The Science Behind Anti-Aging Skin Care

Have you ever wondered what is behind the acclaimed wonders of anti-aging products? What chemicals and ingredients do they contain that can potentially transform the complexion of your skin? 

There is no doubt that advertisements exclaim the many benefits that anti-aging products may offer, but, as consumers, it would behoove you to be enlightened on what these products and remedies are infused with so you can become more knowledgeable and savvy regarding the potential effectiveness of various skin-care regimens. 

Afterall, there is a lot at stake when it comes to the amount of money we spend on anti-aging products, along with our fiercest hopes of what they can accomplish when it comes to renewing our complexion and delivering a youthful appearance.  

We as consumers spend plenty of money in an attempt to rekindle our youth.  In 2018, the worldwide anti-aging product market size was recently valued at more than $38 billion and it is expected to increase to over $60 billion by 2026. 

The Structure of Your Skin 

Your skin is comprised of three layers. The outermost layer is the epidermis, and then there is the dermis and the bottom layer, which is called the subcutaneous tissue or the hypodermis. The outermost layer of the epidermis is known as the stratum corneum and it is a major barrier to the penetration of many compounds into the skin.

The main target of anti-aging skin care is the epidermis-dermis junction and the dermis tissues. How deep a skin care ingredient can penetrate into the skin is based on its molecular weight and its polarity.

The Skin Aging Process 

Skin aging is categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging happens when cell renewal takes place at a slower pace and there are changes in the synthesis of hormones that affect the appearance of the skin. Conversely, extrinsic aging occurs as a result of lifestyle and environmental factors. It is believed that UV radiation contributes as much as 80 percent of extrinsic aging and other external factors that include poor diet, smoking, and too much alcohol intake, in addition to a disease like diabetes. 

You can experience premature skin aging by being exposed to various environmental factors. It happens through the formation of free radicals, which have been proven to increase the activity of enzymes known as matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) that can degrade collagen and elastin. Less collagen in your skin translates into skin aging. 

Collagen is a necessary component for youthful skin. That is why it is so often included in anti-aging products. It is important to note that collagen is a triple-helix protein that is too big to be applied topically. It will not penetrate the surface of your skin. 

There have been drinks infused with collagen that have been marketed as anti-aging treatments. But because collagen is a protein, it will be digested in the stomach and broken down into amino acids. There is a chance that some of those amino acids could be used to make collagen, being that it is an abundant protein. However, that is not necessarily the case. 

Components & Ingredients in Anti-Aging Products 

The best and most effective approach to formulating anti-aging products is having them contain antioxidants, which prevent free radicals that cause the breakdown of collagen. The ingredients in many anti-aging products stimulate collagen production. 

Some of the most common ingredients in anti-aging products include the following: 

Niacinamide  (Vitamin B-3) 

Niacinamide is a powerful antioxidant that reduces trans-epidermal water loss.  It may also improve the elasticity of your skin. 

Polyphenols 

These are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and nuts.  They have potent antioxidant and photoprotective effects and decrease signs of skin aging. 

Peptides 

There are certain peptides, like palmitoyl pentapeptide-3, that have proven to stimulate collagen production. In doing so, they improve the texture of your skin and cut down on the appearance of wrinkles. 

Coenzyme Q10 

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that has been proven to improve mitochondrial function in human skin samples. It may prevent the appearance of aging that begins at the cellular level. 

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to have a skin anti-aging effect by boosting collagen production and inducing inhibitors of MMPs and collagenases, which break down collagen. 

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids 

These weak acids chemically exfoliate your skin in addition to decreasing fine lines and wrinkles.  They have been shown to also prompt collagen synthesis. 

Retinoids

Vitamin A and its byproducts are among the most effective substances to slow down the aging process. Retinoids are known to decrease the signs of aging by reducing trans-epidermal water loss and boosting the protective function of the epidermis.  It also increases collagen in the skin by inhibiting MMP activity and reducing collagen degradation. 

Vitamin A is the first vitamin that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an anti-wrinkle agent. Tazarotene is a vitamin A prescription medication that is able to be applied topically to improve sun-damaged skin and reduce wrinkles. 

It is worth noting that prescription retinoids are more powerful than OTC products and, as a result, while there is ample evidence that retinoids decrease signs of aging, there is less proof that OTC retinoids will make much of a difference. 

Research that has been conducted on the anti-aging effects of an ingredient may be carried out at various concentrations to those provided in OTC products. Also, they may be based on in vitro tests, which are probably going to give different results to topical application. For instance, peptides, and some ingredients shown to have antioxidant properties in vitro, are not well absorbed by the skin and will not be able to penetrate the dermis, or they only have short-term effects.

Protect Yourself Against UV Radiation

While you can derive skin-care benefits from certain anti-aging products, the best approach to nurturing your skin is protecting it from the sun’s UV radiation. In fact, UV radiation is the main cause of skin aging. 

The best way to avoid wrinkles and other signs of skin aging is to regularly wear sunscreen to shield your skin from these dangerous rays.  Preventative treatment is always the best approach. Think about it this way:  wearing sunscreen is the best anti-aging treatment, and the cheapest. 

Seems like a bit of an open ending, no conclusion or clear message at the end of this blog article.

Agora — The Future of Skincare 

Agora has a vision to provide its customers with a quality alternative to skin-care products available on the market today. We set out to deliver high quality skin-care products that provide excellent results while utilizing outstanding customer service. 

Our products utilize unique and potent ingredients that make a revolutionary difference in the quality of skin that our customers enjoy. Our expert Cosmetic Formulation Chemist provides Agora with superior ingredients from around the world to produce the best skin-care products in the industry!  At Agora, we deliver the most effective and results-oriented skin-care treatments to our customers.