Benefits of BIOSKINCARE & BIOCUTIS products

BIOSKINCARE™ - A biological solution for a blemish free complexion.

It contains a complex biological skin care lotion packed with enzymes, proteins, carbohydrate chains and trace elements that act in concert to dissolve plugs that block pores and "digest" damaged tissues, trigger the proliferation of fibroblasts that give rise to new healthy skin structures such as collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans or water holding molecules, and eliminates redness and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

It also promotes the proliferation on the surface of the skin of anti-microbial peptides that perform as natural antibiotics against acne and other bacteria signalling your immune system that it is being taken care of and can moderate the inflammatory response so that it does not cause further loss of tissues and acne scars.

Benefits of the biological ingredient in BIOSKINCARE and all BIOCUTIS products

RESTORES THE NATURAL SKIN REPAIR PROCESS

1.- INDUCES THE PROLIFERATION OF FIBROBLASTS and reconstitutes the optimal functional capability of prematurely senescent fibroblasts.

2.- FACILITATES THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SKIN'S ARCHITECTURE through its action on COLLAGEN FIBERS

3.- HELPS TO REDUCE THE INFLAMMATORY EFFECT caused by denatured proteins in injured and aging skin through its collagenase and gelatinase enzymatic activity

4.- INCLUDES A BALANCED MIXTURE OF NATURAL FACTORS THAT HELP RECOVER THE NORMAL PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SKIN

Low molecular weight proteins >> Fibroblast growth factor activity
High molecular weight proteins >>Oxygen carriers (copper-haemocyanin)
Enzymes >> Collagenase and gelatinase activities
Hyaluronic Acid >> Deep tissue hydration
Glycoproteins/mucopolysaccharides >> For reconstituting the extracellular matrix
Trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Ca2+) >> Cellular renewal
Low molecular weight antioxidant compounds >> Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory

Natural Ingredient & BioTechnology
Helix Aspersa Müller is a snail that has survived extreme environmental conditions for more than 600 million years. This land gastropod or mollusk has an original defensive mechanism in the form of a complex glycol-conjugate secretion which helps the animal rapidly repair any damage to its skin.

The research into the potential uses of this secretion goes back some 15 years. Our company has conducted research and developed a biotechnology to collect the secretion, by submitting the snails to controlled stress similar to what they have to respond too when a predator threatens them, or when they come into an atmosphere full of oxygen radicals after hibernating. Our company has also developed a biotechnology to secure the bio-availability of the secretion deep within the skin where it interacts with target cells to repair skin damage.

Many scientists, and for many years, have studied snails and their secretions, as they were considered simple creatures, that allowed for research and modeling of biological functions though to be more complex in vertebrates. They have discovered molecules now being considered worthwhile candidates for the development of drugs.

Their findings and those of a new frontier in science called the sweet science of glycobiology, a burgeoning branch that attempts to understand how sugars in the body -called glycans- contribute to human health and contain information as necessary to define the complexity of life as that of DNA and proteins, sheds light onto the possible explanation of a more humble observation by layman people. The observation that manipulating snails while breeding them for their value for those who consider them a gourmet delicacy, yielded soft hands and scar free healing of minor injuries, cuts and scrapes.

Also the further realization, that snails injured by birds are able to repair some of their organs –eyes and mouth- by bubbling onto themselves what seems to be the same secretion they use to crawl more easily, hold onto something while on a vertical position and defying gravity, or to isolate into their shell by the dry secretion on the opercula, or to persuade insects to stay away from them.

Two patents of invention for a procedure designed to gather the secretion and its use in cosmetic or skin care products have been granted. One to a Chilean Doctor, in Chile in 1995, for a procedure to gather the secretions by agitating snails in warm water and then filtering the mucin, and for the use of the extract in a skin care cream made with petrochemical and other chemical excipients. The second to a Spanish Oncologist, in the USA in 1996, for a procedure whereby snails are stressed mechanically to induce the production of their mucin and the use of it for the therapeutic and cosmetic treatment of skin, specially for radiodermatitis. There is also a patent granted in the US in 2000 for the use of a complex glyco-molecule, isolated from the body and also present in the mucins of an African snail, as a drug to inhibit angiogenesis. The applicants of the latter are requesting a patent for the use of the same for the treatment of cancer and inhibiting an increase in the volume or mass of a tumor cancer tumor growth (2005).

The US patent granted in 2000 is about acharan sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan isolated from the soft body tissue of the giant African snail by proteolysis of defatted tissue and purified by fractional precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography, and the snails get killed to get the glycosaminoglycan. While the other two patents mentioned describe a method that does not harm the snails and differ from each other, and from the method our company uses, in how the snails are stimulated to produce the secretion and on how it is collected.

