EssentialMED Skin Care and the development of GPA® - Gamma Poly Acid healthy skin serum - has continued since 2003. While studying structures within the eye before and after Cataract Surgery, it became apparent that healthy cells recovered from injury and stress much more efficiently and quickly than cells weakened from oxidative stress. Damaged and weakened cells, under oxidative stress, recovered much slower and less efficiently. Additionally, each unique cell group is affected by the cumulative effects of oxidative stress from UV radiation. It became evident that the human eye and skin both had similar consequences to long term overexposure of sunlight and cumulative oxidative stress. Paradoxically though, they each have uniquely different built-in protective measures against free radical oxidative stress damage from UV rays. The human eye has an advanced defense system to combat oxidative stress damage.

Both the skin (epidermis) and eyes derive from a key group of early development cells called Ectoderm.  Ectoderm is the foundation for developing healthy cells for both of these very protective, sensory organs. The cornea, lens of the eye and retina depend on cell differentiation for protection from  UV exposure damage. The cornea is actually a highly organized, unique group of proteins and cells that rely on specific molecules for tissue protection against UV damage and oxidative stress. Unlike the skin, the cornea and lens of the eye are devoid of UV absorbing melanin produced by melanocytes and rely on the eyelid and an array of other UV absorbing molecules to protect the eye from UV damage.

The skin also utilizes cell differentiation during early Ectoderm development and does form melanocytes. Melanocytes are highly specialized cells within the epidermis for protection against UV exposure damage by producing melanin. Melanin is a natural polymer pigment found in skin, hair and the retina and functions to protect the nuclear DNA of cells from mutations caused by the ionizing radiation of the sun's UV rays. Ionizing UV rays also create free radical molecules that add compound damage to cells. Melanin literally absorbs UV radiation and functions as an antioxidant, minimizing free radial formation.

What's the connection? Healthy cells of both the epidermal skin and the cornea and lens of the eye are non-vascular (no blood vessels) and rely on a similar transport mechanism for antioxidant support and healthy cell development. This is their healthy cell, transport  system. The GPA serum compound penetrates the skin and is allowed through the skin's natural defense system. Through this process, both the skin and eyes utilize selectively diffused molecules to combat oxidative stress and keep cell membranes strong, intact and resilient from damage. GPA® provides key antioxidant support molecules necessary to maintain  strong,  healthy,  beautiful  skin.