The Science Behind Theraderm Clinical Skin Care


What Causes an Aging Appearance?

Sunlight is the biggest cause of visible signs of skin aging because UV rays damage our cells every day. Oxidative stress from sunlight causes injury, which leads to inflammation and the creation of heat-shock proteins—resulting in daily, incremental, cumulative damage. Skin is also affected by movement and hormonal changes over time, leading to drier skin, slower cell turnover, and pigment irregularities that contribute to lines and wrinkles.

The Aging Process Occurs Because:

  • Skin cells are constantly copied and divided to replace old cells with new ones.
  • Over time, daughter cells look different due to cumulative UV-driven oxidative damage.
  • Surface cells become dry as UV damage depletes the moisture barrier and allows water to evaporate.
  • UV exposure generates harmful free radicals, contributing to thin skin, wrinkles, pigment spots, and potentially skin cancers.

The Importance of Exfoliation

Natural exfoliation (shedding surface cells) slows with age, creating a loose, thick layer of dead cells that looks dull and feels rough. Removing this layer reveals a brighter complexion, smooths texture, and helps prevent early signs of aging while improving the absorption of skincare.

Chronic Inflammation Cycle



Statistics: Epidermal surface cell turnover time is 2-3 weeks in a pre-teen child. Cell turnover increases to about 8-12 weeks for complete surface cell turnover after age 65.

Anti-Aging Focus

Energy injuries trigger inflammation, immune responses, and signaling that set off cyclic free-radical formation. Daily UV exposure and normal metabolism create incremental DNA, collagen, and elastin damage—collectively known as oxidative stress.

Lactic Acid

Theraderm began using lactic acid in 1988 to exfoliate and rejuvenate aging skin. Daily use of Theraderm Fruit Acid (lactic acid) gently removes dry outer layers and supports new cell growth.

  • Uses natural enzyme sequences to exfoliate and is non-irritating.
  • Key regulator of immune function (supports T-cell proliferation and TNF).
  • Commercially produced via molasses fermentation.
  • Low risk of hyperpigmentation or hypertrophic scarring.
  • Acts as an effective humectant and enhances absorption of other actives (e.g., lanolin, vitamin C).
  • Directly stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen.

Biomimetic Peptides

Peptides are “on/off” switches for countless body reactions. Soluble Keratin Peptides (protected by 31 patents for wound-healing properties) are exclusive to Therapon for topical skincare.

  • Matrixyl®: Supports papillary dermis repair and collagen production; may delay photoaging.
  • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline®): Neurotransmitter-mimicking peptide that softens expression-line appearance with ongoing use.
  • Palmitoyl Oligopeptide: Studied for stimulating collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and GAGs—smoothing the look of wrinkles.

Bioactive Ingredients

Rather than only repairing after damage becomes permanent, Theraderm emphasizes proactive daily defense to minimize injury and reverse inflammation with clinically focused, patent-pending solutions.

Gene Expression & Signaling Factor Properties

Lactic acid plays a major role in gene expression for cellular protection from inflammation and in natural signaling pathways. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is essential for cellular energy reactions, enabling the reversible conversion of pyruvate and lactic acid.

Exfoliation

AHAs stimulate release of dead surface cells. Lactic acid exfoliates effectively and gently, increasing turnover so skin looks younger and encouraging new collagen formation; as a normal human metabolite, it has no toxicity when used topically.

Free Radical Protection

Oxidative stress damages cellular components and the skin matrix. Vitamin C scavenges free radicals and is necessary for collagen repair, but cannot both hold a radical and rebuild structures simultaneously.

  • OPCs: Extremely potent antioxidants (reported as ~20× more effective than vitamin C) that also help “recharge” vitamin C to speed collagen repair.
  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Versatile antioxidant active in both lipid and water environments, supporting cellular energy production.

Where Skin Healing Meets Skin Care

Founded by Dr. James Beckman, a plastic surgeon and biochemist, Theraderm was built on wound-healing science applied to skincare. Formulations are designed to restore function and support natural repair, with clinically validated ingredients and protocols that improve texture, tone, and firmness. The brand remains committed to physician-grade innovation that translates medical insight into modern skincare for consistent, professional-level results.