One of the most successful areas of health and beauty is Anti-ageing skin care products. which is not surprising because we are all living longer and fuller lives so why shouldn’t we want to look younger? This is achieved in beauty products by promoting the growth of connective tissue using the protein collagen which is the most abundant in the skin of all animals; approximately one quarter of the protein contained in skin is collagen. Collagen is related to other natural substances which help to slow down the ageing process; this group is called antioxidants which are natural chemicals found in many foods and our body.
Although the benefits of vitamin C (an anti-oxidant) are well documented, it is still debated as to what our daily amount should be. The problem with vitamin C derived skin care treatments is they can become oxidized when exposed to the atmosphere, often even before they are used.
To get around this some skin care treatments are based on derivatives of vitamin C, which are more stable and less expensive. These new anti-oxidant products are not quite as good as vitamin C although other naturally occurring compounds, vitamin E and lipoic acid can achieve the same effect.
Vitamin E is found in the blood and is an antioxidant that is also used to increase the body’s defenses against other health problems; there is some evidence to show it helps prevent diseases including cancer. Lipoic acid, which is found inside every cell of the body, helps generate the energy that keeps us alive and functioning; it can help reverse much of the damage caused to the skin by ageing.
Another group of products used to reduce the visible signs of ageing are phytochemicals which are compounds extracted from various plants and used in many anti-ageing skin care products. Like lipoic acid, phytochemicals help reduce the occurrence of cancers; these include cancer of the Prostate Cancer of the Breast Cancer that attacks the Colon - These are all on the increase around the world.
Surprisingly, the group of vitamins; B5, B6, and B12 have also shown that they can be used to help reduce the effects of ageing. The field of anti-ageing skin care products is vast and needs a great deal more research. Gradually, new discoveries will be made to advance our understanding of the aging process; with the number of genetic discoveries made in recent years, it is only a matter of time before conquering the effects of age is commonplace.
With the research that is now taking place, many people are confident that in time, more effective, cheaper anti-ageing skin care products will be discovered. Scientific research into anti-aging products is still in the early stages but they should never be relied upon; it is doubtful if science can replace natural skin care remedies. Simple things that can make a difference in slowing the signs of ageing; these include physical activity, restful sleep, maintaining good dietary habits and removing stress from your life.
