Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A Roundup of the Most Promising SAPs (skin age prevention)
How it works: Combats singlet oxygen, one of the strongest ROS (free radicals), which directly damages biological lipids, proteins, and DNA.
Visible results: Prevents future UV damage. Diminishes fine lines and improves elasticity
Studies: A clinical study at Creighton University demonstrated that astaxanthin can eliminate free radicals 6,000 times more effectively than vitamin C, 800 times more than CoQ10, 550 times more than vitamin E and green tea, 75 times more than alpha lipoic acid, and 20 times more than beta-carotene. For more on astaxanthin.
Where to find it: Astaxanthin is a staple of Nicholas Perricone MD products and of Kenneth Mark MD.
Carnosine
How it works: A natural amino-acid that is a potent antioxidant. Australian researchers claim it can extend the HayFlick Limit, the number of times our cells will divide and reproduce.
Visible results: It prevents the cross-linking of collagen and other proteins, one of the causes of wrinkling and loss of elasticity.
Studies: Recent studies suggest this ingredient may also act as a natural anti-glycation molecule. Glucose based cross-linking degrades proteins and creates Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), which are, in turn, responsible for leading to many age-related illnesses. Test tube experiments have shown the dipeptide to effectively protect proteins from cross-linking, to protect cells from AGEs. For more on carnosine.
Where to find it: Osmotics products and GloTherapeutics
Teprenone (also called Renovage)
How it works: Stabilizes telomeres so that at least they won’t shorten and signal cell death. Maintaining telomere length extends the Hayflick Limit (the # of times a cell replicates) by one third.
Visible results: Prevents the onslaught of fine lines
Studies: Researchers on telomeres won last year’s Nobel Prize
Where to find it: Skinn Wrinkle Night Balm, Jack Black’s Protein Booster, YBF’s new Boost. and Babor.
SNAP-8
How it works: A neuropeptide that stops facial muscles from moving and causing expression lines. SNAP-8, created by Kinerase, is being marketed as the second generation of Argireline, and is said to be 30% more effective. Our skin is naturally full of neuropeptides, but as we age, the count drops. While Botox smooths wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles through an injection of a solution derived from the botulism toxin, topical ‘Botox’ alternatives attempt to phone in the request to the cells to do the work themselves.
Visible results: Prevents the onslaught of fine lines.
Studies: None that are independent. For more on SNAP-8 and other neuropeptides
Labels: anti-aging, Ingredients, skin care
