Product Review: Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology Sensitive Skin Collection

If you’ve ever read this blog before, you know that I have sensitive skin – and also loooove Patricia Wexler’s products!  Dr. Wexler devoted much time and research into the development of her skin care line, which features MMPi technology.  In case you are not familiar, matrix metalloproteinases are enzymes that break down collagen in the skin.  As we age, we naturally increase our levels of matrix metalloproteinases – and hence lose precious collagen that keeps our skin normally firm and lustrous.  To that end, Dr. Wexler’s MMPi’s have been found to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases with unparalleled success.  According to one 2007 report featured on Wexler’s website, MMP relative inhibition potency in competing products ranges from 1.6 – 15.4%; in Wexler’s, the same potency is 100%. 

With that said, I’m thrilled with the introduction of Dr. Wexler’s Sensitive Skin Collection, which includes all of the following products:

• Gentle Exfoliating Peel ($34.50, BathandBodyWorks.com) 
• MMPi20 Comforting and Renewing Serum ($55.50, BathandBodyWorks.com) 
• Calming Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 ($39.50, BathandBodyWorks.com) 

Ingredient and Formulation Analysis

All of the Anti-Aging Sensitive Skin Collection contains five active complexes, which are each designed to calm and soothe the skin while fighting free radical- and matrix metalloproteinase-induced aging.  These five compounds are:

• Sym-Calming (Oat)
• Sym-Relief Redness Reducing Complex (Chamomile, bisabol, ginger)
• Patented MMPi-20 Complex
• Avantage Anti-Oxidant Complex (Green tea) 

Of all these complexes, I personally think that the mix of oat, green tea, and MMPi-20 technology are the most beneficial.  A 2002 study in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that topical application of Avena Sativa (Oat) Extract reduced skin irritation in the majority of the individuals studied. Avena Sativa (Oat) extract has also been documented to be effective as a soothing and anti-inflammatory agent in the journal Phytotherapy.  The benefits of green tea for the skin also cannot be denied: not only is it a potent antioxidant, but it also has anti-aging and rosacea-fighting properties.  Finally, award-winning MMPi-20 technology fights matrix metalloproteinase-1, the most likelyMMP of all 23 known human matrix metalloproteinases to damage collagen.  In other words, this is a spectacular anti-redness, skin-soothing skin care line with beneficial anti-aging effects.  Where have you been all my life?!

Product I Can’t Miss: The Gentle Exfoliating Peel 

All of the Anti-Aging Sensitive Skin Collection is wonderful ingredients-wise, but the one product that stands out for me is the Patricia Wexler Dermatology Gentle Exfoliating Peel ($34.50, BathandBodyWorks.com).  The product includes all of the complexes listed above (except anti-redness) and a gentle blend of BHA salicyclic acid and AHAs lactic acid and glycolic acid to increase cell turnover and immediately give skin a glow after every use.  I’m thrilled that I can finally use a peel on my sensitive skin!  One worthy note:  Although the label reads “leave-on peel,” I wash it off after 10-15 minutes, and find that it works better for me that way.  

Final Notes and Overall Opinions

I’m an enthusiastic fan of the Patricia Wexler Dermatology Sensitive Skin Collection, especially the Gentle Exfoliating Peel.  I give it two enthusiastic thumbs-up!  

Save 3.0% on Your Order from Bath and Body Works.com!

Sign up at eBates.com and automatically get 3.0% back on your order!

Please note:  FutureDerm.com has been sent sample sizes of these products by a PR firm.  However, in accordance with the FutureDerm.com Advertising Policy, the opinions of the writer of this article were in no way influenced by the granting of merchandise.  For more information, please see the Advertising Policy Page.