Ageing Skin Research Advances
June 2, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The Wrinkle Hypothesis
In April 2008, researchers at the Tokyo University of Technology reported that long-term skin aging studies supported their hypothesis for a mechanism of wrinkle formation, whereby inflammatory cytokine expression is activated by UV irradiation. This cytokine expression sets up an inflammatory cascade, which triggers dermal fibroblasts to increase the expression of elastase. The increase in elastase production in turn results in the deterioration of the three-dimensional architecture of elastic fibers, reducing skin elasticity, and finally leading to the formation of wrinkles.
Dr. McDaniel, who has extensively studied the impact of solar radiation and other environmental stress and injury on accelerated aging in skin, agrees with this model and believes it could be further amplified, particularly since UVA/UVB affects the up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines within the cell, as well as inducing a cascade of reactive oxygen species (free radical attack). These processes attack the cellular membrane and other diverse targets within the cell. Dr. McDaniel believes both pathways are significantly responsible for assaulting the tissue, resulting in damage to the micro-architecture of the skin, leading to wrinkle formation and accelerated aging.
While many active ingredients claim to up-regulate collagen and elastin production, until the catabolic processes are switched off through inhibition of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and suppression of inflammatory activity, these pro-collagen effects will have limited benefit.
Alpha Linolenic Acid & Wrinkles
In 2002, Japanese researchers demonstrated that dietary ALA inhibited the erythema score after UVB irradiation. They also demonstrated that UVB-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was significantly lower in the group fed an ALA-rich diet compared with the control group. The researchers concluded from their results that the type of fatty acids—n-6 or n-3—is critical for the suppression of UVB-induced skin lesion when the “skin” fatty acids are modified by dietary manipulation. Anti-inflammatory activity of diet with a relatively high ALA and low linoleic acid content was demonstrated in UVB-irradiated hairless mice model.
Tocotrienols & Wrinkles
The significance of tocotrienols in skin care (and in particular gamma-tocotrienol) has come to light during the past few years. Researchers at Sugiyama Jogakuen University in Japan had previously shown that a vitamin E admixture extracted from palm oil could result in specific distribution of vitamin E isomers in an animal model. This research group concluded that when fed as part of the diet, tocotrienols were selectively taken up in the skin. They also claimed the skin to be a unique tissue in its ability to discriminate between various vitamin E analogs.
In a more recent study presented in April, the same research group investigated whether the increased presence of tocotrienols in the skin could confer a specific anti-aging health benefit, such as protecting the skin from the accelerated aging effect of UVB over-exposure. The group concluded that dietary tocotrienols do indeed protect the skin from damage (including tumor development) induced by UVB, more strongly than the more common form of vitamin E—alpha-tocopherol.
The Role of Other Antioxidants
One reason vitamin E has not performed well in earlier studies is that it doesn’t work well in isolation, especially the tocotrienols. As far back as 2000, Lester Packer and colleagues from the University of California, Berkeley, during a presentation at Experimental Biology, noted that tocotrienols are uniformly distributed on the surface of the cellular membrane where they easily collide with ROS and facilitate the recycling activity of the chromanoxyl radical. Dr. Packer reported that vitamin E, as a class of compounds, does not work in isolation from other antioxidants, but instead forms part of an interlinking set of redox reactions with antioxidants such as vitamin C.
How Do I Reduce My Wrinkles?
May 15, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Advertising is all around you. Daily you are bombarded with claims that one product will work better than the competition. If you are unfamiliar with a new product, you can only rely on the truthfulness of the advertiser’s claims or the “scientific study” they undertook or a friend’s positive feedback before you decide to part with your hard-earned dollars. In the case of skincare products, the claims can be even more confusing as one product will prove to work “miracles” for your friend, yet do nothing special for you.
This is not to say that no anti-aging or wrinkle treatment will ever work. Just remember that there is no magic treatment. The best way to have great skin is by preventing. Protect your skin from the sun and take care of it both inside and out. If you had applied an SPF 30 sunblock every 2 hours everyday of your life since the day you were born (or stayed out of the sun completely), you would most likely look years younger and have very few wrinkles. But that is not realistic is it?
Reality is that many of you probably skipped the sunscreen altogether for a “great tan” a few summers running, and because most of you aren’t hermits, you may already have a few wrinkles and aging skin. Perhaps you are looking for something to help get rid of them. You want to know, how can you reduce your wrinkles? Some treatments may work, some might not. Some treatments do what they say, some don’t. You want to find the treatments that don’t promise the world but instead deliver real results.Proper sun protection is a big start to preventing further damage.
