Addressing Visible Signs of Aging and Skin Barrier Damage

Corrective Creams to Complete an Anti-Aging Regimen

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 and A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

The warmer temperatures of spring are still several weeks away, so ensuring that patients have a winter skincare regimen consisting of the latest, most effective products is paramount this month. To build an efficacious anti-aging routine for the new year, SkinCeuticals offers two corrective creams to complete an anti-aging regimen any time of year. For patients concerned with loss of facial fullness, rough skin texture, and dullness, Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 has been shown to help refill essential skin lipids and restore the skin barrier to visibly improve fullness, smoothness, and radiance.¹ For those dealing with visible signs of aging, including wrinkling, laxity, and crepiness, A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced has been shown to help reverse signs of aging impacted by advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.s). ²

The two creams may be used alone, alternated between morning and nighttime, or even layered together in a corrective skincare regimen to achieve more optimal and comprehensive results. Both corrective creams are backed by monotherapy and integrated skincare clinical study results, including an 8-week clinical study on 55 female subjects ages 55 to 75 with twice-daily application that showed Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 significantly improved clarity (23%), evenness (20%), radiance (26%), smoothness (66%), laxity (35%), and pore appearance (44%).² Additionally, the product has been clinically shown to demonstrate shortening the retinoid adjustment period while improving tolerability and decreasing dryness.² In 2024, a real-world case publication featuring 9 dermatologists from 7 different countries showcased how Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is used in diverse populations with a wide variety of post-laser and radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) while uniquely supporting all skin types and ages.³

The benefits of the original A.G.E. Interrupter were highlighted in a 2009 published study evaluating A.G.E.s found in increased concentrations in aging skin, in diabetic patients, and on skin quality improvement,⁴ and the formula was modernized in 2023 to deliver new anti-glycation science, with modernized ingredient technology. In a 12-week, single-center, clinical study on 77 female patients ages 38-70 with twice-daily application, A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced increased skin barrier marker impacted by glycation, filaggrin, by 92%.² In addition, new science on A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced integrated with RFMN demonstrated 3x better lifting results at 2 weeks.²

— Alison Murakami, PhD,
VP and Head, Medical Affairs

What are keys to building an effective winter skincare regimen?

Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD: Winter weather often brings cold temperatures and low humidity, which can strip the skin of moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. For an effective winter skincare regimen, I recommend focusing on:

• Hydration: Incorporate rich moisturizers, such as SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, to support the skin’s barrier and retain moisture.
• Barrier Repair: Use lipid-rich formulas to restore essential ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol.
• Gentle Cleansing: Avoid harsh cleansers/detergents that can strip natural oils; instead, opt for hydrating or oil/cream-based cleansers.
• Exfoliation (with care): Use gentle exfoliants to remove dead skin cells while minimizing irritation. I prefer chemical exfoliants such as AHA/BHA-containing formulations vs physical exfoliants, which can be disruptive to the skin barrier. 
• Sunscreen: Don’t skip SPF; UV damage occurs year-round. Make sure to choose a hydrating sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 
• Antioxidants: Continue using products such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic to combat oxidative stress from environmental assailants like UVA/UVB and pollution particles.

An effective regimen focuses on hydration, repair, and protection, tailored to the patient’s skin type and needs. Also, using a humidifier at your bedside and at your work area significantly increases the ambient humidity in your home/work environment and can help boost skin’s hydration during the colder, drier months. 

How do SkinCeuticals corrective creams complement skincare routines?

Dr. Engelman: These corrective creams are ideal for addressing visible signs of aging and skin barrier damage.

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 replenishes essential lipids in a 2:4:2 ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, improving skin smoothness, hydration, and elasticity. It’s particularly useful during winter or for patients undergoing retinoid treatments, which can cause dryness. A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced targets advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.s) that accelerate collagen breakdown, reducing wrinkles, thinning skin, sallowing (yellowing of the skin) and dullness. It complements anti-aging routines, providing support for visibly firmer skin.

Both work seamlessly alone, alternating between morning and nighttime, or even layered together in a corrective skincare regimen alongside antioxidants, sunscreens, and active treatments to enhance results while and maintaining skin health.

Which effects of Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 are most noteworthy?

Dr. Engelman: The most striking is its ability to visibly restore skin’s suppleness and hydration. Notable benefits include increased skin firmness and elasticity; reduction in fine lines and wrinkles; and enhanced tolerance for retinoids or other active ingredients, as it soothes dryness and reduces flakiness. This cream pairs exceptionally well with treatments like chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or retinoid therapy, where barrier repair and hydration are critical for post-procedure recovery. It has been demonstrated to help reduce downtime and optimizes post-procedure results by soothing and replenishing the skin.²

What is unique about A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced?

Dr. Engelman:A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced stands out for its focus on glycation— glycation is a process where sugars bind to collagen, compromising skin integrity and skin tone.⁵ Key benefits include reduction in deep wrinkles and skin thinning caused by glycation; protection against collagen glycation through wild fruit flavonoids and optimization of collagen and extracellular matrix integrity through concentrated Proxylane™; and protection against oxidative damage and glycation with potent antioxidants. It complements treatments such as RFMN, enhancing and accelerating laxity results.²

How important are antioxidants in skincare year-round?

Dr. Engelman: Antioxidants are essential as they neutralize free radicals generated by UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stressors. They are a cornerstone of effective skincare. In winter, antioxidants such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic protect against indoor pollution and oxidative stress caused by heating systems. Antioxidants also complement the use of daily sunscreens by reducing photodamage. Consistent use helps maintain skin brightness and minimizes cumulative damage that leads to premature aging. By integrating antioxidants into routines, patients can maintain brighter, healthier skin while minimizing long-term damage.

Are these products suitable for all patients? Can they be used together?

Dr. Engelman: Both are highly effective and suitable for most skin types, but individual conditions and sensitivities should be assessed. Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is ideal for dry, aging, or sensitive skin, especially for patients undergoing treatments that disrupt the skin barrier. A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced is best for patients with more mature skin or those looking to address advanced signs of aging related to glycation and collagen decline. Glycated collagen can be first seen at age 20 and accumulates over time.⁶ They can absolutely be used together, as they address different aspects of skin aging and repair. Combined, they create a synergistic routine that targets hydration, barrier repair, and overall skin health. 

1. Sundaram H, et al. Pilot Evaluation of a Novel Topical Formulation Containing High Level, Cholesterol-Dominant, Physiological Lipids for Specific Targeting of Skin Barrier Deficits in Aging Skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(12):1513-1523.

2. Data on file, SkinCeuticals

3. Gold M, et al. Real-World Patient Cases Using Triple Lipid-Containing Cream for Cutaneous Healing Post Laser or Microneedling Radiofrequency Treatment. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(9):68821s3-68821s14.

4. Draelos Z, et al. An evaluation of the effect of a topical product containing C-xyloside and blueberry extract on the appearance of type II diabetic skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009;8(2):147-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2009.00428.x.

5. Chaudhuri J, et al. The Role of Advanced Glycation End Products in Aging and Metabolic Diseases: Bridging Association and Causality. Cell Metab. 2018 Sep 4;28(3):337-352. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.08.014. PMID: 30184484; PMCID: PMC6355252.

6. Gkogkolou P, Böhm M. Advanced glycation end products: Key players in skin aging?. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):259-270. doi:10.4161/derm.22028