Antioxidants and Antiaging
It's About Time

How fast time flies. One moment you are a gangly, pimple-faced teenager with nary a care. Nowadays, you look in the mirror and still see an image of youth yet, at 30, you no longer feel time is on your side. You know that pretty soon you will see the beginnings of fine lines around your eyes, around your mouth and on your forehead.

You hit your 30s and you start losing collagen and bone mass. If you don't drink plenty of water, exercise and eat a balanced diet, one day you will look in the mirror to find the years written right there on your face.

We know that oxidative damage, the process of death and aging at the cell level, is caused by an invading molecule called a "free radicals." These invading free radicals are part of our environment --- that puff of cigarette smoke, the chemical preservatives in our foods and water--- anything that is foreign to the body can, potentially, become a free radical.

Free radicals also could be formed in our body including our skin whenever immune- system becomes active, for instance, during infections or inflammations.

Within the body, if the antioxidants are abundant enough they can neutralize free radicals. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and green tea are better sources of antioxidants. Five to eight servings of vegetables everyday, regular exercise, avoiding overexposure to sun and avoiding smoking are ways to combat free radicals. These are ways to combat aging at the cellular level which by the way, translates to a youthful, healthy glow. Combine this with an effective beauty regimen and you can turn back the clock, so to speak..

It is inevitable and yet there are women who seem to have found success in defying the signs of aging, the direct result of years of cellular research. Every product you see on the market today is backed by the much touted "cell technology," coupled with a complex understanding of vitamins and minerals that, when combined, can halt oxidation and aging.

Alpha hydroxy acids are natural exfoliants that rid your skin of dry skin cells, as well as boost cell turnover. So do moisturizers that keep moisture in and sunblock to fight of the damaging UVA and UVB rays from the sun. A regenerating night cream before sleeping can also hasten cell repair while you sleep. Here are a few products may want to try:

Antiaging pills
Skin care supplements in pill form, such as Imedeen, keeps skin younger looking while protecting it from damage caused by free radicals. A pop of Imedeen Time Perfection, the breakthrough skincare product in tablet form, twice a day, will give you healthier skin in no time. Imedeen Time Perfection has a dual-action formula that helps defend and improve skin from within.

"Imedeen works on the skin from within. Think of it as the fourth step in the cleanse, tone, moisturize skincare regimen. Your skincare is then approached from both the inside and out," says Dr. Lars Lindmark, vice president for Scientific Affairs of Ferrosan A/S.

Independent US global researchers Stephens & Associates in Dallas, Texas had shown in a clinical study that continued use of the supplement significantly improves the skin's moisture balance, visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, diminishes visibility of capillaries and wrinkles and leaves the skin with a brighter, more youthful and even complexion.

Furthermore, the clinical study and self-assessment also confirmed that Imedeen Time Perfection significantly improves skin firmness, reduces enlarged pores, improves skin smoothness on both face and body and diminishes under eye bags and dark circles. Results are visible within 12 weeks of regular use.

Launched in response to the changing skincare needs due to the growing presence of free radicals that damage skin, Imedeen Time Perfection contains the exclusive Biomarine Complex and the patented complex LycoPhence GS, made from the antioxidant properties of tomato and grapeseed.

Biomarine Complex helps nourish the dermis and improves basic skin structure where the process of aging starts, as well as the skin's natural ability to retain moisture.

The highly potent and US-patented complex LycoPhence GS with antioxidants Lycopene and Grape Seed extracts helps defend the skin's vital building blocks from damage caused by free radicals and slows down future degradation of the skin.

Antiaging creams and facials
'I have devoted my life to making healthy skin available for everyone,' Dr. Howard Murad once said.

Since he started his medical practice in 1974, that's just what this revolutionary doctor has been doing. With the great insights he gained from treating a diverse clientele over the years, he went on to develop his own skincare line and later on, the Murad Spas, which forever changed the world of beauty.

From internal supplements for reducing wrinkles and acne, to Vitamin C infusion and a line of anti-aging suncare, Murad products stay true to Dr. Murad's vision of making beauty achievable for anyone. Murad's Eye Treatment Complex SPF 8 reveals smoother skin. It's patented formula contains glycolic acid and patented Advanced Performance Complex™ to gently exfoliate, encouraging cell renewal and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Provitamin B5 repairs and protects to recapture a more youthful look.

Filipinos have been benefiting from these innovations since Rustan's made the Murad skincare line available to the local market in November 2002. Now, one can enjoy more of Murad's wonders as Rustan's presents Murad's professional spa services. They offer Vitamin C Absolute Facial and Clarifying Enzymes Express, treatments that make tremendous changes in your skin.

The Vitamin C Absolute Facial gives the skin antioxidant vitamin C, which is one of the most effective ingredients for repairing and preventing the free radical damage resulting from environmental exposure. Experience this infusion technology as the most powerful formulation of pure vitamin C is delivered into the skin to restore elasticity, firmness, hydration and even tone.

