WRINKLES

WHAT + HOW

Wrinkles are NOT caused by dry skin! This is a common myth. Dry skin will no doubt make a wrinkle appear much worse, but wrinkles are born deep inside your dermis and are the result of the breakdown of collagen and elastin. There are different types of wrinkles, too. The anatomy of a wrinkle caused by the sun, for example, is different than that of a wrinkle caused by other factors.

Sugars, free radicals, inflammation, hormones and UV rays all contribute to the formation of wrinkles. As we age, our natural antioxidant levels decline and metalloproteinases eat away and damage our collagen network, leading to the formation of wrinkles.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

  • CellXCell® Lifting + Firming Serum – our patent pending retinol free collegen booster moisturizer
  • Dragōne D’Or® Super Stimulator – a collegen boosting retinol (very close to prescription strength)
  • Beyond the C Stimulating Moisturizer -an important step 2 after using either CellxCell and Dragōne D’Or

TREATMENT

Start exfoliating or “skin smoothing” on a regular basis. New research findings show that wrinkles are wedged from within by what is called a corneocyte plug—imagine a ditch with a big round boulder in the middle—which keeps the wrinkle deep and intact. Daily exfoliation not only helps to physically dismantle the wrinkles you already have, but it also greatly lessens the likelihood that you will develop them in the first place. There is also some evidence that exfoliation sends signals to your dermis to repair itself. Both reasons appear to be the answer to why men who shave have thicker, younger, wrinkle-free skin in the places they use their razor blades. Daily exfoliation increases collagen content, glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid, and other youthful substances.

Slowly increase the intensity and number of times per week that you exfoliate.

Apply topical antioxidants to your skin. Topical application helps to protect your skin cells. Look for serums that contain more than one antioxidant. Topical antioxidants help stop the destructive sources that create wrinkles. Use a serum with the word “STRENGTHENER” in it. The product should contain antioxidants, anti-glycation actives and anti-inflammatories.

Avoid the sun. A few rays will bump up your enzyme levels a thousand fold! Remember that sunscreen can only put a halt to 50% of the free radicals from the sun. A good strengthener or serum full of antioxidants will catch the remaining 50%.

Use a product which contains actives that stimulate the skin to repair itself.

Look for a product with the word “STIMULATOR” in it because it means that the product contains agents that will “stimulate” fibroblasts to synthesize healthy collagen, elastin and moisture binding cells. Try a prescription retinoid, like tretinoin. Most cosmetic retinols require an extremely large quantity to be effective.

Use products containing vitamin C. Products which contain vitamin C derived from multiple sources are a great choice because they can’t be “washed off” your skin after penetration. Vitamin C is a cofactor for collagen synthesis.

Follow a low glycemic diet. Eliminate all starches and sugars. Your skin will thank you.

Eat small portions of protein throughout the day. A low-glycemic diet is effective because we now understand that glycation (sugar’s harmful, pro-aging mechanism) triggers these enzymes to increase. You can consume organic vegetables and fruits all day long but if you don’t ingest protein throughout your day, your skin will suffer. Think of protein and healthy fats and oils as “skin food.”

Sleep well. Make sure you get proper rest.

Supplement! Collagen supplements and BioSil® have proven anti-wrinkle benefits