Prof. Dr. Steinkraus

Vitamin A is a very well researched anti-aging active substance with proven reliability; an absolute must for any effective skincare concept for skin with visible signs of aging. Vitamin A in the form of retinol is also a skincare classic when it comes to increasing skin vitality and reducing light-ray-related symptoms.

Applied to the skin vitamin A increases enzyme activity, which has a positive influence on the metabolism as a whole. It stimulates the production of collagen fibers and cell division. It also promotes epithelialization (new skin covering) in wound healing, and regeneration where dry, rough skin patches are present. Clinical studies show that the concentration of vitamin A is critical. The optimal concentration in this night serum is 0.3 % vitamin A (retinol), enabling good results without causing skin irritation.

Because vitamin A is light-sensitive it should be used during the night. Ideally, vitamin A should initially be applied twice a week only (e.g. Mondays and Thursdays). After 3 to 4 weeks in this rhythm, application can be increased to 3 x a week. Should increased application proceed for several weeks with no negative effects, vitamin A may thereafter be applied nightly.

The extraordinary effectiveness unfolds on four levels simultaneously: Level 1: The intensive antioxidative potential of vitamin A (reduction von oxidative stress) protects the components that make up connective tissue from the attack of oxygen radicals and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These are inhibited, which prevents damage to the supportive collagen network.

Level 2: At the same time, vitamin A stimulates regeneration of collagen and elastin fibers, which means it has a reorganizing effect on the skin matrix. Level 3: Cell growth is boosted, which, in relation to callused patches, regulates the cell growth process, returning it to normal. Thus vitamin A helps to restore scaly, raw or callused skin to smooth, supple vitality.

Level 4: The optimized cell growth process triggered by vitamin A quickly “flushes” accumulated pigment to the skin surface, where, in the course of the natural exfoliation process, it is then eliminated. Vitamin A can thus contribute to evening out skin pigmentation.

As a highly effective antioxidant, vitamin C plays a key role in today’s cutting-edge skincare. When it comes to protecting the skin from negative environmental impacts vitamin C is virtually second to none. It is an important co-factor in promoting the formation of collagen fibers and helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

Furthermore, as a highly potent antioxidant vitamin C prevents the formation of free radicals, thus protecting the skin form the negative effects of light and sun, including pigment dispersion and blotches. Its antiinflammatory characteristics come into play in the treatment of acne scars. Unfortunately, vitamin C is a very instable molecule, prone to easy oxidation.

For this reason Prof. Dr. Steinkraus here, for the first time, uses it in “lyophilized” form, which keeps this critical active agent exceptionally fresh and viable. Mornings and/or evenings after cleansing dissolve a little globule of freeze-dried Vitamin C in your cupped hand with 2 or 3 pump presses of the activator fluid and apply to the face. Neck and décolleté may be treated as well. For an ideal effect, finish off with hyaluronic acid serum and a face cream.

This series is unique in the way it unites medical expertise, scientific insights and a great enthusiasm for natural beauty. Its founder is a professor of dermatology in Hamburg, where he established his specialist center the Dermatologikum in 1997. The goal of Prof. Dr. Steinkraus in developing TetCode4® was to improve the structure of the skin and to intensify the individual’s natural beauty and radiance.

In an optimal pairing with vitamin A and vitamin C, hyaluronic acid does a great service to the skin. Vitamin A and vitamin C each promote collagen production in their own way, and hyaluronic acid provides the moisture.

Hyaluronic acid molecules occur in various sizes and a formulation should ideally contain short, medium and long-chained molecules, which each collect on different layers of the skin, thus unfolding the hydrating effects on all of them. The concentration of hyaluronic acid should be as high as possible, because in the case of this active agent, more actually is more – unlike many substances that must be dosed sparingly to avoid irritation.

Not so with hyaluronic acid: Prof. Steinkraus uses a very high concentration of 2.5 %, making this product unique. One gram of hyaluronic acid can bind more than a liter of water. It is thus a key active agent for binding moisture, which lends suppleness to the skin. Despite claims to the contrary, Hyaluronic acid is not an anti-aging ingredient per se. Hyaluronic acid immediately hydrates the skin, making it smoother and more plump, which causes fine lines and wrinkles to vanish temporarily – for as long as more moister remains bound within the skin. Hyaluronic acid should thus be classified as a moisture-booster that is a must for every bathroom cabinet.

This niacin serum is one of the most concentrated on the market. Niacinamide plays a part in many biochemical processes that maintain skin health. This product thus plays a key role in a regeneration skincare routine. It strengthens the skin barrier and acts to refine pores, lighten patchy pigmentation, and protect the skin, for a more refreshed, even-toned complexion.

Copper ions strengthen the skin’s collagen, which boosts effectiveness. Niacin Serum 20 % can be used on its own between cleansing and treatment cream, or in combination with the highly concentrated serums from the TetCode4 line (Hyaluron, Vitamin C and Vitamin A). In any event, the serum should be given 2-3 minutes for absorption before a cream is applied.