Top Antiaging Products And Supplements To Reverse Skin Aging
Aging is a complex biological process that is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
What causes skin aging
Aging is being caused by different intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Intrinsic skin aging for example accrues due to chronological physiological changes such as the proliferation of cells with time reduction. The epidermis becomes thinner and the contact between the dermis and epidermis decreases. This reduces the nutrient supply to the epidermis and further lowers cell proliferation.
Reduced number and degranulation of mast cells in the dermis leads to inflammation and accelerated aging. Also hindered function of fibroblasts leads to changes in the extracellular matrix by diminishing the production of collagen, fibrillin, and hyaluronic acid.
Looking at the extrinsic factors. UV radiation contributes to 80 % of the aging processes caused by extrinsic factors. (1) UV radiation leads to a thicker outer layer of the epidermis which hinders the differentiation process of keratinocytes. UV radiation causes DNA damage. It increases the amount of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which causes oxidative stress and inflammation which in terms leads to shorter chromosomal telomeres.
Oxidative Stress and DNA damage are caused by both intrinsic factors and photoaging. Good solutions to go for are (Vitamins C, E, and Selenium).
More Innovative products combating DNA damage and cell proliferation are NMN and Resveratrol.
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is a derivative of niacin (Vit B3) which is used by the body to produce NADH. This molecule catalyzes numerous redox processes in the body and is essential for the metabolism of cells.
Resveratrol is a phenol extracted from grape skins, blueberries, raspberries, and other fruits. As a phytochemical, its role is to protect plants from injuries, bacteria, and fungi while in the human body, it has a strong antioxidant effect.
I find the Adora Organics Resveratrol with a total 1600 mg antioxidant load, of which 800 mg active trans-resveratrol. Other antioxidants included in this product are green tea extract, grape seed extract, acai fruit extract, quercetin, and other fruit extracts, which are all powerful antioxidants with numerous benefits for the body. What I also like about this product is that it does not include any undesired filling agents.
The topic of aging has been extensively researched by Australian Biologist and Harvard Professor David A. Sinclair. I recommend reading his book “The lifespan” where he talks about his long years of research in the sphere of antiaging and the effects of NMN, Resveratrol, diet, and other factors on the aging processes. He also talks about the future prospect in this area of research.
Other antiaging products for internal use
Collagen
To boost collagen production, go for a plant-based or animal collagen booster. Here are my favorite collagen boosters:
Collagen Powder Protein with Probiotics by Ancient Nutrition
This is a clinically studied fermented collagen with Hydrolyzed Bovine Hide Collagen Peptides, Eggshell Membrane Collagen, and Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen Peptides, which is proven to promote healthy hair, skin, nails, joints, and digestion.
And my go for collagen alternative is the Amazing Grass GLOW Vegan Collagen Support with Biotin and Plant-Based Protein Powder. This is a flavourful, plant-based protein shake with Pea Protein, and Brown Rice Protein which are a great source of Glycine. Glycine is the main amino acid in Collagen. This protein mix is also enhanced with organic Biotin, other B vitamins, and vitamin C from acerola and other fruits. These vitamins participate in the synthesis and protection of collagen.
B Vitamins and Antiaging
Include a good food-grown B complex. Most people do not obtain enough B vitamins through their diets. B vitamins act as a coenzyme and are needed by all cells in the body.
In terms of aging concentrate on vitamins B6 and B3. B6 is essential for the synthesis of proteins and thus supports the production of collagen. B3 on the other hand supports the production of energy — ATP in the cells and supports cell proliferation. Cracked and scaly skin and digestive disturbances like diarrhea and vomiting are all symptoms of B3 deficiency. B vitamins work together this is why it is best to take them a complex.
Antiaging Products for Face and Topical Use
Sunscreen
The most important product to combat photo-aging is sunscreen. For good protection go for a product with SPF 30 and more, like the one by Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Sunscreen.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid can absorb large amounts of water and thus maintains the skin hydrated. This also maintains the structure and composition of the dermis and epidermis and allows for effective nutrient distribution to the skin.
Numerous studies demonstrate the effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid. In just 8 weeks of use nano hyaluronic products mark an increase of skin firmness and elasticity by 50%. (2)
Skin degeneration and reduced production of collagen begins at around the age of 24 and 25. It is best to start including hyaluronic face gels already at this point.
My favorite hyaluronic gel is the one by hada labob Rotho. A Japanese high-quality brand specializing in hyaluronic products for a long time. And Japanese are pioneers in beauty products and dermatology. Their hyaluronic acid is free of alcohol, fragrances and mineral oils. They also maintain a reasonable and fair price.
Vitamin A Serum
Topical retinol has been shown to reduce the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and prevent the degeneration of collagen.
A more recent study, from 2020, examining the effectiveness of different vitamin A derivatives, has established that retinol and retinyl propionate have much higher skin penetration ability in comparison to other retinoids. (3)
When searching for a Vitamin A Serum, go for products with a similar composition to the ones selected below:
Tree of life, retinol Serum for Face and Skin.
Caution* Do not use Retinol serum and other Retinoids when pregnant
Vitamin C Serum
Last but not least, another must-have product is vitamin C in the form of a serum. The topical application and effectiveness of vitamin C have been confirmed by numerous studies. The effect of vitamin C applied topically is namely associated with its properties to lighten the skin, prevent UV radiation, reduce inflammation and boost collagen production. These properties make topical vitamin C a powerful medium for reducing skin photoaging.
Best Vitamin C Serum Recommended by Dermatologists
There are numerous vitamin C skin products available over the counter. Sometimes it is hard to make a choice about which product has the best quality and which product is best for you. This is why for this point; we referred to the recommendations of dermatologists and clinical studies data on topical vitamin C.
Based on the reviews, there are a few criteria we need to pay attention to when choosing the right vitamin C Serum for our skin.
First, the type of vitamin C derivatives used in the serum. These are some of the types of vitamin C you may find in these serums: (L-ascorbic — Hydrophilic; ascorbyl-6-palmitate and MAP — Lipophilic; disodium isostearyl 2–0 L-ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbic acid sulphate, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate / tetraisopalmitoyl ascorbic acid — Other esterified derivatives). According to a double-blind, half-face treatment study, it is best to use a product combining tetraisopalmitoyl ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid. (4) In comparison to other vitamin C derivatives, these marked a much higher impact in improving skin health.
Second, comes the concentration of vitamin C in the serum. For optimal results, the concentration should be between 10 and 20 %. People with more sensitive skin should select a product with lower concentrations.
And last, we should consider the supporting elements in the product. An accompanying “must-have” product, is vitamin E. Vitamin C and E are both powerful antioxidants. Whereas, Vitamin C acts as a replenisher of vitamin E.
As we could see aging is a process driven by chronological (intrinsic) as well as external factors. The products discussed here, for external and internal use, have been shown to combat the signs of aging. Science however still keeps investigating the reasons why we age and how we can prevent and reverse these impacts. And this is where we remain excited and look toward the next scientific breakthroughs in this area.
Disclosure:
Dear Reader, please be informed that this story contains affiliate links. When you buy something using the retail links in this story, I may earn a small commission. This will not lead to any extra charges or increased costs for you.
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