Anti-aging supplements

Anti-aging supplements are a set of products that often include powdered supplements, skin creams, vitamins, and facial masks. They are designed to reduce or diminish the effects of aging. Many products seek to hide the effects of aging while others claim to alter the body's chemical balances to slow the physical effects of aging. A comprehensive grading scale for anti-aging of the skin has been validated and categorizes skin aging as: laxity (sagging), rhytids (wrinkles), and the various categories of photoaging, including erythema (redness), dyspigmentation (brown discolorations), solar elastosis (yellowing), keratoses (abnormal growths), and poor texture.  

Despite great demand, many such products and treatments have not been proven to give lasting or major positive effects. One study found that the best performing creams reduced wrinkles by less than   % over    weeks which is not noticeable to the human eye.    Another study found that cheap moisturisers were as effective as high-priced anti-wrinkle creams. However, recent studies at Manchester University showed that some ingredients have an effect. 

Traditionally, anti-aging creams have been marketed towards women, but products specifically targeting men are increasingly common.  

Ingredients

As well as more conventional moisturising ingredients, anti-aging creams usually contain anti-aging ingredients such as:

·         Retinol (for instance, in the form of retinyl palmitate). In various formulations it has been shown to reduce fine lines and pores.  

·         Epidermal growth factor, made of    amino acids to stimulate cell renewal and collagen production in the skin and strengthen elasticity and structure. In various research epidermal growth factor has been shown to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and sagging.            It also has healing (wounds and burns) and anti-inflammatory properties when applied to skin.   

·         Fatty acids are often added and derived from naturally occurring substance such as sandalwood, barley, and Phellodendron bark, which are designed to maintain skin moisture and seal in other moisturizing agents within the cream.     

·         Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids or other chemical peels. These help to dissolve the intracellular "glue" that holds the dead cells together on the skin. The use of this type of product on a daily basis gradually enhances the exfoliation of the epidermis. This exposes newer skin cells and can help improve appearance. AHAs may irritate some skin, causing redness and flaking.

·         Peptides, such as acetyl hexapeptide-  (Argireline), Matryxil, and copper peptides.

·         Coenzyme Q     

·         Anti-oxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.     

·         Sunscreens. A high level of UVA protection is recommended as UVA radiation is associated with aging effects such as wrinkles.   

·         Vitamin C. Supposedly one of the most effective and commonly included ingredient in wrinkle creams,     also known to help the healing process.

The effects of these ingredients depends on their concentration and mode of application. Many skin care companies recommend using a treatment program which may combine these ingredients. For example, AHAs can make the skin more vulnerable to damage from the sun, so the increased use of sunscreens is often recommended.

Traditional moisturisers or sunscreens may provide many of the same benefits as some anti-aging creams.

Mechanical exfoliation is an alternative to chemical peels using ingredients such as crushed apricot kernels, salt, sponges or brushes.

Advertising sometimes presents anti-aging creams as an alternative to plastic surgery and Botox injections, which may be more costly and invasive treatments.