Compounds & Therapies
ALCAR / L-Carnitine: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) and L-Carnitine are two forms of the same conditionally essential nutrient with distinct pharmacological profiles. L-Carnitine is the foundational form — essential for mitochondrial fatty acid transport and well-evidenced for cardiovascular health…
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring dithiol compound that functions as an essential cofactor in mitochondrial energy metabolism and one of the most versatile antioxidants in human biochemistry. Unlike most antioxidants, ALA is both water- and fat-soluble, enabling it…
Phosphatidylserine: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid that forms a critical structural component of neuronal cell membranes and is one of the few supplements with an FDA-qualified health claim for cognitive function. It has a substantial human clinical trial database — particularly for…
Procedures & Modalities
Adapalene: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Adapalene is a third-generation synthetic retinoid that became available over-the-counter in the US at 0.1% concentration (Differin) in 2016 — a significant regulatory change that made one of the most clinically validated acne and anti-aging actives accessible without a…
Ceramides & Barrier Repair: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Ceramides are the structural backbone of the skin's barrier — they make up approximately 50% of the lipids in the stratum corneum and are a central determinant of barrier integrity and transepidermal water loss, alongside cholesterol and free fatty acids. Age-related ceramide…
Retinaldehyde: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Retinaldehyde (retinal) is the intermediate form of vitamin A that sits between retinol and retinoic acid (tretinoin) in the retinoid conversion pathway — one enzymatic step away from the active form the skin actually uses. This position in the pathway gives it a clinical profile…