The bad news about our skin: collagen loss is inevitable and happens to both men and women after the age of 25 – next to sun damage, this is one of the second cause of fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness and elasticity. The good news is that scientists and cosmetic companies are creating new and innovative skincare ingredients at rapid rates to deliver advanced effectiveness to serums and moisturizers. Below are some of the current skincare ingredients that have been making headlines.

·    Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Petapeptide-3) - An ingredient developed from research studies to find a product to treat skin wounds and wrinkles, matrixyl helps to stimulate the function of fibroblasts, tiny, specialized cells that help repair damaged tissue and help the process of forming new tissue. Fibroblasts are present in mature skin but are not as active since collagen levels are ceased after the age of 45. Found in serums and moisturizers.

·    Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) – A combination of amino acids (AAs) that forms a neuropeptide that relaxes muscles that cause wrinkles and expression lines. Thus, its function is similar to Botox. Argireline is especially effective around the eyes and on the forehead and is found in serums. Argireline can also reduce the look of fine lines by approximately 30%, is non-toxic and so far has no proven side effects. Found in serums.

·    Antarcticine – One of the newest discoveries in the quest for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Antarcticine is a strain of bacteria called Pseudoaltermonas Antarctica, which was discovered at the bottom of a glacier on King George Island, South Shetland Island, Antarctica. This strain of bacteria yields several functions, including interacting with collagen to help increase collagen production, increasing elastin formation, increasing moisture and hydration and increasing the healing and repair of damaged tissue. Antarcticine has been shown to be effective in cold weather climates, making this an effective ingredient for skin that has been stressed out from cold and wind. Found in serums and moisturizers.

·    Allistin – also spelled Alistin. A pseudodipeptide (or “false double link protein”) that helps inhibit oxidation in cells by blocking inflammatory enzymes that could break down cell structures. Found in serums.

·    Keratoline – an enzyme that has shown to be highly compatible with skin. Keratoline works as a bio-exfoliator and is as potent as an alpha hydroxy acid but is gentle on the skin. Found in moisturizers.

·    Songyi Mushroom – a bio-herbal extract used for many centuries in Japan that effectively lightens skin and improves the skin’s condition. Songyi mushroom is called Matsutake in Japan and is an edible fungus in Asia. Songyi mushroom helps to rejuvenate skintone by promoting new cell growth without causing dell death to melanin pigment cells. Found in cleansers, serums and moisturizers.

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