The Truth Behind Anti-Aging Claims

The anti-aging movement has fostered an increased public awareness that many of the cutaneous changes associated with aging can now be prevented and reversed. Yet sorting through the anti-aging claims in today’s skincare market can often become a lesson in separating fact from fiction.

Case In point, the recent crack down by the FDA on products that claim to affect the genetic structure of the skin. These products have not been adequately tested to prove this benefit, and if they did act as claimed, they would be considered a drug and not a cosmetic.

On the other hand, many ingredients have been clinically proven to improve, enhance, and boost the appearance of skin.

Growth Factors: A type of protein, these greatly buzzed about ingredients are inspired by the natural growth factors found in the dermis and epidermis. They play an important role in promoting healthy tissue repair, boosting collagen and elastin production, and helping other proteins to mend injuries. Skincare treatments that contain growth factors work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smooth skin, enhance elasticity, and even out skin tone. Try Ossential® Growth Factor Serum.

Hyaluronic Acid: The key ingredient in injectable fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane®, hyaluronic acid also works wonders as a topical agent. It reinforces the moisture barrier of skin, adding moisture and suppleness to the skin and reducing the flaking caused by dry skin. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body and has no known reactions. Look for it in skincare products for its hydrating and plumping benefits. Try Offects® Hydrating Cleanser and Ommerse® Renewal Crème.

Peptides: Short chains of amino acids, peptides occur naturally in the body and work to regulate the activity of other molecules, provide antibiotic benefits, and assist in hormonal balance. When used topically in skincare, peptides boost production of collagen and miraculously help prevent the degradation of key building block proteins in skin cell membranes. Products that contain peptides reduce signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles, sagging, and loss of radiance. Use these products regularly and expect to see improvement in the appearance of texture, lines, and wrinkles. Try our top selling Ossential® Daily Power Defense and Olluminate® Intense Eye Repair.

Soy Isoflavones: Products formulated with soy isoflavones are particularly good for menopausal women. Derived from soybeans, these ingredients are high in anti-oxidants and a type of mild phytoestrogen that helps offset the effects of decreased estrogen in the skin. Products formulated with soy isoflavones work to boost collagen production, reduce redness, and improve skin tone. Soy isoflavones also prevent melanin pigments from sticking to skin cells, so they work well as skin brighteners. Try ZO® Medical Brightenex™.