By Becca Newell
A New Year inevitably calls for a new set of anti-aging products and procedures to tighten, tone, and ighten—and we’re here to help you stay ahead of the game! Below, a few terms we’re certain will be coming soon to a doctor’s office or beauty counter near you.
1. Peptides
Naturally occurring in skin, peptides are short formations of amino acids that create specific proteins. Over time, our body isn’t able to regenerate these proteins, leading to the creation of fine lines, loss of firmness, and other signs of aging within the skin. To help reverse these annoyances, beauty ands are developing products formulated with peptides. A recent study to test the efficacy of a peptide treatment serum revealed “statistically significant improvement in facial lines, facial wrinkles, eye lines, and eye wrinkles” and a “highly statistically significant improvement in smoothness, softness, firmness, radiance, luminosity, and overall appearance.” During the study, subjects combined the serum application with a supporting skincare regimen. Although there is some data to suggest these products help to reduce signs of aging, they’re certainly no replacement for cosmetic surgery. Well, not yet!
2. Inflammaging
Formerly and primarily used in inner research circles, this term describes the chronic inflammation connected with aging—not only visible inflammation, like skin redness, but also any under-the-skin irritation not seen with the naked eye. Inflammaging is associated with the development of age-related diseases, like diabetes, and skin aging. While sun damage and other environmental factors are known to promote the onset of inflammaging, recent studies suggest some anti-aging treatments—like those used to promote collagen production—are to blame. To prevent further damage to aging skin, be sure to seek professional, medical advice when it comes to skincare procedures. And always wear sunscreen!
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Plasma is the liquid component of blood and platelets are tiny blood cells that aid in the body’s normal blood clotting function. PRP refers to blood that has been fortified with more platelets than what is naturally produced by the body. Recently, the efficacy of PRP as a treatment modality in aesthetic dermatology and regenerative plastic surgery has been studied with some positive, albeit limited, results. One study highlighted the positive effects of PRP injections on male pattern hair loss, while another “failed to demonstrate any statistically significant improvement” in hair count in female pattern hair loss. The latter, however, suggested PRP has a therapeutic advantage in hair growth perceived by patients. More data is required to validate the effectiveness of PRP injections to promote hair growth, so research and hence, the “buzz,” will continue.
4. AGEs
Short for Advanced Glycation End products, AGEs can be ingested via food consumption or naturally produced by metabolic processes within the body and are believed to play an important role in the skin-aging process and the development of age-related diseases, particularly diabetes. Typical aggravating factors of skin aging, like smoking and sun exposure, are linked to accelerating the formation of AGEs, which can decrease collagen production, among other aging conditions, leading to wrinkled, loose, and dull skin. Ongoing studies to determine how to fight against AGEs are focusing on antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. One study tested blueberry extract in female diabetic subjects and, after 12 weeks, a significant improvement in skin firmness and hydration was noted. However, the results showed little difference in the number of AGEs.
