Though there’s yet to be a topical product that can fully mimic neurotoxin injections, there are amazing breakthroughs happening in this lane of skin care. SkinCeuticals is on the forefront of this innovation with its brand-new peptide serum, P-TIOX (pronounced pee-tee-ox). Inspired by the effects of neurotoxin injections, its main goal is line smoothing, but it also does so much more. Here’s what makes this formula a must-have, especially if you’re a neurotoxin patient.
The Benefits of This Peptide Serum
Lines and wrinkles are part of the normal aging process, and I am certainly very grateful to age. But, that doesn’t mean I have to love the way they look on my face. As a mom of a toddler and a baby, I am constantly making silly faces and my forehead and glabella (11) lines have never looked more pronounced. A recent round of neurotoxin injections smoothed the lines and restored my confidence, and I’d recommend them to anyone who wants them. However, not everyone does, and that’s OK. This serum is ideal for both types of people: injectable patients and those who want similar benefits, but aren’t ready or don’t want injections.
Infused with potent neuro-peptides, P-TIOX is clinically proven to reduce the look of nine different types of lines in 12 weeks. These include nasolabial folds, forehead wrinkles, glabellar wrinkles (11s), crow’s-feet, cheek folds, marionette lines, dynamic under-eye wrinkles, inter-ocular lines, and global fine lines. A few of these areas aren’t even FDA-indicated for neurotoxin injections, but rather filler.
But, the team at SkinCeuticals didn’t stop there (I’m not surprised). They also added polyhydroxy acid, niacinamide and algae extract to strengthen the skin barrier and keep it hydrated for up to 24 hours. In clinical testing, both of these benefits were evident after applying the serum just once. Moreover, testing revealed that in one week, the peptide serum visibly improves skin smoothness and refines the look of pores. The brand describes it as “revealing glass skin radiance.” According to Wilmington, NC dermatologist Rosalyn George, MD (a SkinCeuticals partner), these additional benefits are apparent whether you’re also getting neurotoxin injections or not. When paired with neurotoxins, however, the two work synergistically to keep lines and wrinkles smoother and less visible between appointments.
Key Ingredients
An advanced neuro-peptide complex (hexapeptide and depeptide), polyhydroxy acid, niacinamide, and laminaria extract
How to Use It
Use the serum morning and night—about four to six drops—on clean skin. SkinCeuticals says you can also apply it on top of a vitamin C serum and it won’t hinder the efficacy. The brand sent me the serum to try back in May to use after I got neurotoxin injections in my forehead and glabella. I use four drops for my face and two for my neck—always include your neck. I also love that the serum is fragrance-free and safe for those with sensitive skin.
Let’s talk about the awesome texture, too. It’s so light—it almost feels like water—which was a welcomed surprise because I assumed it’d be heavier. It’s so light, in fact, that if you apply it directly from the dropper to your face, it will drip fast. Of course if you use this “social media” application method, you don’t want to touch the dropper to your skin; just hover close. If you touch the dropper to your skin, even when it’s clean, you’re introducing the potential for bacteria to enter your serum.
