The post-treatment serum is formulated to support the cellular processes activated by red light therapy by providing a protective, hydrating, and reparative environment that preserves and enhances the therapeutic effects initiated during photobiomodulation.
Propanediol and glycerin serve as multifunctional humectants that create and maintain an optimal hydration gradient within the stratum corneum. These polyhydric alcohols exhibit strong water-binding capacity, preventing transepidermal water loss while simultaneously facilitating the movement of water between corneocytes and through the intercellular lipid domains. By establishing a sustained hydration reservoir immediately following light exposure, these humectants support the structural integrity of the skin barrier and maintain the water-dependent biochemical processes that are upregulated by photobiomodulation, including collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix remodeling.
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract contributes mucilaginous polysaccharides, including acemannan, which provide multiple post-treatment benefits. These high molecular weight polysaccharides form a protective, occlusive film that minimizes evaporative water loss while delivering anti-inflammatory and wound repair activity. Acemannan specifically stimulates macrophage activity and fibroblast proliferation, enhancing the cellular repair mechanisms that are activated by red light therapy. This combination of barrier protection and reparative signaling supports the maintenance of the proliferative and synthetic cellular states induced by photobiomodulation.
Phaeodactylum tricornutum extract, encapsulated within a liposomal delivery system containing lecithin and tocopherol, provides a targeted source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These lipids contribute to cellular membrane fluidity and serve as precursors for specialized pro-resolving mediators that actively terminate inflammation and promote tissue repair. The liposomal encapsulation facilitates the delivery of these fragile polyunsaturated fatty acids to the viable epidermis, where they support membrane repair and maintain the metabolic activity of cells that have been stimulated by red light exposure.
Gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid, functions through both humectant and mild exfoliative mechanisms. As a six-carbon lactone, gluconolactone demonstrates superior water-binding capacity compared to alpha-hydroxy acids while exhibiting significantly reduced irritation potential. It penetrates the upper stratum corneum where it undergoes hydrolytic ring-opening to release multiple hydroxyl groups that chelate metal ions and scavenge free radicals. This antioxidant activity helps protect newly synthesized extracellular matrix proteins from oxidative damage during the vulnerable post-irradiation period, while the compound’s humectant properties maintain optimal hydration levels essential for enzymatic and synthetic processes.
Sodium polyglutamate and hyaluronic acid constitute a synergistic system for sustained, multi-depth hydration. Sodium polyglutamate, a bacterial-derived polyamino acid, possesses a molecular weight and charge distribution that enables it to form a three-dimensional water-retention network capable of binding over 5,000 times its weight in water. This creates a long-lasting hydration reservoir that extends beyond the immediate post-application period. Hyaluronic acid complements this activity by providing both superficial hydration and receptor-mediated water retention within the viable epidermis. Together, these biopolymers maintain the cellular hydration required for optimal protein synthesis, enzyme function, and extracellular matrix deposition following red light therapy.
Allantoin provides targeted reparative and protective functions through its ability to modulate cellular responses associated with tissue repair. This pyrimidine derivative accelerates cellular proliferation, particularly of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, while simultaneously demonstrating anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of leukocyte infiltration and free radical generation. Allantoin also functions as a urea analog that promotes keratinocyte differentiation and stratum corneum renewal, facilitating the timely replacement of barrier lipids and corneocytes that may exhibit transient permeability changes following light exposure.
The preservative system, consisting of phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin, maintains formulation integrity while providing supplementary skin conditioning benefits. Ethylhexylglycerin demonstrates antimicrobial activity and functions as a skin penetration enhancer that improves the delivery of other formulation components. Additionally, it inhibits the activity of matrix metalloproteinases and preserves endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems, thereby helping to maintain the structural proteins and cellular defense mechanisms that are upregulated during the repair phase following photobiomodulation.
Gluconolactone, in combination with sodium benzoate and calcium gluconate, contributes to the formulation’s multi-functional preservation strategy while providing additional skin benefits. Calcium gluconate serves as a cofactor for numerous cellular processes, including desmosomal assembly and lamellar body extrusion, both of which are essential for maintaining and restoring barrier homeostasis. By providing a readily available source of calcium ions, this component supports the coordinated intercellular signaling and lipid processing required for effective barrier repair and maintenance following therapeutic interventions.
Collectively, the ingredients in the post-treatment serum create an optimal microenvironment that preserves the cellular and molecular changes initiated by red light therapy. The formulation simultaneously provides sustained hydration to support water-dependent synthetic processes, delivers reparative signaling molecules and membrane-stabilizing lipids, and maintains an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory environment that protects newly synthesized extracellular matrix components. This comprehensive approach ensures that the transient increases in cellular energy production, proliferation, and matrix synthesis stimulated by photobiomodulation are effectively preserved and supported during the critical post-treatment period, thereby optimizing the structural and functional outcomes of the therapeutic intervention.
Disclaimer
The information provided regarding the mechanisms of action and functional characteristics of the ingredients contained in these formulations describes their intended cosmetic benefits. These descriptions reflect the biochemical interactions and processes through which the ingredients contribute to the appearance and condition of the skin.
The statements made regarding these ingredients have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are cosmetic formulations and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The ingredient descriptions are provided to explain the theoretical basis for their inclusion in the formulation and the manner in which they are intended to support the appearance of improved skin condition.
Results from the use of these products may vary based on individual skin type, condition, and usage patterns. The functional benefits described represent the intended effects on skin appearance and are not representations of guaranteed clinical outcomes.