Ascorbic Acid / Vitamin E / Alpha Lipoic Acid Cream

Overview

Ascorbic Acid / Vitamin E Acetate / Alpha Lipoic Acid Cream is a combination product intended to improve the skin’s appearance. Excipients DMAE and hyaluronic acid are also included as a stabilizer and wetting agent respectively for a smoother more hydrating formulation. This preparation is the antioxidant component of the Melasma Kit. It is commonly applied once to twice daily. Other products within the Melasma Kit may also be recommended by a prescriber to prevent the reappearance of spots and for enhanced lasting results. Since the unique compound may help stimulate collagen production and minimize the appearance of fine lines, patients may find this cream useful even if they do not have melasma.

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is the reduced form of vitamin C, meaning it has the ability to act as a scavenger of free radicals. As we age, vitamin C levels decline.1 Ascorbic acid is often ingested through dietary sources or taken in oral supplement form for overall health. When taken orally, however, very little reaches the skin.2 Studies have shown that when applied topically, vitamin C may promote collagen formation helping to maintain firmer and more youthful skin.

Vitamin E Acetate

Vitamin E is found naturally in the skin. It increases from childhood to adulthood and then decreases significantly in old age. Vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 have been shown to synergistically impede the ultraviolet (UV) deletion of squalene, cholesterol, and unsaturated fatty acids in skin surface lipids.3 In animal studies, vitamin E prevented oxidative stress and cutaneous and systemic immunosuppression caused by UV light.4 Additionally in these studies, topical vitamin E application lessened the rate of UV-induced skin cancer. The FDA has not evaluated claims that topically applied vitamin E can provide antioxidant effects and fight against photoaging. Similarly, the idea that topically applied vitamin E aids in the healing of minor burns and sunburns has not been validated. Nevertheless, vitamin E has been added to certain cosmetic products with the belief that it may result in antioxidant effects and prevent sun-induced effects on the skin.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is naturally found in mitochondria and assists in the production of energy.5 As a potent scavenger of hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, peroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen and nitric oxide, ALA also works as a strong antioxidant in cell plasma membranes. ALA is a small molecule that is both water and fat-soluble, meaning it can be easily absorbed through the fat layers of the skin. This could explain ALA’s ability to exert pharmacological effects on the skin.6, 7 When applied topically, ALA may cause a substantial reduction in the appearance of under-eye circles, sagginess, and puffiness.8 As an anti-inflammatory agent, ALA may promote an even skin tone, help decrease redness, and minimize the appearance of pores.9 Finally, ALA may also be an effective in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.10

Indications

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How Supplied

Patients that would benefit from the administration of this unique formulation may opt for this compounded preparation as determined by a prescriber. Common formulations prepared at Galleria Medical Pharmacy include but are not limited to:

 Ascorbic Acid 10% / Vitamin E 1% / Alpha Lipoic Acid 1% Cream

Storage

Store this medication at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) and away from heat, moisture and light. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Throw away any unused medicine after the beyond use date. Do not flush unused medications or pour down a sink or drain.

Reference

  1. Rhie G1, Shin MH, Seo JY, Choi WW, Cho KH, Kim KH, Park KC, Eun HC, Chung JH. Aging- and photoaging-dependent changes of enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidants in the epidermis and dermis of human skin in vivo. J Invest Dermatol. 2001 Nov;117(5):1212-7.
  2. Farris PK. Topical vitamin C: a useful agent for treating photoaging and other dermatologic conditions. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jul;31(7 Pt 2):814-7.
  3. Passi S, De Pita O, Puddu P, et al. Lipophilic antioxidants in human sebum and aging. Free Radic Res 2002;36:471-7.
  4. Sorg O, Tran C, Saurat JH. Cutaneous vitamins A and E in the context of ultraviolet- or chemically-induced oxidative stress. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol 2001:14:363-72
  5. Liu J1. The effects and mechanisms of mitochondrial nutrient alpha-lipoic acid on improving age-associated mitochondrial and cognitive dysfunction: an overview. Neurochem Res. 2008 Jan;33(1):194-203. Epub 2007 Jun 29.
  6. University of Maryland Medical Center. https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/alphalipoic-acid.
  7. Beitner H. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% alpha-lipoic acid related to photoaging of facial skin. Br J Dermatol. 2003;149(4):841-849.
  8. Beitner, Harry. (2003). Randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% α-lipoic acid related to photoageing of facial skin. The British journal of dermatology. 149. 841-9. 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2003.05597.x.
  9. Beitner, Harry. (2003). Randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% α-lipoic acid related to photoageing of facial skin. The British journal of dermatology. 149. 841-9. 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2003.05597.x.
  10. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid.

Compounding Pharmacy Statement

This preparation is compounded with drug components whose suppliers are registered with the FDA. While Galleria Medical Pharmacy adheres to USP <795> guidelines and applicable state and federal regulations to meet the required quality standards, the statements made regarding this preparation have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or clinical effectiveness. As such, this preparation is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For inquiries concerning this preparation, please contact (504) 267-9876.