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SPONSORED: SKINCEUTICALS
Slowing Signs of Ageing By Preventing Glycation
SkinCeuticals’ latest product innovation is showing incredible results in reducing visible signs of ageing.
There are many processes in the skin that add to its ageing; glycation is one of them. At the World Congress of Dermatology (WCD) in Singapore, L’Oréal presented its latest research and innovations to help counteract glycation and slow the visible signs of ageing.
What is glycation?
Dr Tania Romano, Head of Medical and Education at SkinCeuticals Australia, explains that the glycation process is a naturally occurring chemical reaction that directly impacts our skin and is part of ageing.
“Glycation takes place when sugar molecules such as glucose or fructose bind to proteins and lipids throughout the body and skin which results in the formation of advanced glycation end products (A.G.E.s),” says Dr Romano. “When this occurs, the proteins and lipids become damaged and are not able to function properly which in turn impacts collagen decline in the skin, increases wrinkles, affects the skin’s laxity and dullness and ultimately accelerates ageing signs,” she adds.
Glycation is a natural phenomenon and to a certain extent unavoidable. However, high-sugar diets can accelerate the formation of A.G.E.s, and sugar found in high glycemic index (GI) foods are especially impactful. This multi-phase reaction is accelerated by external aggressors, like UV and pollution, which cause oxidative stress. This forms a ladder-like structure in which the proteins are rigidified, resulting in A.G.E.s, which then further damage skin cells. Once formed, these damaged proteins cannot be repaired or replaced, meaning prevention – where possible – is key. In summary, glycation contributes to wrinkles, skin laxity, dull skin tone due to the natural yellow colour of A.G.E.s, and skin’s dehydration.
SkinCeuticals has recently unveiled its newest product with the launch of its highly concentrated corrective cream, A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, which helps to target visible signs of ageing, especially those caused by glycation, restore firmness and enhance the skin’s radiance.
SkinCeuticals’ A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced has been proven to offer a reduction in collagen damage in the skin by 38% in seven days [1]. The product also increases skin density by 30% [2], a result of the inclusion of a 20 percent more potent form of L’Oréal’s exclusive anti-ageing molecule, ProXylane. The product also includes 4.45% wild fruit flavonoids, which is an antioxidant blend of blueberry and pomegranate extracts helping to protect against free radical damage and glycation. Lastly, 0.1% glythyrrhetinic acid helps enhance the skin’s natural radiance to counter dull tone, which may be linked to A.G.E. accumulation.
Glycation was one of the main topics at WCD, where dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald presented her findings on SkinCeuticals’ new product.
“We know about sun protection, but how do we actually reduce glycation? And this is, of course, a process going on throughout our body, but on the skin, we have the advantage of being able to access the skin. So we can use topical products that help inhibit glycation,” she explained.
“And the thing that I do love about SkinCeuticals is that they do the science for us. They focus on the science, and they make sure that these products work before they are released,” Dr McDonald added.
She continued to present a 12-week scientific study, in which 77 females with Fitzpatrick type I - VI, aged 38-70, used A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced twice daily over their face, neck and chest in conjunction with a sunscreen. Skin biopsies were taken and analysed. “We know that on a biopsy, we cannot lie. We cannot just describe what we think we’re seeing if we actually are looking under the skin, which is why we can trust these results,” Dr McDonald said.
After 12 weeks, just three months of using A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, the skin biopsies saw a 92% increase in filaggrin expression, which is a protein integral to our skin moisture barrier function, and which gets compromised by glycation, showing the efficacy of A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced. The results also showed a 30% increase in skin density. Another shorter study showed that the product prevented the formation of A.G.Es in vivo by 34.1% after only four days of use.
Dr Cara McDonald was particularly impressed by the product’s abilities to reduce wrinkle depth.
“This is not just fine lines, we’re talking about the deep movement lines and dynamic wrinkles, and these are hard to target with skincare alone,” she told us. “However, after 12 weeks, we see a visible difference in dynamic wrinkles. The only way to get this from skincare is by improving your collagen integrity and by actually propping up the skin and increasing the structural component of the skin; you cannot have an increase and such an improvement in dynamic wrinkles just from the hydrating effects of skincare alone.”
[1] Protocol: Study on 12 skin replicants receiving treatment of key active flavonoids every day for 6 days, each day skins exposed to UVA analysis for AGEs at day 7
[2] Protocol: Cosmeto-clinical study, 77 females, aged 38-70, twice daily using A.G.E Interrupter Advanced for 12 weeks together with sunscreen.
“The new A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced is a renovation of our previous A.G.E. Interrupter formulation. The new product contains a higher concentration of wild fruit flavonoids as well as the new ingredient of pomegranate extract to protect against UV induced glycation. Another new addition is glycyrrhetinic acid for its antiinflammatory properties. There is also a new, more potent version of the ingredient Proxylane in the new formulation, which will help stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin. Finally, the texture of the product has been improved, with the new formulation being lighter on the skin and a more silky consistency.”
– Dr Tania, Romano, SkinCeuticals Head of Medical & Education
