The formula
Repeated muscle contractions on the face cause expression lines, also known as contraction lines. I frown a lot, I’ve even had a friend tell me I do it in my sleep, hence why I have a deep wrinkle between my brows that is getting worse with age. P-tiox has been proven to reduce the look of this glabellar line (some get two, also known as ‘11 lines’), as well as other forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet and under eye wrinkles, to name just a few.
It’s able to do this thanks to a combination of neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides that are the key ingredients in the formulation that work by relaxing muscle contractions that create these lines in the first place. (If you’re into science, the ingredients are acetyl hexapeptide-8 and dipeptide)
Line-smoothing aside, SkinCeuticals has also packed niacinamide into the formula, a skin-strengthening, pore-reducing, and brightening superstar. And if that’s not enough, it also includes polyhydroxy acid, or PHA, the newest exfoliating acid that promotes skin cell turnover, bringing new, more radiant skin to the surface – all while being gentler on the skin and better for dry and sensitive skin types.
The application
Just like many of SkinCeuticals’ serums, the p-tiox serum comes in a glass pipette dropper bottle, ideal for its watery consistency. It’s easiest to apply five to six drops (as recommended) into the palm of your hand before pressing into the skin, as the texture is so runny.
I followed SkinCeuticals’ advice and added the serum to my morning and evening skincare routines. In the mornings, I applied it after cleansing and before my vitamin C serum and moisturiser. In the evenings, it followed a double cleanse, and then I layered my night cream on top.
The result
You have to manage your expectations with this serum. ‘Botox in a bottle’, it is not, well, if we’re taking the term literally. From a scientific point of view, Botox is injected into the muscle, and a serum applied onto the skin topically cannot penetrate that far. There is no way that a serum can mimic the results of having anti-wrinkle injections.
It’s more a term of endearment for the anti-wrinkle serum, or high praise if you will, because it really does deliver. I’m really impressed with how it softened the look of my fine lines, especially around the eyes and forehead. It made my deep-set frown line look less aggressive.
The impressive results don’t stop there, as the serum also delivers on radiance. Instantly, it leaves behind a glow on the skin, but over time, it brightens and smooths. There’s a clear luminosity to my complexion that wasn’t there before.
One word of warning, though, you do have to be patient to see results. They don’t just happen overnight. You do have to use it daily, consistently, and for at least a month to start seeing its radiance-renewing and line-smoothing abilities. But persevere and you’re in for a treat.
