The skin can absorb in-depth moisturizers (which are designed to work at the dermis layer of skin) and surface-level moisturizers (which work on the epidermis layer)... but only if certain ingredients are used.

First, you need to understand the skin structure. What gives skin a toned, uplifted, youthful appearance that's free of age lines and wrinkles?

Collagen is about 90% of connective tissue - so it's pretty much the foundation of our skin - and responsible for holding our face together. The depletion of our collagen stores is one of the primary reasons we appear to age. You could compare it to a beautiful building with an eroding foundation - over time, the façade will crumble beyond recognition. When collagen fibers are nourished and hydrated by 'collagen fibrils,' skin is healthy and youthful looking. But as we age, the body stops producing the collagen fibrils.

Elastin is only 2-4% of connective tissue, but it's crucial to skin's youthful appearance. Like an elastic band, elastin fibrils bind the collagen fibrils together. So it not only supports collagen hydration, it also gives skin the elasticity and resilience that makes skin smooth and supple. With age, elastin fibers thicken and lose elasticity.

Proteoglycans act as molecular messengers. Their job is to 1) detect deficiencies of collagen and elastin fibrils and 2) calibrate fibroblasts (the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production) to 3) jump-start fibroblasts' natural production of collagen and elastin.

Cytokins are the messages that Proteoglycans, the molecular messengers, carry. In effect, they're the molecular information delivered to fibroblasts to synchronize activities - they tell fibroblasts to start producing more collagen and elastin or if a new cell is needed.

Skin's intercellular matrix is the skin's first line of defense against aging. The Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) is one of the primary elements in keeping the epidermis (outer layer of skin) healthy. It's a layer of natural, water-soluble compounds that lock-in moisture and protect skin. It helps protect skin from such harmful age-aggressors as the sun, pollution, chemicals, etc., but it breaks down quickly. When the NMF content of skin is reduced, skin becomes rough, flakes, develops fine lines and becomes dry.

Marine Phytoplankton is a skin 'superfood' that contains more than 65 amino acids, essential fats, vitamins, key minerals, trace elements, antioxidants, electrolytes, nucleic acids and enzymes - virtually all the raw materials necessary for complete cellular regeneration. Able to deeply penetrate skin, it increases circulation and oxygenates tissues to repair, rebuild and replenish healthy skin.

Editor's pick? Clayton Shagal.

Why? Because these dermatological-grade cosmeceuticals work better than just about any skincare we've ever seen. Unlike other skincare products, Clayton Shagal's line won't lose efficacy when penetrating the protective barriers of skin. The active ingredients are uniquely able to penetrate both the epidermis and dermis skin layers - and to do so without compromising their molecular structure. That means after absorption, the potency is 100% intact.

What kind of deep-penetrating moisturizing ingredients are in Clayton Shagal products? Hypnoderm, Elastin, Collagen, Cytokines, Hydrocomplex, Marine Phytoplankton and Hypnoderm... to mention just a few.

- Clayton Shagal's Collagen Extract restores the collagen fibrils, moisturizing skin and restoring vitality. Clayton Shagal's Elastin Extract nourishes elastin fibrils so skin can maintain its youthful softness.

- Unfortunately, the cytokins discussed earlier can't be reproduced in the human body or absorbed naturally. But there are biomechanical ways of producing cytokines - and these can be transferred to skin to stimulate fibroblast production. Clayton Shagal biochemically processes milk cytokines, and they can be transferred to skin to stimulate fibroblast production.

- Clayton Shagal's Hydrocomplex mimics the effect of skin's NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor). Its soluble, oil-base penetrates skin layers so air moisture to maintain hydration levels.

- Clayton Shagal's Marine Phytoplankton combats dryness and fortify skin, improving elasticity for a radiant, youthful appearance.

- Clayton Shagal's Hypnoderm (composed of hypermoisturizers like hyaluronic acid, ceramids and soothing honey) helps support skin's natural protective barrier by replenishing moisture and protecting skin.

Clayton Shagal cosmeceuticals offer fast, concentrated absorption - helping them deliver incredible anti-aging results - instantly! And because of their incredible results, Clayton Shagal's anti-aging products are best-sellers in spas, dayspas, medi-spas around the world.