
Episode #134
Can a Topical Serum Work Like Botox? Dermatologist Breaks Down P-TIOX
Can a topical serum work like a neurotoxin? Recorded live in Paris, Dr. Ted Lain sits down with Dr. Peter Bjerring to find out. Dr. Bjerring is a professor of dermatology at Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark, a laser pioneer who helped develop IPL technology, and a Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog. Together they break down SkinCeuticals P-TIOX, a serum built around two viper-venom-derived neuropeptides. One acts presynaptically, like botulinum toxin. The other blocks acetylcholine receptors on the muscle side. Both are small enough to penetrate the skin, which injectable toxins can't do. Dr. Bjerring walks through two of his clinical studies. In a split-forehead sweat study using the Minor iodine-starch test, the treated side showed little to no sweating after just three applications. That suggests the peptides really do reach their targets in the skin. In an 8-week, all-male study of 36 participants across multiple ethnicities, twice-daily use reduced forehead and glabellar lines by about 15%. Crow's feet, nasolabial folds, and even marionette lines also improved, and results kept getting better between weeks 4 and 8. The conversation also covers the supporting ingredients: 5% polyhydroxy acid for gentle exfoliation, niacinamide for barrier support, tone, and redness, and Laminaria digitata for antioxidant and collagen support. They discuss why so many self-reported sensitive-skin participants had no irritation, and how P-TIOX may pair with injectable neurotoxins to target the fine, superficial texture lines that injections miss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating and share it with a colleague. Word of mouth helps our podcast grow! Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at inquiry@scienceofskinsummit.com . Disclaimer: This clip is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.






