the products is the fill and freeze pens. I received 2 of them and the first one I opened didn’t work at all. It was either clogged or empty. The second one worked the first time I used it then quit working at all. Also when I did use the second one it didn’t reduce the wrinkles around my eyes as shown on the infomercial.” – Neshama B., Amazon.com
A few customers found results were not fast enough to merit continuing the payment plan.
“Although I did not see any significant results during the first month, I am sure that if I kept using the product I would. I am just not able to afford to keep up this regimen.” – Charlene, Amazon.com
Is It A Good Idea?
Derm Exclusive lives up to its claim of only using clinically-proven ingredients. It appears to be a high quality product, although many people did not notice results from using it.
If you are interested in Derm Exclusive, order the Introductory Collection and give yourself a chance to test the product. If you don’t like it, call customer service and cancel your subscription.
Some people may be inclined to buy Derm Exclusive from third parties such as Amazon for the purpose of avoiding monthly subscription. However, buying straight from BeachBody.com ensures you are protected by a guarantee. This way, you can return the product and avoid any losses if you decide Derm Exclusive isn’t for you.
References
[1] Kligman D. and Kligman A.M. “Salicylic acid peels for the treatment of photoaging.” Dermatologic Surgery: Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. [1998, 24(3):325-328] Available from: http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/9537006
[2] Joyce Teng EE Lim MBBS, FRCPI, FAMS, Siew Nee Tham MBBS, MMED, FAMS. “Glycolic Acid Peels in the Treatment of Melasma among Asian Women.” Dermatologic Surgery. Volume 23, Issue 3, pages 177-179, March 1997. Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1524-4725.1997.tb00016.x/abstract
[3] Angela M. Sangirardi. “Galactoarabinan as a Multi-Functional Enhancer.” Personal Care. May 2007 pages 59-63. Available from: http://www.laserson.com/Portals/0/Revue_presse/Laracare_PC_Asia_Mai_2007.pdf
[4] “Vitamin E.” WebMD.com. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-954-vitamin+E.aspx?activeIngredientId=954&activeIngredientName=vitamin+E&source=1
[5] Lopez-Torres, Thiele, Shindo, Han, Packer. “Topical application of a-tocopherol modulates the antioxidant network and diminishes ultraviolet-induced oxidative damage in murine skin.” British Journal of Dermatology. Volume 138, Issue 2, pages 207-215, February 1998. Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2133.1998.02062.x/abstract?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false
[6] Walter P. Smith. “Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Volume 35, Issue 3, Part 1, pages 388-391, September 1996. Available from: http://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(96)90602-7/abstract
[7] Karl Lintner and Claire Mas Chamberlin. “United States Patent Application Publication.” Available from: http://www.google.com/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPATAPP11920322&id=AkbUAAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=Teprenone+topical&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=Teprenone%20topical&f=false
[8] Flemming, Kjaergaard, Christensen. “Composition for the cosmetic treatment of age-related dermatological symptoms.” Patent Application. Available from: http://www.google.com/patents/WO2005041854A2
[9] “Vitamin A.” WebMD.com. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-964-vitamin+A.aspx?activeIngredientId=964&activeIngredientName=vitamin+A&source=1
[10] Albert M. Kilgman, M.D. PhD., James E. Fulton Jr., M.D., Gerd Plewig, MD. “Topical Vitamin A Acid in Acne Vulgaris.” Arch Dermatol. 1969;99(4):469-476. Available from: https://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=530928
[11] A.J. Bailey, M. Helena Ranta, A.C. Nicholis, S.M. Partridge, D.F. Elsden. “Isolation of a-amino adipic acid from mature dermal collagen and elastin. Evidence for an oxidative pathway in the maturation of collagen and elastin.” Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.” Volume 78, Issue 4, 24 October 1977, Pages 1403-1410. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0006291X77914486
[12] Philippe G. Humbert, Marek Haftek, Pierre Creidi, Charles Lapiere, Betty Nusgens, Alain Richard, Daniel Schmitt, Andre Rougier, Hassan Zahouani. “Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: double-blind study vs. placebo.” Experimental Dermatology. Volume 12, Issue 3, pages 237-244, June 2003. Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1034/j.1600-0625.2003.00008.x/abstract?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false
[13] Eric F. Bernstein MD, Charles B. Underbill MD, Jouni Lakkakorpi MD, Cherie M. Ditre MD, Jouni Uitto MD, PhD, Ruey J. Yu PhD, OMD, Eugene Van Scott MD. “Citric Acid Increases Viable Epidermal Thickness and Glycosaminolglycan Content of Sundamaged Skin.” Dermatologic Surgery. Volume 23, Issue 8, pages 689-694, August 1997. Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1524-4725.1997.tb00391.x/abstract