For skin experiencing breakouts, the Clarifying Enzyme Express is ideal. Exfoliating natural enzymes of papaya and pineapple dissolve impurities to deep clean pores, improve skin clarity and reduce acne blemishes. This unique combination of antiseptics and anti- inflammatories soothes redness and reduces irritation, leaving the skin with a healthy, vibrant glow.

The legendary Creme de La Mer has gained quite a following since its entry into the Philippine market, even though it has chosen to continue with the inventor Max Huber's practice of relying heavily on word of mouth endorsements by satisfied customers to attract new users.

Creme de La Mer means "Cream from the Sea" -- referring to its main ingredient, fermented sea kelp. Minerals, vitamins and botanical ingredients such as alfalfa, sunflower and eucalyptus are other ingredients added to the broth to strengthen the brew. This combination of ingredients also means that minimal preservatives are needed. Finely textured, it is instantly absorbed by skin, nourishing skin and maintaining moisture in cells. Used twice a day, morning and evening on the face and throat.

The La Mer Facial Spa Experience, spa sessions exclusively organized for select guests who get to experience the full-range of the La Mer products working in synergy together -- maximizing the benefits of the ingredients - recently introduced the the much-awaited Eye Balm, a particularly potent product formulated with three times the amount of the legendary broth that makes La Mer a "miracle in jar."

The miracle broth is created using Huber's unique bio-fermentation process, incorporating both sound and light technologies. The cream is created using slow temperature application, which preserves the integrity of the organic ingredients (as does the hand packing). Each jar takes about three to four months to make due to this extensive process and the fact that it has to be hand-filled.

The Eye Balm is also infused with finely ground particles of Brazilian Malachite, a luminizing mineral which absorbs natural light, re-emitting it as beneficial green light, which is especially helpful in correcting the appearance of redness.

The Eye Balm dramatically helps diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles as it smoothes and softens, and its lightweight formula also contains specialized marine extracts and advanced botanicals to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Complementing long-term benefits with immediate enhancements, a unique photonic complex harnesses and directs light to promote a more youthful appearance. Another La Mer product is the Face Serum with Deconstructed Waters, a refining facial and eye mask.

La Prairie Cellular Time Release Moisture Intensive Cream moisturizes the skin up to 16 hours. It's age fighting anti-oxidants help revitalize skin's natural repair system. It improves, firms and intensifies skin. It's Caviar Firming Complex is a "mini facelift" in a bottle. In one minute lines fill in and the face is gently lifted. Makeup glides on faster and fatigued skin is revitalized.

Recently, this Swiss luxury skin care brand introduced its latest innovation: the Cellular Microdermabrasion Cream, a state-of-the-art exfoliating and resurfacing scheme that employs highly refined natural diamonds, fresh-water pearls and crystal quartz in an exclusive bio-engineered formula to dramatically regenerate the skin.

This luxurious, two-part treatment polishes and perfects the skin on the face and body, diminishing lines and stimulating micro circulation. Cellular Microdermabrasion Cream comes with three specialized sponge applicators: the gentle white one for the face, the pink one with medium texture for the body, and the black for the most rigorous problem areas.

The Cellular Softening and Balancing Lotion is the important second step. It helps restore an optimum pH balance in the skin, improves suppleness and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. An advanced Moisture Complex promotes moisture retention by forming a barrier film on the skin; a Vitamin Complex functions as an anti-oxidant; plant extracts of arnica, calendula and sea botanicals enhance the soothing, smoothing action; and La Prairie's exclusive Cellular Complex energizes and nourishes the skin. Together, these go far beyond conventional toners to leave the skin soft, smooth and radiant.

La Prairie's skincare experts recommend performing microdermabrasion before shower or bath every other day for a five-day period -- massaging no longer than one minute on dry facial skin, and two minutes on other areas of the body. Then let your skin rest for five days before undertaking a once-a-week maintenance program. At P10,500, it comes out less expensive than getting a series of six treatments at skin clinics or spas, which usually prices microdermabrasion at P2,500 and up per session.
The balancing lotion is packaged in a frosted bottle of 250 ml with silver line graphics and a silver wedding band. It retails for P5,900.

Recognize that the eyes are an important beauty asset, La Prairie's Cellular Radiance Eye Cream, the latest to come out of the La Prairie stable of premium eye care products, tackles such eye problems as puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and the crepe-like texture around the eyes, visibly improving skin tone and texture. The silky cream is packaged in a silver glass jar highlighted with an elegant gold wedding band. It costs P10,200. Used morning and evening, the jar can last for several months.

