In each edition, Modern Aesthetics® asks top aesthetic physicians about the newest cosmeceuticals in their practices. This month, Vivian W. Bucay, MD, FAAD talks about the Senté Product Line. Dr. Bucayis in private practice in San Antonio. She is also Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physician Assistant studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
What makes Senté product line unique? How is it formulated?
All of the products in the Senté line of skin care incorporate a bioengineered form of heparan sulfate (HS), the most biologically active glycosaminoglycan (GAG), says Dr. Bucay. She explains that Senté in the only skincare line that contains low molecular weight heparan sulfate LMWHS (Laboratori Derivati Organici, Milan Italy); Studies of a 0.5% fluorescein-tagged HS cream applied twice daily to human skin have shown penetration to the epidermis and dermis at 24 hours. The Senté Dermal Repair Cream contains 1% HS, and the Senté Post Procedure Recovery Cream contains 2% HS. The Daily Repair Complex SPF 30 contains 1% HS, as well as a DNA repair enzyme and a mineral-based sunscreen.
“As the most biologically active GAG, HS is the binding ligand for growth factors and plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, cell migration, collagen production, basementmembrane regeneration, angiogenesis, and morphogenesis,” Dr. Bucay adds.
Which patients is this line best for?
Dr. Bucay says any patient who is interested in improving the signs of photodamage, such as fine lines, tactile roughness, and uneven pigmentation can benefit from adding any of the Senté skincare products to their skincare regimen.
“Patients who are already using skin care products that contain growth factors may experience additional benefits by adding HS, as this is the binding ligand for growth factors,” she explains.
What kind of results do patients see? How do patients respond?
“An 8-week study of 15 healthy females, 35 to 55 years of age, showed significant improvement in skin hydration, firmness, elasticity, skin barrier function (as measured by transepidermal water loss), and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Bucay says. “The earliest improvements were seen at two weeks in skin hydration and skin barrier function, whereas skin elasticity and skin firmness showed improvement at eight weeks.”
Why do you recommend Senté products to your patients?
“Sente products are extremely well tolerated, with a very low potential for skin irritation, in contrast to other products we recommend for photodamage, such as retinoids and alphahydroxyacids,” explains Dr. Bucay. “Becasue the production of HS declines with advancing age, it makes sense that adding a topical application of a formulation of HS has the potential to improve the signs of skin aging by improving skin hydration, barrier function, firmness, and elasticity.”
What benefits do you see for your practice from recommending it?
Dr. Bucay says that any time that a patient benefits from anything she or others in her practice recommend—whether it is a procedure or skin care—it's a win-win for all involved.
“Cosmeceuticals have the added advantage of improving skin health by exerting benefits on oxidative stress and DNA repair, issues that in-office procedures do not target,” she adds.
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