Skin is the first area of your body that shows signs of aging. While it is impossible to stop aging altogether, a consistent science-backed skincare regimen can help you reverse some of the effects.
Yamanaka genetically reprogrammed mouse skin cells to behave like embryonic or pluripotent stem cells that can develop into any cell in the body. He found that these reprogrammed cells looked and behaved younger than their peers.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, which cause oxidative stress and premature skin aging. It’s also a crucial ingredient for the production of collagen, which is responsible for skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Although the body makes some of this vitamin, it’s important to consume and apply it regularly in order to see a noticeable difference in your skin. Vitamin C is commonly found in skincare products, like serums, as well as a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables.
When applied topically, a high concentration of Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) promotes the production of new collagen and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, it has been shown to be a great rejuvenating treatment, inducing significant increases in collagen synthesis in all age groups with no adverse effects. This has been attributed to the ability of topical applications to induce changes in key ultrasound markers, such as elastin and fibronectin.
Another benefit of vitamin C is its hydrating properties. This is because it decreases transepidermal water loss, which allows the skin to hold on to moisture. A 2022 study found that combining vitamin C with other known antioxidants like Deschampsia antarctica extract and ferulic acid improves hydration.
It can also fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, thanks to its ability to impede melanin production. This results in a more even complexion and brightens your skin’s appearance.
Vitamin C is available in many forms, but the best serums are formulated with a combination of ingredients that ensure its effectiveness. These include hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans, which are proven to enhance the penetration of vitamin C and increase its efficacy. Additionally, the presence of these other ingredients increases the stability of the product and prevents it from degrading quickly in the skin. This translates to a longer-lasting and more effective antiaging effect.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance that enables skin to retain moisture and firmness. It also helps to increase elasticity. When HA is applied topically to the skin, it can decrease wrinkle depth and smooth rough skin. Hyaluronic acid can also increase skin elasticity and tighten loose skin. Hyaluronic acid is available in many products that you can apply to the skin, including hyaluronic acid serums, creams and eye drops. It is also found in oral dietary supplements.
The skin begins to produce less hyaluronic acid as we age, which can lead to changes like fine lines and wrinkles. Adding hyaluronic acid to the diet or skin can reverse these signs of aging. It can also be used to treat certain medical conditions, such as joint pain.
A 2016 study found that HA promotes wound healing by controlling inflammation and redirecting blood flow to the affected area. It may also help reduce scarring from acne. Hyaluronic acid can be added to topical treatments or combined with dermarollers to make skin appear smoother and younger-looking.
Hyaluronic acid can be found in a variety of products that you can purchase at a pharmacy or doctor’s office. It’s most commonly available in a gel form that you can put on your skin. It’s also often found in lip fillers and facial fillers. It can also be injected into the joints of people with osteoarthritis to help lubricate them.
In one study, women who applied a topical hyaluronic acid serum to their face twice daily saw significant improvement in the depth of their wrinkles after eight weeks. It was found to decrease wrinkles by up to 40%, and also enhance skin firmness and elasticity.
People who take a hyaluronic acid supplement often experience very few side effects, as the body produces hyaluronic acid naturally. However, if you have sensitive skin or are taking any other medications, speak with your doctor before using this treatment.
When hyaluronic acid is injected into the knees, it can relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as pain and stiffness. It can also improve a patient’s range of motion and quality of life.
Retinol
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is among the most extensively studied skincare ingredients when it comes to anti-aging and reversing skin damage. It’s found in over-the-counter and prescription skincare products and works by encouraging cell turnover to promote new skin cells, leaving a brighter and more even tone.
It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles associated with natural aging, particularly in habitually sun-exposed skin. This effect is likely due to the fact that topical retinol increases glycosaminoglycan synthesis, which allows the skin to retain substantial amounts of water. Additionally, it enhances collagen production and promotes skin matrix synthesis. The latter two effects are mediated by retinoic acid receptors, which encourage gene transcription and regulate cell differentiation.
However, it’s important to note that it can take months for the skin to build up a tolerance to retinol, so it’s best to start slowly with a low-concentration product and gradually increase your dosage. It’s also a good idea to use a sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 while using any retinol-containing products, as it can make skin more susceptible to sunburn.
Many people have dark spots or hyperpigmentation on their face, neck and hands as a result of sun damage. While they’re harmless, they can be unsightly, so if you’d like to lighten them, consider seeing a dermatologist. They may recommend a product containing bakuchiol, a plant extract from ayurvedic medicine that’s gentler than retinol and safe to use during pregnancy.
Alternatively, you could try tranexamic acid (TRAN-ex-AM-ik), a compound that’s less irritating than retinoids and can be used in conjunction with other active ingredients to brighten the complexion while smoothing out uneven skin tone and reducing discoloration. You’ll find it in over-the-counter serums and moisturizers from La Roche-Posay, Paula’s Choice Clinic and others. It’s also safe to use if you’re pregnant or have a history of rosacea and eczema, though it can cause redness in some people. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that turns certain proteins into melanin. As a result, it reduces melasma and brightens the skin.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is a natural organic molecule that is vital for cellular energy production. It also acts as an antioxidant and neutralises harmful free radicals, which can damage cells and cause disease. It is found in almost every cell of the body, including those in the skin, and it plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen and elastin. These two proteins are responsible for giving the skin its firmness and elasticity, so having enough of it can help prevent wrinkles. In addition, CoQ10 helps to reduce the damaging effects of UV radiation on the skin.
The levels of CoQ10 in the body decrease with age, leading to a reduction in the effectiveness of energy production in the cells. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement the skin with CoQ10 to avoid age-related changes in the structure of the skin, such as wrinkles. However, the topical application of CoQ10 has several limitations due to its low water solubility, poor permeability and instability.
Lipid nanoparticles are an excellent candidate for encapsulating CoQ10 and improving its skin delivery. These systems offer many advantages, such as skin compatibility, protection of the active ingredient against degradation in the external medium and increased penetration into the skin. In addition, they can provide controlled and prolonged release of the active ingredient.
Researchers have found that CoQ10 can improve mitochondrial function in the skin by increasing their oxygen consumption rate, which is essential for generating energy. This is an important finding, since the skin is a highly vascular organ and requires an abundant supply of oxygen to perform its vital functions. In the skin, CoQ10 can help to prevent oxidative stress caused by UV radiation and other environmental insults.
A study conducted on mice showed that the skin of CoQ10 emulgel-treated animals showed less photoaging than the skin of the control group after being exposed to UV radiation for 2 weeks. This is attributed to the increase in the fibroblast proliferation and collagen density in the skin of the CoQ10 emulgel-treated mice. In addition, the CoQ10 emulgel-treated group showed significantly higher collagen density than the control group.
