How to Reduce Wrinkles and Age-Proof Your Skin: The Real Science

Is it really possible to reverse the signs of aging in our skin? Three independent studies by reputable University research teams say yes. In fact, each study found a completely different way to rejuvenate skin. Let's be clear, we are talking about making skin behave as if it were younger, not just a cosmetic cover-up. Researchers are using terms as dramatic as "prevention and treatment of cutaneous aging," and "more likely to withstand skin injury." Of course, reduction in wrinkles is part of the benefit as well, because what good is it to have younger skin unless it actually makes you look younger, too.

So let's look at these results in more detail. First, let's review what actually happens to the skin as it ages or is damaged by the UV rays from the sun. Essentially, the production of new collagen is reduced causing the skin to become thin and rough. Visibly, it wrinkles, and may tear or bruise more easily. Accelerating this process is an increase in production of MMP enzymes as we age which break down even more collagen. So to reverse this process, the goal is to reduce MMP enzymes and increase the skin's production of new collagen.

Now, let's move on to the treatments. In a study published in the Journal of Lipid Research (http://www.jlr.org/cgi/content/abstract/49/6/1235 ), researchers in Korea reported tested a number of lipids (naturally occurring fat molecules) and found three that were demonstrably effective, in lab experiments, in increasing collagen production in normally aged skin and in preventing collagen reduction and MMP enzyme increases normally associated with UV sun damage. The best of the three was then put to the test on real volunteers. A lipid called phosphatidylserine in a 2% solution was rubbed on the skin of young volunteers who were then exposed to UV radiation, and to older volunteers. In both cases, it reduced collagen loss, and prevented an increase in collagen-damaging MMP enzymes. While more studies are needed, this points to the possibility of a simple skin cream that prevents and even reverses skin aging including wrinkles.

Another study, originally published in JAMA ( http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2007/05/070521162324.htm ), found Vitamin A (retinol) in a 0.4% solution also increased collagen production, thickening the skin and reducing visible signs of aging. They also concluded that the treated skin was more likely to resist injury. In short, the treated skin looks and behaves like younger skin. For this study the treatment was tested on a group of volunteers whose average age was 87 years old.

And finally, researchers at the University of Michigan evaluated three separate treatments and found they all work by stimulating new collagen production, which thickens and strengthens the skin. These treatments were the application of topical retinol solutions (as in the above detailed experiment), carbon-dioxide laser resurfacing of the skin, and injections of cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Once again all three of these treatments were found to reduce visible wrinkles, thicken the skin, and increase the skin's resistance to injury.

All of these studies show that aging skin can be rejuvenated with the proper treatment. You can not only look younger, but have skin that actually is younger. Some of these treatments are already available and others are still in research. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of beauty counter offerings that claim to reduce wrinkles and keep your skin young, but if you want something that truly works, and has the research to back it up, talk to your doctor, not your beautician.

Sources:

Soyun Cho, Hyeon Ho Kim, Min Jung Lee, Serah Lee, Chang-Seo Park, Sang-June Nam, Jeong-Jun Han, Jin-Wook Kim, and Jin Ho Chung. Phosphatidylserine prevents UV-induced decrease of type I procollagen and increase of MMP-1 in dermal fibroblasts and human skin in vivo. Journal of Lipid Research, 49: 1235-1245 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.M700581-JLR200

JAMA and Archives Journals (2007, May 22). Vitamin A Helps Reduce Wrinkles Associated With Natural Skin Aging. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 9, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070521162324.htm

Gary J. Fisher, PhD; James Varani, PhD; John J. Voorhees, MD . Looking Older: Fibroblast Collapse and Therapeutic Implications. Archives of Dermatology, Vol. 144 (No. 5), May 2008, http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/144/5/666