Turn Back Time

Science is the answer to younger-looking skin

(ARA) - Is it possible to stop the hands of time? Has the fountain of youth been discovered? One visit to the cosmetic counter, a glance through recent magazines or a dive into current best-sellers, you just might think it is very possible. As life expectancy increases - currently 77.3 years in the United States. - people want to stay active and look youthful as long as possible. According to a recent study, 86 percent of women over the age of 50 stated that the key to feeling great means maintaining good health, not good looks. However, 40 percent of all women over the age of 50 use hair color to disguise gray strands. Clearly we feel better when we look better.

Skin care is changing and while the fountain of youth is still elusive, there are some key ingredients and recent skin care innovations that can help improve the look and health of skin. Interestingly, the biggest changes are not coming from dermatologists or plastic surgeons but from the world of biochemistry.

Ingredients to look for:

• Neuro-Peptides: Neuropeptides are short chains of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) that are naturally produced by all higher animals and that serve as hormone-like substances to regulate many different body functions. Neuropeptides are used in anti-wrinkle treatments since they inhibit certain cellular actions that, over time, reduce muscle contractions and therefore, wrinkles. Look for products that contain more than one peptide for maximum results. DDF Wrinkle Relax contains two peptides: Arigilene, a peptide that minimizes the production of catecholamine, the enzyme needed for muscle contraction; and Matrixyl, a peptide that blocks the production of collagenese (a substance produced by the body responsible for the destruction of collagen).
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect key cell components by neutralizing the damaging effects of "free radicals," natural by-products of cell metabolism. Free radicals form when oxygen is metabolized, or burned by the body. They travel through cells, disrupting the structure of other molecules, causing cellular damage. Such cell damage is believed to contribute to aging and various health problems. Look for products that contain multiple antioxidants; think of it like giving your skin a multi-vitamin. Some key antioxidants for the skin include: N-Aceyl Cystesine (precursor of Gluthianone, the most potent antioxidant discovered to date); Co-Q-10; Vitamins A, C, E; Polyphenols (green tea extract and Anthocyanins (grape seed extract).
• Retinol: Retinol is a Vitamin A acid used to treat fine wrinkles and acne. Retinol increases cellular turnover which evens out tone and texture and helps skin to function better. Retinol is the best form of vitamin A as the molecular structure is smaller and can provide similar benefits to prescription products (Renova, Retin-A) but without the irritation. One to try: DDF Retinol Energizing Moisture.
• Hyaluronic Acid or Hyaluronate: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a viscous substance found naturally in the body, in the eyes, between joints and as a cementing substance in the subcutaneous tissue. HA does not prevent wrinkles but causes wrinkles to appear to be improved by binding water up to 1,000 times the volume to the cells, causing wrinkles to appear to be improved. Restylane is a successful injectable hyaluronic acid-based facial wrinkle treatment.

It’s never too early to begin a skin care protocol to prevent skin damage. New technology and science suggest that it is never too late either: advanced skin care products can help restore existing damage.

For more information on how to slow down the effects of the hands of time on your skin, please visit www.ddfskincare.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content