Dr. R. Abad Iglesias, a clinical oncologist was the first to investigate the clinical possibilities of the snail mucin. Its effectiveness was first shown in cases of radiodermatitis following the Chernobyl accident. The ongoing work of a company using Dr Abad’s technology to produce several dermatology products, in collaboration with renowned institutes such as the MD Anderson Center, has shown that acute and chronic radiodermatitis patients experience clear improvements when treated with a cream containing the snail secretion.

These results prompted studies into how it might help skin damaged by photo-aging, acne, injuries, overstretching, pollution or dermatological/medical treatment.

The replacement of biological active substances that the human organism can no longer produce is a new concept in skin care. Helix Aspersa Muller Concentrate provides these substances which act directly to recover and regenerate the skin.

BIOSKINCARE™ is a gel-cream specifically formulated for non-prescription use.

Biological Ingredient: Helix Aspersa Müller Glycoconjugates

Other Ingredients

• Peg-4 Olivate (emulsifier derived from Olive Oil)
• Sorbitan Olivate from Olive Oil
• Squalane from Olive Oil
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Glycerin
• Distilled Water
• Phenoxyethanol
• Ethylhexylglycerin

How it Works

Helix Aspersa Müller Glyococonjugates RESTORES THE NATURAL SKIN REPAIR MECHANISM

1.- Induces the proliferation of FIBROBLASTS and reconstitutes the optimal functional capability of prematurely senescent fibroblasts.

- Fibroblast growth factor-like activity:
(J.P Pivel et al.Dermatología & Cosmética, 1998)

• Induces fibroblast proliferation
• Provides Hyaluronic Acid
• Provides new collagen and elastic fibers
• Provides fibronectin and other components of the extracellular matrix.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) in the dermis is composed primarily of Type-I collagen, associated with a lower amount of Type-III collagen, elastin and associated microfibrils, proteoglycans and fibronectin.

Fibronectin (fi·bro·nec·tin) (fi”bro-nek´tin) [fibro- + nexus] any of several related adhesive glycoproteins, cell-surface proteins, that mediate cellular adhesive interactions. Fibronectins are important in connective tissue, where they cross-link to collagen, and are also involved in aggregation of platelets.

- Favours the correct assembly of the fibronectin into appropriate patterns in the extracellular matrix
(J.P Alonso-Lebrero et al. Poster # 0235 at IID/Sid Miami 2003)

Pattern formation is the activity by which embryonic cells form ordered spatial arrangements of differentiated tissues. The physical complexity of higher organisms arises during embryogenesis through the interplay of cell-intrinsic lineage and cell-extrinsic signaling. Inductive interactions are essential to embryonic patterning in vertebrate development from the earliest establishment of the body plan, to the patterning of the organ systems, to the generation of diverse cell types during tissue differentiation. The effects of developmental cell interactions are varied. Typically, responding cells are diverted from one route of cell differentiation to another by inducing cells that differ from both the uninduced and induced states of the responding cells (inductions). Sometimes cells induce their neighbors to differentiate like themselves (homeogenetic induction); in other cases a cell inhibits its neighbors from differentiating like itself. Cell interactions in early development may be sequential, such that an initial induction between two cell types leads to a progressive amplification of diversity. Moreover, inductive interactions occur not only in embryos, but in adult cells as well, and can act to induce differentiation and establish and maintain healthy morphogenetic patterns and avoid abnormal patterns, as those in rosacea or keloid scarring and in photo-aging characterized by rarefaction and disorganization of both collagen fibers framework and deposits of elastotic material.

2.- Facilitates the reconstruction of the skin's architecture through its triple action on COLLAGEN FIBERS

- By Collagenese enzymatic activity on denatured collagen
(J.P Pivel et al.Dermatología & Cosmética, 1998)

- By providing copper-haemocyanin to supply the oxygen necessary for proper collagen formation
(G.Gimenez, Hosp Princesa, 2002)

- By providing a structural support network of fibronectin
(J.P Alonso-Lebrero et al. Poster # 0235 Miami 2002)

3.- Restores the ELASTIC FIBER network by

- Collagenase and gelatinase enzymatic activity on elastotic material in skin
(J.P Pivel et al.Dermatología & Cosmética, 1998)
- Promoting the synthesis of new fibers through its action on fibroblasts
(A.Brieva et al Dermatología & Cosmética, 1998)
- Providing structural support network of fibronectin
(J.P Alonso-Lebrero et al. Poster # 0235 Miami 2002)

4.- Increases the natural ability of the dermis to take up and hold water, thus influencing its VOLUME, STRENGTH and ELASTICITY

- Provides hyaluronic acid and improves the formation of fibrous tissues - fibroplasia.

