VX.1 | Advanced Anti-Aging & Repair Complex
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.
Rapamycin (Sirolimus)
Description: An immunosuppressant and mTOR inhibitor with anti-aging properties.
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, affecting cell growth and proliferation.
Warnings:
Insufficient topical data—avoid in pregnancy and lactation unless prescriber directs.
Contraindicated during breastfeeding.
May cause local irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
Potential for immunosuppression with prolonged use over large areas.
Increased risk of infection with compromised skin barrier.
Patients with a history of immunosuppression should use with caution.
Drug Interactions:
May interact with systemic immunosuppressants.
Use caution with other topical medications that enhance absorption.
Usage Instructions:
Avoid application to broken or irritated skin.
Report any unusual side effects to healthcare provider.
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 A: 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.
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).
Dexpanthenol
Description: A stable alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid widely used in skin care for hydration and wound healing.
Mechanism of Action: Penetrates the skin and is converted to pantothenic acid, a component of coenzyme A, essential in fatty acid metabolism and skin barrier repair.
Warnings:
Pregnancy Category A: Widely used in maternity/nipple creams; safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Very safe; rare hypersensitivity or contact dermatitis may occur.
Drug Interactions: None significant.
Usage Instructions:
Stop if allergic reaction occurs.
Contact prescriber if wound worsens or infection signs appear.
Azelaic Acid
Description: A naturally occurring acid used to treat acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Mechanism of Action: Possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties.
Warnings:
Pregnancy Category B: No evidence of risk in humans.
Compatible with breastfeeding when used topically.
May cause skin irritation, burning, stinging, or dryness.
Hypopigmentation may occur in darker skin tones.
Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.
Tranexamic Acid
Description: An antifibrinolytic agent used topically for hyperpigmentation.
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits UV-induced plasmin activity, reducing melanocyte activation.
Warnings:
Limited data on pregnancy safety; use with caution.
Limited data on breastfeeding safety; use with caution.
Contraindicated in patients with active thromboembolic disorders.
Not recommended for patients with history of thrombosis or coagulopathy.
May cause mild irritation, redness, or dryness.
Drug Interactions:
Use caution with anticoagulants or medications affecting clotting.
Potential interaction with hormonal contraceptives.
Usage Instructions:
Discontinue if unusual side effects 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).
2. Start with 2-3 nights per week and, if your skin is tolerating the formula well, gradually increase to nightly use.
3. Follow with a gentle moisturizer to maintain hydration and further support the skin barrier.
4. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ daily, as your formula may contain ingredients that increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.
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.