Next to daily SPF, the next best thing you can do for your wrinkles is moisturize. You should use a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher in the morning and use a night cream suited for your skin type in the evening. Another important way to keep your skin hydrated is by drinking enough water. You hear it time and again because proper hydration is key to plumping up dry skin cells and detoxifying your body.
In addition to regular cleansing and moisturizing regimens, you can add an occasional facial or peel. A peel removes the dead skins cells from the top layer of facial skin to reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion. If a chemical peel seems too expensive or harsh, you could use a facial scrub, but be aware of hard, rough grains that can tear delicate facial tissue. Try to find a facial scrub with beaded moisturizers or enzymes. You could also use a peel less frequently and try a scrub a week or so.
Finally, there are all the “Anti-Aging” products. You can find lotions, serums, toners, and just about anything that claims to diminish wrinkles. Some products work for some people and not others. You really need to do some of your own experimenting. If you have dry skin look for a nice moisturizing anti-aging lotion. Stay away from things you know you are allergic to and keep an eye on ingredients that don’t work before buying another product. Give every product at least a week or two, unless you experience any allergic reactions, before you give it up and move on. It takes some time for most products to produce results.
Anti Aging Skin Care Tips
April 28, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
If you want to avoid the early signs of aging, there are plenty of anti aging skin care products available for you. You can also look up tips and guides on how to make your skin firmer and healthier. On the other hand, there are treatments for anti aging, which are easy to follow. These treatments will not take up much of your time. The best skin care treatment does not necessarily involve expensive products. You do not have to buy costly products, in order for you to prevent wrinkles from appearing around your eyes and your mouth. Anti aging tips include simple reminders such as drinking water constantly. As simple as this step, you will be able to keep your skin healthy.
Exposing your skin to an appropriate amount of the sun’s rays is one way of preventing premature aging. Sunlight is capable of providing your skin with vitamin D, which is also great for keeping your teeth and bones healthy. However, too much sun exposure can cause skin problems. This is true especially if you expose yourself to sunlight between 9 AM to 4 PM. During these times, the heat of the sun is harmful and can lead to skin cancer and heat stroke. Minor problems caused by too much UV rays exposure include skin rashes, blemishes, and dark spots on the skin.
If you need to go out, when the sun is really hot, you have to keep yourself protected. You should wear a hat to keep your face away from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Sunscreen lotion and cream are anti aging skin care products that keep UV rays from penetrating into the inner layers of your skin. However, you have to remember that there are some products for anti aging that are harsh for your skin. One of the best ways to know if the product is good for you or not would be to check its ingredients. You should be aware of products that contain petroleum and alcohol-based ingredients.
Another anti aging tip is to take in much filtered water. Avoid tap water since this contains chemicals that are harmful to your body and to your skin. The sad fact is that there are several individuals that do not consume enough amounts of fluids that are needed by the body. This can lead to dehydration and premature aging. Aside from anti aging skin care products, water is a great way to keep your skin looking radiant. To make your skin healthy and supple, you have to consume at least eight glasses of water everyday. This anti aging guide is better than any kind of skin care product.
You also have to remember that a proper diet is a good anti aging tip. Organic leafy greens are great for maintaining the health of your skin. Green and leafy vegetables are comprised of antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging your systems. Free radicals are capable of destroying your cells. Once your cells are damaged, this can cause early symptoms of aging like wrinkles.
Face creams, hand and body lotions, and moisturizers are among the most effective anti aging skin care products. They support your body’s production of elastin and collagen, which help in making your skin appear younger. What is more, these products even out dark spots on your skin and face, and they eliminate wrinkles and fine lines.
Natural Anti Aging Skin Care Ingredients
April 15, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
We know it is impossible to stop the natural aging process; however it is possible to delay it. There are many options available to achieve this, including cosmetic surgery and medical treatments, however the most popular and most cost efficient solution, aside from eating well and exercising regularly, is the use of anti aging products. These products can be for both cosmetic internal and external treatment.
Although wrinkles, lines and age spots are formed by the natural effects of getting older, one way to prevent them from appearing early on in life is to avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreens with SPFs 15 or higher. While, most of us have some form of sun-damaged skin, there are ways to regain healthy, smooth skin.
After many years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below.
Vitamin A (Retinol) – Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines.
Vitamin C – Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns.
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general.
Glycolic Acid – Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin’s surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses.
