Science

QXP™ – A technical Breakthrough

QXP™ is the result of years of Research and Development from patented FDA-cleared wound care technology. The same proprietary agent that is used to balance wounds is used to treat anti-aging and provides visible results within 5 days of use. Based on extensive clinical trials and pharmaceutical technology, RadiénIx™ provided an observable reduction in the length and depth of facial lines within 9 weeks.¹ The compound is QXP™, a patent-pending pro-active formula in all of our RadiénIx™ and Men’s QXP™ anti-aging products.

History in Wound Healing

Protease is a term used to describe a group of enzymes referred to as matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) that break down proteins such as collagen, laminin, and elastin. Greg Pilant, CEO has 30 years of experience with formulating pharmaceutical technologies. He pioneered the relationship between high levels of MMP’s and chronic wounds.The majority of chronic wounds display elevated levels of proteases (including MMPs), which impede or stop the wound-healing process² The original wound healing technology down regulates MMP’s, resulting in a high majority of non-responding wounds to close.

RadiénIx™ Anti-Aging Process

The breakdown of collagen is a key factor in the aging of the skin. MMP’s are known to play a major role in the breakdown of collagen in the skin and hinder tissue regeneration. The same technology used in the wound healing products is now used in the RadienIx™ line of products, called QXP. Our products also combine synergistic ingredients specially designed to address the skin’s needs, including peptides which work together with QXP™ as a system for the most complete results. Our day, night, and eye solutions are designed for women to use at specific times; however, the men’s product strength is formulated for a once-a-day application.
Our research and development team continues to work with a variety of doctors and universities to study collagen, the effects of aging on the skin, and the most effective way to utilize QXP™. QXP™ is the essential ingredient for the most complete and effective product line to treat the effects of aging on all types of skin.

The Aging Process

First, let’s understand the anatomy of the skin. The skin has three layers: the top layer, epidermis, where new skin cells are produced; the second layer, dermis, representing 90 percent of the thickness; and the subcutaneous fat layer.  The dermis is made of collagen fibers that give the skin elasticity and strength.
One of the more distressing aspects of midlife is watching our skin age and forming wrinkles. As we age, our skin naturally produces higher levels of MMPs. Wrinkles are formed when collagen fibers and elastin in the dermis break down which is largely due to the higher presence of MMPs.
This was proven scientifically through a U.S. government grant that was awarded to the University of Florida to study the aging of the skin. The study divided 132 participants, from ages 16 – 96, into three age groups: 19 – 39, 41 – 59, and 60 and up. MMP activity began at the cellular level in the skin in the 19-39 age group. The activity became very high in the 41-to-59 age group, resulting in a greatly reduced level of collagen. MMPs were identified as a contributing factor affecting aging skin by destroying the collagen in the dermis. These MMPs break down proteins, including the collagen that keeps our skin moist and hydrated when we are young. As MMP production increases, our collagen levels decrease which is a significant reason why we develop lines and wrinkles – especially after the age of 40.
Mr. Pilant realized that the same technology that down-regulates MMP’s for the purpose of wound healing, can also be used in Anti-Aging. More specifically, lowering MMP’s in the skin will slow the destruction of collagen, thus provide a skin environment where collagen can begin to grow more plentifully. More collagen, less wrinkles.   In addition,  our skin regains the hydration and elasticity of our younger days and the depth and length of lines diminish. On average, it takes between nine to twelve weeks – to see and feel the benefits of the increased collagen and elastin in your skin.
All of the RadienIx products include QXP but some, depending on the specific product function, include peptides.  x™  These peptides are tiny fragments of protein molecules that help allow the natural production of collagen and elastin, both of which plump the skin and give it elasticity. These peptides naturally decline as we age. These peptides  work together with QXP™ and glycerin to enhance the stratum corneum to increase hydration, which in turn helps allow the natural production of collagen

Clinical Studies

RadiénIx™ clinical data is extensive. This is what a prominent dermatologist has said about the product technology and the Zoe Dralos, MD study: “As a clinical dermatologist, I am constantly looking for new avenues of treatment, especially in the cosmetic realm. True innovative technology only comes around rarely…Patient acceptance has been outstanding with most patients extremely pleased with the moisturizing component, texture, lack of irritation, and the perceptible smoothness that their skin has achieved… Topical agents are notorious for their difficulty to scientifically document the effectiveness with controlled studies. That is the reason one so rarely sees double-blind, split-faced studies. However, a well-respected clinical dermatologist and researcher, Zoe Dralos, MD, has indeed published such a study. After six weeks usage, investigators were able to detect a statistically significant improvement between sides of the face treated with the protease regulator included in the product, and the product without the protease regulator. This observed difference was seen in spite of a potential drawback of the study in which the base product without the protease regulator was so effective that it allowed significant improvement on its own.
Michael L Maris MD, Private Dermatology Practice and Clinical Associate Professor, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

The Reports

RadiénIx™ White Paper (PDF)
InTon was the original test name Dr. Draelos – Final Report (with images) (PDF)
PHI (now licensed to the 3M corporation) was the original wound care ingredient John Azeke, Ph.D. – Final Report for PHI Patent (PDF)
Market Clinical Evaluation and Post Market Clinical Follow Up (PDF)
Section5-MMP-2 Assessment as an Indicator of Wound Healing (PDF)
Ashcroft – MMPs in skin – Cell & Tissue Research (PDF)
Ashcroft – TIMP in aged skin – Cell & Tissue Research (PDF)

  1. Dr. Draelos – Final Report (InTon was the original test name)
  2. B.A. Mast and G.S. Schultz. Interactions of Cytokines, Growth Factors, and Proteases in Acute and Chronic Wounds. Wound Rep Reg 4:411-420, 1996
  3. John Azeke, Ph.D. – Final Report for PHI – PHI (now licensed to the 3M corporation) was the original wound care ingredient
  4. Overview of pre-market Clinical Evaluation and Post Market Clinical Follow-up