Science Hub
July 2025 Science Wrap Up
23 July 2025
Dr Ginni Mansberg
Hello!! This month’s science wrap is coming to you from boiling Los Angeles where we are hard at work doing some photo shoots….With Selma Blair! It’s been something I’ve been bursting to tell you about, our partnership with Selma and her investment in ESK has seen us shuttling to and from the US over the past 6 months. It’s finally happening. An announcement about our partnership went live this week on Sunrise. Stay tuned for some collaborative products – you will hear it here first!! Between filming and photo shoots and finishing off my next book (1 month to deadline!!!) I have been super frenzied! But I can’t keep away from my beloved journals! Here are a few studies that caught my eye:
Sensitive skin? It turns out your ceramide levels are probably off!
A new study offers one of the most detailed peeks yet into what’s actually going on in sensitive skin, particularly on the face. It looked at 66 healthy Japanese women aged 20–49, with 48 of them having sensitive skin (based on how they felt and how their skin reacted to a lactic acid test). The researchers found that people with sensitive skin don’t necessarily have drier skin or more redness, (in fact many had completely normal looking skin) but their skin barrier is subtly off. Specifically, they had lower levels of key ceramides, the fat molecules that help hold the skin barrier together. One particular ratio — CER[NP]/CER[NS] was lower in those with sensitive skin, and that drop correlated with more skin stinging, less mature skin cells, and more disorganised packing of lipids or fats into the skin barrier. There was also a whisper of chronic low-level inflammation potentially driving these changes. And – interestingly, a higher skin cell turnover rate. This meant some skin cells were prematurely being asked to sit in the top layers of the skin before they’re mature enough to handle the normal onslaught of skin cells. Now we have to work out how to address this using skincare!
Repair+ is your go-to moisturiser for supporting and healing your skin’s barrier. Formulated with niacinamide, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this cream works to strengthen, hydrate, and protect irritable or compromised skin. Niacinamide boosts hydration, reduces redness, and improves fine lines and pores, giving skin a healthy resilience. Panthenol, known for its calming properties, soothes irritation and promotes skin repair. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and repairs skin. And Ceramides help lock in moisture, prevent water loss, and shield against environmental stressors. Free from scents, parabens, and sulphates, Repair+ is your go to product for dry and irritable skin. Featuring;. Powerful skin barrier builders to hydrate and calm dry and sensitive skin. Anti inflammatory ingredients to rosacea, psoriasis and eczema symptoms. Scent free, paraben free and sulphate free formulation Potent effectiveness but gentle enough for daily use
Repair +
Misinformation around hyperpigmentation
A new US study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology looked at how hyperpigmentation affects peoples’ lives. A survey of 150 mostly women and people with skin of colour, revealed that there is a world of misunderstanding about hyperpigmentation.
Nearly 41% had never tried any treatment, and of those who did, only 25% were satisfied. Of those who did try something, their expectations were amiss! Most expected fast results – in between one to four weeks. Yet we know that hyperpigmentation treatments often take months to really help. This is exactly what we see from comments on our socials. Barriers to getting help included cost, uncertainty about what products to use, and fear of ongoing treatment. Internet and social media were the most common (and potentially misleading) sources of information.
Participants who successfully treated their hyperpigmentation anticipated a strong positive impact on self-esteem. However, only a small fraction felt well-informed or satisfied with current treatments. The authors highlight the need for better patient education, realistic expectation-setting, and emphasised the critical importance of sun protection. Especially for people with skin of colour.
This ultimate anti-aging and pigmentation kit delivers deep hydration, targets hyperpigmentation and age spots. Retinal is not suitable for use in pregnancy. C Forte can be comedogenic in acne prone skin and can cause irritation in sensitive skin, including rosacea.
Pigmentation Kit
On Accutane for acne? What do dermatologists suggest you do next?
A new US based survey published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology dives into what dermatologists actually do after a patient finishes isotretinoin (aka Roaccutane), and the results? Let’s just say, there’s a lot of variation. Even though acne relapses after isotretinoin are super common (anywhere from 20 to 60% of people flare up again), there are no official guidelines on what to do next.
The dermatologists who responded to the survey don’t agree on the best daily dose of isotretinoin, and they even differ on how long to keep people on treatment. Most will stop isotretinoin two months after the acne clears, and many start maintenance treatments right away, usually topical retinoids, especially for guys. But shockingly, one-third of dermatologists don’t routinely offer any maintenance at all.
When acne comes back, women are more likely to be prescribed spironolactone, while men are often given a second round of isotretinoin. This lack of consistency has experts calling for a proper consensus or guidelines to help standardise care and reduce the frustrating cycle of relapse.
Battling dryness from Isotretinoin, the acne-fighting champion? Our new Isotretinoin Companion Skincare Kit is here to save the day! Packed with evidence-based ingredients like panthenol, ceramides, and niacinamide, it’s designed to soothe and hydrate your skin. We know Isotretinoin can be tough on your skin barrier, but our kit promises to rebuild and strengthen it, reducing side effects and keep acne at bay. Say goodbye to redness, stinging, and dryness, and hello to a balanced, clear complexion. We've got your back, all the way to flawless skin! Featuring; Deeply hydrating non comedogenic products Powerful pimple busters Mighty skin barrier builders Gentle, non-irritating products
Isotretinoin Companion Kit
Plus take a look at Selma Blair's daily essentials!
Our Repair + for gentle restoration and Ultimate A for powerful anti-aging without irritation, the perfect combination for sensitive skin that refuses to compromise on results.
Selma Blair's Bundle
Selma Blair tried it. Loved it. And we know you will too.
When Selma Blair - yes, that Selma Blair - was desperately searching for skincare that wouldn't inflame her reactive, sensitive skin, she discovered ESK. She just wanted something gentle to calm the chaos. But then came the real surprise: her skin didn't just heal, it was glowing. Better than it had looked in years.
Selma kept ordering. Kept raving. And now we're letting you in on her go-to picks with a special offer to celebrate our exciting partnership.
What's in Selma's Bundle?
Repair + - Morning moisturiser to the repair skin's barrier without clogging pores.
Ultimate A - A Retinal night cream targeting fine lines and wrinkles (all without the irritation).
Oh and your bonus? A FREE 15ml Hydraboost (Hyaluronic Acid Serum) to hydrate skin.