VX.5 | Undereye Smoothing & Brightening Balm
The information below on the primary and secondary active ingredients that we have considered for your personalized formulation is for educational purposes only, and should not be considered a substitute for counseling from the pharmacy or the prescribing physician.
Note that not all ingredients listed here are used in all custom formulations, and others may be used that are not listed here.
Active Ingredients
Tretinoin
Description: A prescription-strength retinoid (vitamin A derivative) used for anti-aging and acne treatment.
Mechanism of Action: Normalizes keratinization, increases cell turnover, and stimulates collagen production.
Warnings:
Pregnancy Category X: Contraindicated during pregnancy due to risk of severe birth defects.
Contraindicated during breastfeeding.
Causes increased sensitivity to sunlight; daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is mandatory.
May cause skin irritation, redness, peeling, and dryness, especially during initial weeks of use.
Avoid waxing, depilatory creams, and harsh exfoliants while using tretinoin.
Discontinue use 1-2 weeks before chemical peels or laser treatments.
Drug Interactions:
Do not use with benzoyl peroxide, as it may deactivate tretinoin.
Use caution with other potentially irritating topicals (AHAs, BHAs, sulfur, alcohol).
May increase absorption of other topical medications.
Usage Instructions:
Avoid application to eyes, mouth, angles of nose, and mucous membranes.
Bakuchiol
Description: A plant-derived compound used as a natural alternative to retinoids for anti-aging.
Mechanism of Action: Functions similarly to retinoids by regulating gene expression related to cell differentiation and collagen production, but through different cellular pathways.
Warnings:
Pregnancy Category: Not formally categorized, but generally considered safer than retinoids during pregnancy.
Limited data on breastfeeding safety; use with caution.
May cause mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness in sensitive individuals.
Significantly less irritating than retinoids but can still cause sensitivity in some patients.
Potential for allergic contact dermatitis, especially in patients with botanical allergies.
Increased sun sensitivity may occur; daily SPF 30+ is recommended.
Drug Interactions:
Generally well-tolerated with other skincare ingredients.
Can be used alongside retinoids for enhanced effects, but may increase irritation potential.
Compatible with most other active ingredients, including vitamin C, niacinamide, and peptides.
Usage Instructions:
Can be used morning and/or evening, unlike retinoids, which are typically limited to evening use.
Niacinamide
Description: A water-soluble form of vitamin B3 used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and barrier-restoring properties.
Mechanism of Action: Improves epidermal barrier by enhancing ceramide and fatty acid synthesis; reduces inflammation via inhibition of NF-κB; decreases hyperpigmentation by slowing melanosome transfer.
Warnings:
Pregnancy Category A: Considered safe in pregnancy and lactation at typical topical concentrations.
May cause mild redness or irritation in sensitive skin.
Drug Interaction: Topical use has minimal systemic interaction.
Usage Instructions:
Discontinue if persistent redness, burning, or rash develops.
Contact prescriber if irritation worsens or skin barrier is compromised (i.e., eczema flare, open wounds).
Caffeine
Description: A methylxanthine used topically for vasoconstriction and reducing puffiness.
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits phosphodiesterase, increases Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP); blocks adenosine receptors, vasoconstriction; antioxidant and lipolytic effects in skin.
Warnings:
Pregnancy Category C: Limited data; small amounts absorbed systemically. Use with caution in pregnancy/lactation, especially in large surface-area applications.
Mild irritation possible.
Drug Interactions: Minimal systemic absorption.
Usage Warnings:
Avoid broken skin or mucous membranes.
Overuse may cause rebound redness.
Stop if persistent dryness, rash, or irritation.
Contact prescriber if swelling or worsening dark circles occur.
Ascorbic Acid
Description: Potent antioxidant, promotes collagen synthesis, and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Mechanism of Action: Functions as a reducing agent, cofactor in collagen hydroxylation; inhibits tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin production.
Warning:
Pregnancy Category A: Considered safe topically in pregnancy and lactation.
Can cause mild stinging, redness, or irritation.
Drug Interactions: Topical vitamin C has minimal systemic interaction.
Usage Instructions:
Stop if severe burning, itching, or blistering.
Contact prescriber if inflammation/dermatitis develops.
Vitamin K
Description: Fat-soluble vitamin topically used to reduce bruising, dark circles, and vascular conditions.
Mechanism of Action: Cofactor for γ-carboxylation of glutamic acid residues in clotting factors II, VII, IX, X. Helps degrade hemosiderin and supports microcirculation.
Warnings:
Pregnancy Category C: Limited data on topical use. Use under prescriber guidance in pregnancy/lactation.
May cause local irritation topically.
Drug Interactions: May theoretically oppose anticoagulants if applied over broken skin.
Usage Warnings:
Avoid direct use on open wounds; caution in patients on warfarin.
Stop if irritation, hives, or bruising worsens.
Contact prescriber if on anticoagulants and bleeding/clotting issues occur.
Product Usage Instructions
1. In the evening, wash your skin with a gentle cleanser, and dry it. After at least 15 minutes, apply one pump (a pea-size amount) onto your hand. You only need one pump for both eyes.
2. Using your ring finger, gently tap into the skin under the eyes, from inner to outer corners, as well as eyes' outer corners. (You can also tap along your brow bone.)
3. Use once daily at night for the first 2 weeks, then gradually increase to 2-3 nights weekly. You can eventually apply nightly if tolerated. If your formula does not contain tretinoin, you can use it morning and night.
4. If your formula contains tretinoin, make sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day.
General Warnings and Precautions
1. Patch Testing: Before using any new prescription topical product, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for adverse reactions.
2. Sun Protection: Many prescription topicals increase sun sensitivity. Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential, along with sun-protective measures (hats, shade, protective clothing).
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult healthcare provider before using any prescription topicals during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
4. Skin Barrier: Discontinue use if signs of excessive irritation, persistent redness, or compromised skin barrier occur.
5. Medication Interactions: Inform all healthcare providers about all medications (topical and systemic) being used to avoid potential interactions.
6. Storage: Store all prescription topicals according to specific instructions, generally in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
7. Expiration: Do not use products beyond their expiration date, as efficacy may decrease and irritation potential may increase.
8. Application Order: Follow specific instructions for the order of application when using multiple prescription products.
9. Hand Washing: Wash hands thoroughly after applying prescription topicals to avoid transfer to unintended areas.
10. Keep Out of Reach of Children: Store all prescription products securely away from children and pets.