N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) – The nature-identical plant growth factor, furfuryladenine, retards the aging of plant cells as well as in vitro human skin fibroblasts. This natural, anti-aging ingredient has been proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and is exclusively found in Kinerase creams and lotions. This is a proven alternative for people with sensitive skin or people who are sensitive to products containing Retinol and Vitamin C.
Copper Peptides – Copper Peptides are the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. Copper has been found to naturally firm the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Pal-KTTKS – Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without with out expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections.
Green Tea Extract – Green tea’s anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities are found in many skin care products designed to reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores.
TNS – The biotechnology of the skin’s natural healing process has arrived with the first tissue repairing complex containing growth factors found in normal, healthy skin. Unlike anything else currently on the market, TNS is the next level of skin rejuvenation that delivers dramatic results, for smoother, softer, younger looking skin.
Why is Shea Butter important for Anti-aging?
March 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Pure Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the Shea-Karite tree. It is found in the tropic zones of Africa.
It is yellowish, or ivory-colored. It is the natural fat that gives African Shea butter its unique healing properties. It is especially known for its cosmetic properties as a moisturizer and emollient. In addition, it is a popular ingredient in many other products.
For example, it far superior to cocoa butter and other vegetable butters. It is also edible. It is used as a cooking oil in Africa, and is used as a substitute for cocoa butter in the chocolate industry. Actually, it is considered to be superior to cocoa butter and other vegetable butters.
The benefits of African Shea butter products also have outstanding anti-inflammatory properties. It has been found to be useful to combat cases of arthritis and of rheumatism. Further, research has discovered that it can be used even as a nasal decongestant.
It has been proven to be helpful in cases of eczema and dermatitis and can help reduce skin bruising and soreness. Add to this, treating skin conditions such as burns, rashes, fading scars, eczema, severely dry skin, and in reducing the irritation of psoriasis. And, it even provides limited UV protection against the sun.
It is also an integral ingredient in many expensive moisturizing skin products. Moreover, it is used in high quality hair conditioners to add moisture to dry hair, and reconditioning split ends. In addition, hairdressers use it to hold hairstyles and relax curls. It can used to moisturize dry scalps and even encourage hair growth.
It is a key ingredient in the most reputable anti-aging beauty products. Shea butter actually helps stimulate collagen production in the skin, making it most effective in facial wrinkle treatment. An anti-aging product that is magically available to us.
Select the Right Anti Aging Skin Care Products
February 17, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Most of us are very concerned about our aging skin. This shows in our willingness to spend large amounts of money on anti aging skin care products. Not only do we purchase large quantities of anti aging skin care treatments, we spend billions on cosmetic surgery to look younger as well. None of us want to look older than we are; we would rather look much younger.
The fact that we spend millions on anti aging skin care products and treatments every year actually shows that the majority of the treatments do not work as they say they will. If they did, we would not have to keep trying different kinds of products for our aging skin.
That is not to say there aren’t good anti aging skin care products on the market. There most definitely are – and here are some pointers for choosing the right ones.
What to Consider When Buying Anti Aging Skin Care Products
Avoid skin care products that contain fragrances or other chemical ingredients. These can actually cause more harm than good as they absorb into your body. Foreign chemicals do not belong in the body. It is counter productive to use chemicals on the skin for an anti aging treatment.
Use perfumes and body sprays to add a nice scent to your skin instead. The difference between sprays and lotions is that with a lotion, you are rubbing the chemicals into your skin. Sprays are less concentrated and left on the surface.
Products that contain collagen are a complete waste of time. The claims made by skin care manufacturers who put collagen into their anti aging skin care products are completely false. The only true way to put collagen into the skin is to use something that stimulates natural collagen production.
The Results are in the Ingredients, Not the Advertising
The majority of those in the skincare industry are out to make money and that is their primary goal. They will spend millions of dollars on advertising just to get people to buy their product. Most of the time, the product is not as good as they claim it to be because it is not made with the best ingredients. It seems they would rather spend good money on advertising than on quality lotions that are effective.
Using Celebrities to Endorse Anti Aging Skin Care Products & Treatments
Celebrities are often used to promote products. A good example of this is Proactive Solutions. Vanessa Williams and Jessica Simpson both promote this anti-acne skin care line. The painful truth is that they are highly paid for their endorsements. That is not to say the product does not work, but rather it reveals a different sort of motivation behind their advertising.
Smaller companies that put money into their products are the best bet for your money. When it comes to anti aging skin care products, it is far better to buy from smaller companies that put their money into the ingredients rather than in the pockets of celebrities.
