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Fighting Glycation: New Research and Advanced Skincare Approaches
Combating Glycation for Firmer Skin
Did you know that recent research indicates that UV-induced oxidative stress exacerbates glycation, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and a dull complexion? Glycation is a process where sugars bind to the skin’s structural proteins, like collagen and elastin, forming molecules known as Advanced Glycation End Products (or A.G.E). From your 20s, A.G.Es accumulate at about 3.7% per year, reducing skin firmness, elasticity, and radiance while increasing dryness1,2.For over 15 years, SkinCeuticals has researched glycation, also known as the Maillard reaction, which unfolds in three phases. During the initiation and propagation phases, early glycation products emerge, providing a critical opportunity for intervention before the formation of irreversible A.G.Es in the advanced phase.
Research indicates that UV-induced oxidative stress exacerbates glycation, with sun-exposed skin showing a 10% higher AGE-CML score, a primary indicator of glycation damage. This effect is intensified by factors like cigarette smoke, alcohol, and dietary choices. SkinCeuticals’ ex vivo studies showed that skin under glycation stress, when treated with A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum, significantly reduced A.G.E formation in both the dermis and epidermis, lowering the CML biomarker by 43% and 69%, respectively, compared to the control.^
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum
SkinCeuticals, a leader in anti-aging skincare, introduces A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum. This triple-patented formula visibly lifts and firms by targeting glycation's effects. Ideal for sagging, wrinkles, and dullness, it's suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.Key Ingredients:
- 34.6% Flavo-Proxylane™: Combines 30% Proxylane for firmness and wrinkle reduction with 4.6% Wild Fruit Flavonoids (Blueberry, Pomegranate, and new Cassia Alata extract) to combat oxidative stress and protect against free radicals.
- Rhamnose: This hydrating anti-ageing sugar boosts skin's appearance and enhances elasticity.
- Gentiana Lutea Root Extract: A potent antioxidant that supports and protects collagen.
Clinical Studies & Results:
The efficacy of the A.G.E. Ultra Serum has been rigorously tested in a 12-week, single-center, double-blind clinical study on 76 female subjects across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI). This study demonstrated significant improvements, including increased skin elasticity and firmness across key facial areas, with improvements of +7.6% on the forehead, +8.5% on the cheeks, and +4.5% on the jawline*. Participants also reported enhanced skin smoothness (+40%), radiance (+30%), and a notable reduction in wrinkles (-27%).**
Integrated Skincare:
Incorporate this lightweight serum into your morning and evening routines. Apply after a Vitamin C serum and before moisturiser and sunscreen in the morning. In the evening, layer it after other serums. It’s Suitable for use in between ultrasound procedures.***Expert Opinion:
Join us on June 23 for a SkinCeuticals CPD-accredited medical learning live webinar. Learn from Dr Catherine Fairris, president of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM), about glycation and advanced anti-ageing strategies.
Register for our Webinar here.
* Clinical testing of 76 subjects after 12 weeks, average results.
** Self-assessment, 76 subjects.
+ Individual results (12 weeks daily use). Individual results may vary.
*** If you are considering an aesthetic treatment, always consult a Medical Professional. A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum is a cosmetic skincare product for topical use. Only apply on healed skin.
^ 67 Human skin explants were exposed to ultra glycation conditions (methylglyoxal (MG), a potent and toxic byproduct of sugar metabolism, and UV-A irradiation) daily for 8 days. The treated and untreated skin was then harvested for analysisis of key biomarkers related to both aging and glycation
1) Dyer DG, Dunn JA, Thorpe SR, Bailie KE, Lyons TJ, McCance DR, Baynes JW. Accumulation of Maillard reaction products in skin collagen in diabetes and ageing. J Clin Invest. 1993 Jun;91(6):2463-9. : PMC443306.
2) Verzijl N, DeGroot J, Thorpe SR, Bank RA, Shaw JN, Lyons TJ, Bijlsma JW, Lafeber FP, Baynes JW, TeKoppele JM. Effect of collagen turnover on the accumulation of advanced gylcation end products. J Biol Chem. 2000 Dec 15;275(50):39027-31.
** Self-assessment, 76 subjects.
+ Individual results (12 weeks daily use). Individual results may vary.
*** If you are considering an aesthetic treatment, always consult a Medical Professional. A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum is a cosmetic skincare product for topical use. Only apply on healed skin.
^ 67 Human skin explants were exposed to ultra glycation conditions (methylglyoxal (MG), a potent and toxic byproduct of sugar metabolism, and UV-A irradiation) daily for 8 days. The treated and untreated skin was then harvested for analysisis of key biomarkers related to both aging and glycation
1) Dyer DG, Dunn JA, Thorpe SR, Bailie KE, Lyons TJ, McCance DR, Baynes JW. Accumulation of Maillard reaction products in skin collagen in diabetes and ageing. J Clin Invest. 1993 Jun;91(6):2463-9. : PMC443306.
2) Verzijl N, DeGroot J, Thorpe SR, Bank RA, Shaw JN, Lyons TJ, Bijlsma JW, Lafeber FP, Baynes JW, TeKoppele JM. Effect of collagen turnover on the accumulation of advanced gylcation end products. J Biol Chem. 2000 Dec 15;275(50):39027-31.