ACTION
The snail secretion ENHANCES THE PROTECTIVE MECHANISM OF THE SKIN

1.- Has strong ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY (inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation plus free radical sequestration)

The secretion has:
- low molecular weight compounds that act against hydroxyl radicals. (OH-)
- superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and conjugated enzymes such as Glutathione-S-transferase (GSH-T) activity against superoxide anions (O-)
- acts against UVA, the mucin shows double the cytoplasm protection activity of control antioxidants
(A.Brieva et al Dermatología & Cosmética, 2001)

Oxygen is essential for most life forms, but it is also inherently toxic due to its biotransformation into reactive oxygen species (ROS). The main cellular components susceptible to damage by free radicals are lipids (peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in membranes), proteins (denaturation), carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Consequences of hypoxia-induced oxidative stress depend on tissue and/or species (i.e. their tolerance to anoxia), on membrane properties, on endogenous antioxidant content and on the ability to induce the response in the antioxidant system. Effective utilization of energy resources (starch, sugars) and the switch to anaerobic metabolism and the preservation of the redox status of the cell are vital for survival. The formation of ROS is prevented by an antioxidant system: low molecular mass antioxidants (ascorbic acid, glutathione, tocopherols), enzymes regenerating the reduced forms of antioxidants, and ROS-interacting enzymes such as SOD, peroxidases and catalases.

The development of many animal and plant pathological conditions, as well as natural aging, is associated with excessive ROS production and/or decreased antioxidant capacity. However, a number of animal species are able to tolerate, under natural conditions, situations posing a large potential for oxidative stress. Situations range from anoxia in fish, frogs and turtles, to severe hypoxia in organs of freeze-tolerant snakes, frogs and insect larvae, or diving seals and turtles, and mild hypoxia in organs of dehydrated frogs and toads or estivating snails. All situations are reminiscent of ischemia/reperfusion events that are highly damaging to most mammals and birds.

The increase in the baseline activity of key antioxidant enzymes, as well as 'secondary' enzymatic defenses, and/or glutathione levels in preparation for a putative oxidative stressful situation arising from tissue reoxygenation seem to be the preferred evolutionary adaptation.

Snails mucin contains active antioxidant defenses, such as superoxide dismutase, conjugated enzymes such as Glutathione-S-transferase (GSH-T), catalase, and glutathione reductase to deal with physiological oxidative stress that occurs as part of natural cycles of stress/recovery that alter oxygen and PO2 levels in tissues rapidly, within the early minutes of recovery after hibernation or each day at night when the environment is humid and they awaken from the dormant state they have been during the dry day.

2.- Helps to maintain the PHYSIOLOGICAL BALANCE between the synthesis and degradation of all structural elements of the skin by
- Stimulating metalloproteinase activity on denatured material
- Protecting newly synthesized elements from degradation (via Metalloproteinase inhibitors)

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are members of an enzyme family that require a zinc ion in their active site for catalytic activity. MMPs are Zn(2+)- and Ca(2+)-requiring endopeptidases which split peptides and polypeptides into smaller peptides by targeting peptide bonds near the centre of the molecule. These enzymes are collectively capable of degrading or hydrolyzing most of the extracellular matrix components. Four broad types of MMP have been described including collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins and membrane-type MMP. These enzymes can be produced by several different types of cells in skin such as fibroblasts, keratinocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, mast cells, and eosinophils and their activity can be specifically inhibited by TIMPs (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases), which bind to active MMPs with 1:1 stoichiometry. In general, MMPs are not constitutively expressed in skin but are induced temporarily in response to exogenous signals such as various cytokines, growth factors, cell matrix interactions and altered cell-cell contacts.

These proteinases play a central role in many biological processes such as normal tissue remodeling, embryogenesis, wound healing and angiogenesis. Currently about 26 MMP genes have been identified, and most are multidomain zinc endopeptidases.

In healthy tissue a strict regulation of MMPs is critical in order to maintain proper ECM homeostasis. Among other levels of regulation, MMPs are precisely regulated by their main endogenous protein inhibitors (TIMPs). Disruption of this balance results in serious diseases such as fibrosis, arthritis, and tumour growth. Several studies have documented the importance of MMP-mediated ECM destruction for tumour initiation, growth, migration, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Certain MMPs such as gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) have special mechanisms to localize at leading edges in tumour tissue. MMPs can no longer be thought of solely as ECM destructionists, but as part of an elegant communication system through which epithelial and tumor cells interact with the stroma.

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are natural inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) found in most tissues and body fluids. By inhibiting MMPs activities, they participate in tissue remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The balance between MMPs and TIMPs activities is involved in both normal and pathological events such as wound healing, tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, invasion, tumorigenesis and metastasis. The intracellular signalling controlling both TIMPs and MMPs expression begins to be elucidated and gaining insights into the molecular mechanisms regulated by TIMPs and MMPs could represent a new approach in the development of potential therapeutics.