Clinique's Repairwear Intensive Night Cream and Lotion, a luxurious, super-hydrating night-time treatment helps repair and prevent the appearance of wrinkles. It greatly increases skin's firmness and elasticity and discourages skin's dehydration throughout the night Clinique has likewise introduced a new moisturizing cream for day that also serves as an anti-aging product and protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays. This three-in-one cream - Repairwear Day SPF 15 Intensive Cream - was created with the same innovative Repair Technology found in the previously introduced Repairwear Intensive Night Cream and Lotion.

Dermalogica's MulitVitamin Power Concentrate helps reduce the signs of premature aging with this daily dose of topically-applied pure vitamins (a jar contains 45 capsules) while its MultiVitamin Power Firm (for eye and lip area) combat visible lines around the eye and mouth area with this powerful firming complex.

Dermalogica's Intensive Eye Repair is an ultra-rich cream that helps diminish dry lines and repair skin damage around the delicate eye area.

Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Eye Cream for dry/delicate skin intensely hydrates, smoothes fine and dry lines, leaving skin looking firmer and virtually lifted.

Awake, the premium beauty brand under Japanese corporation Kose, has come up with its latest item: The Awake Skin Renovation Concentrate Serum (P4,250 for 30g), to tackle the problem of "stress aging," which results to induce fine lines, sagging, dullness and similar skin problems. The formulation uses effective natural extracts including Poria, a herbal medicine made from a certain mushroom that revitalizes cells, promotes metabolism and moisturizes the skin; Majoram, which promotes production of baby collagen and normalizes processing function; and Potentilla, which has an astringent effect, cell revitalizing effect and antioxidant effect.
Use it as a last step to your skin care regimen in the morning and evening. The Skin Renovation Series includes cleansing and washing products: Skin Renovation Cleanse and Skin Renovation Wash.

Other products that are making waves in antiaging technology but may not be available locally are:

Skinmedica TNS Recovery Complex (Face Cream) promises younger skin within three-six months, the most advanced formulation available that takes your complexion beyond Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Retinols, and Topical Vitamin C and improves the health and appearance of sun-damaged and aging skin and helps improve appearance of firmness without burning, peeling or irritation.

Appropriate for all skin types, TNS is the first product in the world to contain naturally found human growth factors, proteins, amino acids, antioxidants, matrix proteins, and soluble collagens that our bodies use to stimulate the skin to repair itself when damaged by the sun.

TNS helps restore what time takes away by helping to diminish the visible signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, uneven texture, and the appearance of age spots and blotchiness. TNS is the Recipient of the "Allure Editors Choice Award" and has been recommmended on major television shows, including Oprah Winfrey and The View.

Freeze 24/7 Anti-Wrinkle Cream is a natural and powerful alternative to Botox and other cosmetic procedures, Freeze 24/7 Anti-Wrinkle Cream works to melt wrinkles and dramatically reduce fine lines within 10-20 minutes of application and has a lasting effect of up to 24 hours.

This cream reverses the signs of aging and can be used on the forehead, eye area, crow's feet, cheeks, laugh lines, lip area, and stretch marks on the body. In clinical studies, 100% of the respondents experienced a 50-90% reduction in the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within 10 minutes of application.

Freeze 24/7 has been featured on the Today Show and is reportedly used by celebrities including Kim Catrall and Madonna (In Touch Magazine, August 20, 2004).

StriVectin-SD by Klein-Becker was originally developed as a stretch mark reducing product, StriVectin SD (Striadril) has been clinically proven and shown to be effective as a wrinkle reduction, antiaging cream that reduces the actual length, depth, volume, and surface area of fine lines, facial wrinkles, and crows feet. StriVectin also increases skin firmness, increases collagen I and IV synthesis, and improves the appearance of age spots and dark circles under the eyes. StriVectin is also a deep penetrating, bio-active topical stretch mark repair formula clinically proven to reduce existing stretch marks on any area

AlphaDerma CE contains a superior blend of 8 of the most powerful anti-aging, clinical ingredients available including Argireline, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester, and DMAE, AlphaDerma CE is ideal for reducing fine lines and the depth of wrinkles on the face, under and next to the eye area (crows feet), forehead frown lines, and other areas where fine lines and wrinkles are present. 

Additionally, Alphaderma can be used to diminish stretch marks and scars, as well as to firm sagging skin due to weight loss and pregnancy. Alphaderma repairs your present skin and restores it back to its youthful appearance by rejuvenating, rehydrating and replenishing the skin. The application of Alphaderma prevents future skin damage and also provides sun protection against UV-A and UV-B rays. 

Alphaderma goes on silky smooth, with no oily feeling or odors, and absorbs instantly. Best of all, you can see and feel the results almost immediately and visible results may be seen after just one treatment

So there you have it, a plethora of antiaging creams, facials and lotions that promises eternal youth without having to go under the knife (now that is another subject worth delving into some other time).

MyCosmeticsOnline
Articles, comparisons and product reviews to help you choose and buy wrinkle reducers, antioxidant antiaging skin care creams, nonsurgical face lifts, cosmetics and more.