CUTTING EDGE INFORMATION

On our recent trip to NYC for the HBA Global Expo we were able to find paraben-free and organic bases for our custom formulated products.  We are in the process of working with them so that we may work out any kinks with these new base products. 

Glycation and its effect on skin

While most of our focus has been on the extrinsic aging of the skin, as it causes the
greatest amount of damage to our skin, I thought it might be nice to also focus on
the intrinsic side of aging. We recently attended a class on glycation with Dr. Harry
Fallick, cosmetic surgeon and product developer/CEO for Fallene LTD. Here are
some of the highlights from my notes.

Many years ago it was discovered that sugar with protein and fat (that would be our bodies)
under the presence of heat (which our bodies generate) changes the nature and function
of substances. This process is known as glycation. These new substances are known as
AGES, an acronym for advanced end products, which are forms of free radicals. AGES
deactivate anti-oxidants, create an inflammatory reaction, and are responsible for cross
linking of collagen (the wrinkle). Solar radiation enhances the glycation process in the skin.
Other things that create glycation are vitamin D prescriptions, steroids, tobacco, and retin A.
But the biggest baddie is high fructose corn syrup. Fructose without the presence of fiber
creates havoc (read Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food for more details) and the highest
level of glycation that our body has to contend with and neutralize. So what’s a person to do?

1. Limit the amount of high fructose corn syrup in your diet, which can be found in
upwards of 45,000 processed foods (perhaps you’ll even lose weight as Dr. Fallick did) .

2. Take 1mg of vitamins B1 and B6 daily as it inhibits AGES. There is a compound
called aminoguanidine hydrochloride, which blocks AGES, not readily available yet
but look for it in the future.

Stem Cell Therapy

One of the latest ingredients to come to the industry this year is stem cells
derived from the bark of a rare type of organic Swiss apple tree (malus domestica).
The stem cells work to protect the longevity of our stem cells, help repair UV
damage, and slow the aging process of our fibroblasts (the cell responsible for
producing collagen and elastin). As such, stem cells help our skin cells to act and
look younger. Clinical trials have shown no side effects, and the apples being sourced
from organic orchards contain no pollutants or pesticides.