3.- Through its collagenase and gelatinase enzymatic activity, the mucin helps to REDUCE THE INFLAMMATORY EFFECT caused by denatured proteins in injured and aging skin.

4.- The ingredient INCLUDES A BALANCED MIXTURE OF NATURAL FACTORS THAT HELP RECOVER THE NORMAL PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SKIN

Low molecular weight proteins >> Fibroblast growth factor activity
High molecular weight proteins >> Oxygen carriers (copper-haemocyanin)
Enzymes >> Collagenase and gelatinase activities
Hyaluronic Acid >> Deep tissue hydration
Glycoproteins/mucopolysaccharides >> For reconstituting the extracellular matrix
Trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Ca2+) >> Cellular renewal
Low molecular weight antioxidant compounds >> Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory

Fights the signs of biological and UV-induced skin aging. Acts as a biological sun protection factor by vitalizing the skin's own UV-protection. Helps to prevent DNA damage due to UV.

Stimulates regenerative functions of the skin and thereby improves skin firmness and structure.

References

Research goes back some 16 years. Its unique mechanisms of action have been well documented and its efficacy and safety tested in a great number of individuals, both as a preventive and therapeutic agent.

Evaluation of Anti-Wrinkle and Reaffirming Efficacy of a Cryptomphalus Aspersa Secretion based Product in the treatment of Skin Photo-Aging. M.J. Tribó, E. Serra-Baldrich, M.Asin, J.A Camarasa. Dermatología & Cosmética, March (vol IX), 1999.
A clinical study performed at the Hospital del Mar (Barcelona) and the Centro Clínico Dermatológico (Alicante), demostrating the efficacy of the mucin in the treatment of degenerative process associated with photo-aging. A total of 32 patients with symptoms of facial photo-aging were evaluated.

The Effect of Cryptomphalus Aspersa Secretion on the Assembly of the Fibronectin Extracellular Matrix. J.L Alonso-Lebrero, J.P Pivel et al Poster presented at the International Investigative Dermatology Congress, Miami 2003
In vitro assay showing the favourable effects of the snail mucin on the assembly of fibronectin, and promotion of the organisation of senescent fibroblast cytoskeletons. Submited for publication.

Identification of the Major Proteic Component of Cryptomphalus Aspersa Secretion. G.Gimenez et al. Hospital de la Princesa (Madrid), 2003. Not yet published.
A copper-haemocyanin subunit was identified as the majority protein of the high molecular weight fraction. The haemocyanin in the mucin facilitates the synthesis of collagen by helping to provide the oxygen required.

Biochemical and Pharmacological Mechanism Related to the Activity of Cryptomphalus Aspersa Secretion in Radiodermatitis. A. Brieva, A. Guerrero, J.P Pivel. Dermatología & Cosmética, 2001.
Investigations on the mucin’s antioxidant activity: superoxide Dismutase (SOD), conjugated enzymes such as Glutathione-S-transferase (GSH-T), and low molecular weight antioxidants.

A Natural Adaptogen for the Skin. A: Brievas, A.Guerrero, J.P Pivel. Dermatología & Cosmética,1998.
Detailed description of two of the main biological properties of the mucin: its capacity to stimulate the proliferation of human and murine fibroblasts, particularly those with very low baseline proliferative activity, and the stimulation of collagenese activity.

Influence of the addition of Citrate as a Stabilizing Agent of Cryptomphalus Aspersa Secretion Biological Activity. A. Brieva, J.P Pivel, 1999 (unpublished).
Study outlining the fibroblast growth factor-like behavior of the mucin.

The Discovery and Evaluation of an Active agent for the Topical Prevention and treatment of Ionising Radiation-Induced Burns. Dr. R. Abad Iglesias. (Unpublished)
Preliminary research undertaken by Dr. Abad (oncologist and one of the pioneers in the use of the mucin for skin conditions), including preclinical tests suggesting the potential beneficial use of the mucin in radiation-induced skin damage in humans.

Skin Cream with a biological compound of enzymes, proteins, carbohydrate chains and trace elements that dissolve plugs that block pores and "digest" damaged tissues, stimulate the reproduction of fibroblasts which give rise to new healthy skin structures such as collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans or water holding molecules, and eliminates redness and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

BIOSKINBALM ™ - A powerful antioxidant serum that inhibits free radical production and provides cellular and DNA protection from UV damage

Detoxifies the cells by removing cellular and DNA damaging materials that are responsible for adverse effects on the skin. Boosts the production of the water holding molecules present in the dermis and retains water. Induces the proliferation of antimicrobial peptides that keep skin infections at bay. Moderates inflammation. Relieves dryness and redness. Unclogs pores while replenishing the lipid barrier of the skin to block the penetration of allergens. Stimulates the regeneration of damaged cells.

50 Gram Bottle: $69.99