04/04/2024
What are the effects of each of the six main ingredients?
Bee Venom:
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Bee venom contains peptides such as melittin, which have been found to possess potent anti-inflammatory effects. In psoriasis, inflammation is a key driver of symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching. Bee venom can help alleviate these symptoms by reducing inflammation in the affected areas.
Antimicrobial Activity: Some components of bee venom exhibit antimicrobial properties, which can be beneficial in preventing secondary infections in psoriatic lesions. By inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi on the skin, bee venom can promote faster healing and reduce the risk of complications.
SAL 3% (Salicylic Acid):
Exfoliation and Scaling Reduction: Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its keratolytic properties, meaning it helps to break down and remove dead skin cells. In psoriasis, where there is an overproduction of skin cells leading to scaling and thickening of the skin, salicylic acid can help promote shedding of the excess skin layers, resulting in smoother, less scaly skin.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Salicylic acid also exhibits mild anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and inflammation associated with psoriatic plaques.
Tacalcitol (Vitamin D3 derivative):
Regulation of Keratinocyte Proliferation: Tacalcitol is a synthetic derivative of vitamin D3 that acts as a topical vitamin D analogue. It works by binding to vitamin D receptors in the skin and regulating the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, the predominant cells in the epidermis. In psoriasis, abnormal keratinocyte proliferation contributes to the development of plaques. Tacalcitol helps normalize this process, leading to a reduction in plaque formation and thickness.
Immunomodulatory Effects: Vitamin D analogues like tacalcitol also exert immunomodulatory effects by suppressing the activity of immune cells involved in the inflammatory response seen in psoriasis. This helps to alleviate symptoms such as itching and scaling.
Minimal Irritation: Tacalcitol is known to be less irritating compared to other vitamin D3 derivatives, making it suitable for long-term use on sensitive skin areas affected by psoriasis.
Urea:
Hydration and Moisture Retention: Urea is a naturally occurring humectant, meaning it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. In psoriasis, impaired skin barrier function can lead to excessive moisture loss, resulting in dry, flaky skin. Urea supplementation helps restore hydration levels, improving the overall appearance and comfort of the skin.
Exfoliation and Pe*******on Enhancement: Urea also has mild exfoliating properties and can enhance the pe*******on of other active ingredients into the skin. This can enhance the efficacy of the cream in delivering therapeutic agents to the underlying layers of the skin affected by psoriasis.
Ceramide:
Barrier Repair: Ceramides are essential lipid molecules that play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. In psoriasis, the skin barrier is often compromised, leading to increased water loss and susceptibility to irritants and allergens. Ceramide supplementation helps repair the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and preventing external triggers from exacerbating symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory and Soothing Effects: Ceramides also possess anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe inflamed, irritated skin. By calming the skin's immune response, ceramides contribute to the overall reduction of redness, itching, and discomfort associated with psoriasis.
Arnica:
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties: Arnica contains compounds such as helenalin, which exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. In psoriasis, where inflammation and discomfort are common, arnica can help alleviate symptoms by reducing swelling, redness, and pain.
Wound Healing: Arnica has been traditionally used to promote wound healing and reduce bruising. In psoriasis, where skin lesions can be prone to cracking and bleeding, arnica's wound-healing properties can aid in the repair of damaged skin, promoting faster resolution of lesions.
By combining these six ingredients in a carefully formulated cream, we can target multiple aspects of psoriasis pathology, including inflammation, abnormal keratinocyte proliferation, impaired skin barrier function, and discomfort, to provide comprehensive relief and treatment for individuals with psoriasis and other dermatological disorders.
