Looking to Slow Aging? Glycation and Grilling Could Be the Answer!

As sugar molecules enter the body’s system, they migrate and attach to fat and protein cells – a process referred to as glycation. The proteins in skin cells most susceptible to glycation are the same ones that make a youthful complexion so plump and buoyant — collagen and elastin. But when sugar molecules attach to these fat and protein fibers, they become discolored, weak, stiff and malformed, producing what is known as sugar by-products or advanced glycation end products (a.k.a. AGEs).  This in turn, presents itself in the form of wrinkles, saggy skin, and a loss of radiance.

Anti-Glycation in Skin Care
In the 80’s, a biochemist named Anthony Cerami, PhD, found that aminoguanidine molecules can block glucose-collagen pair from forming, thus presenting us with the base for all anti-glycation formulations. Aminoguanidine is a nucleophilic hydrazine compound that prevents AGE formation on collagen. For many years, this was a key ingredient in RA pro-youth formulations.

With the advancement of science, new sources of anti-glycation ingredients have been found such as Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Pueraria Mirifica Extract and Carnosine. Many of these ingredients can be found in Pro Youth -10

• AGE less – Anti-Glycation Serum
• ANTIOX 18 COMPLEX – Firming Cocktail
• VITA 10 COMPLEX – Multi-Vitamin Boost
• HEALTHY AGING CREAM – Elegant Renewal

Supporting Anti-Glycation Ingredients
There are also many ingredients that lend support topically to a skin that is weakened and aging.  These same ingredients, by nature, would also protect against glycation (AGE), reducing free radicals and inflammation, and therefore could theoretically be called “anti-glycation.”  These ingredients inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMP's) and reactive oxygen species (ROS).  Some of these ingredients include:

• Glycine Soya Oil
• Turmeric
• Ascorbic Acid (L)
• Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF)
• Centella Asiatica
• Linoleic Acid
• Peptides
• Resveratrol
• Cinnamon
• Butcher’s Broom
• Green Tea
• Lipoic Acid
• Tocopherol (D-Alpha)
• Glutathione (L)

Slow Aging from the Inside Out!

Summertime is always a fun time to enjoy outdoor activities; however, did you know that grilling  can actually increase glycation?    

Today, meals are mostly heat-processed and thereby contain high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Dietary advanced glycation end products, also known as dAGEs, contribute to increased oxidant stress and inflammation, which have also been associated with the recent increase in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown dry heat promotes new dAGE formation above uncooked foods. Animal-derived foods that are high in fat and protein are also typically AGE-rich and prone to new AGE formation during cooking.

However, carbohydrate-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and milk contain relatively few AGEs, even after cooking. The formation of new dAGEs during cooking was prevented by the AGE inhibitory compound aminoguanidine and significantly reduced by cooking with moist heat, using shorter cooking times, cooking at lower temperatures, and by use of acidic ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar.

ANTI-GLYCATION, PRO YOUTH DAILY REGIMEN

AM REGIMEN

• Cleanse with Pumpkin Lactic Cleanse
• Tone with Antiox Defend Tonic
• Apply 1-2 pumps of AGE less
• Apply 1-2 pumps of Healthy Aging Cream
• Finish with Daytime Defense or IllumiColour Mineral Finisher

PM REGIMEN

• Cleanse with Pumpkin Lactic Cleanse
• Apply 1-2 pumps Mandelic Rejuvenator
• Apply 1-2 pumps Stem Cell A
• Finish with 1-2 pumps of Drop of Essence or Infuse 7

By combining topical ingredients that promote skin health and prevent degradation and inflammation and rethinking some of your sugar intake and cooking options, skin will be supported against potential glycation damage and look AGE less in no time!