Pharmacymix.com, Skin Care Pharmacy and Blog Specializing in Anthelios and Mexoryl Sunscreens

Grape Seed Extract: Can It Prevent Wrinkles?

A lot of attention has been drawn to grape seed extract over the past few years. Grapes are a known source of antioxidants and when consumed, have shown the ability to inhibit the progress of free radicals. Because the oxidation process caused by free radicals can lead to wrinkles, the properties of grapes are thought to be an effective solution for reducing them. As a result, cosmetics manufacturers have quickly added grape seed extract to several of their anti-wrinkle products. Today, I’ll describe what we know for certain about grape seed extract along with its potential as an anti-wrinkle formulation.

UV Rays, Free Radicals, And Wrinkles

First, a quick review of how wrinkles occur. There are a number of factors that lead to wrinkles and fine lines, including hormone production levels, UV exposure, and free radicals. When a person is exposed to excessive UV rays, pollution, and other elements, the oxidation of free radicals may accelerate, resulting in the collagen fibers breaking down. Over time, this can lead to the development of wrinkles.

Consumption Versus Topical Formulation

When consumed, grapes are a rich source of antioxidants, which are known to prevent free radical damage. The theory behind grape seed extract is that by including it within skin care products, consumers can benefit from the antioxidant properties of grapes. As a result, the damaging effect that free radicals have on the skin is inhibited, preventing wrinkles and fine lines.

The question is whether applying a topical formulation that includes the extract is as effective in delivering the antioxidants as consuming grapes. To date, there are very few documented studies based upon rigorous clinical testing. The studies which have been conducted either lack a large sample size, or don’t offer a clear comparison of results before and after the application of the topical solution. This is not to suggest that including grape seed extract in cosmetic products doesn’t work. It only suggests that there is a need for more rigorous testing.

Proven Efficacy Versus Potential

Even though the use of grape seed extract in topical formulations has not been proven as a preventative measure against wrinkles, it has potential. We know that grapes provide useful antioxidants such as proanthocyanidin that are potent antioxidants. Studies have shown some benefit in reducing tumors and healing wounds in mice. However, whether this translates to benefiting wrinkles in human skin is unclear.  Though we know that grape seed extract will afford antioxidant activity in skin care products, we’ve yet to see reliable data regarding its efficacy in skin care products.

In the meantime, the following formulations do have a proven track record of success for helping to prevent and diminish the appearance of wrinkles:

Redermic XL - Madecassoside, Vitamin C and UVA/UVB sun protection to help increase collagen production and protect against sun damage.

UltimaSkin Anti-Aging Face Care Set - A 3-solution package that includes a moisturizer for dry skin, along with eye and face serums that contain Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin C, potent antioxidants.

Active C XL - 5% concentration of Vitamin C along with UVA and UVB blocking protection to encourage the production of healthy new collagen fibers and protect against sun damage that leads to wrinkles.

Protecting Skin in Winter

We spend a lot of time protecting our skin from the sun’s UV rays during the warmer months. However, our skin is just as susceptible to damage during the winter months. In fact, people of all ages suffer from dry skin during the winter because the humidity is typically much lower. When skin becomes dry, it looks dull and feels rough to the touch. Existing fine lines may become more pronounced while wrinkles can begin looking slightly fractured.

Dry skin is preventable. And with winter looming, it’s important that you take preventative measures to ensure that your skin can retain sufficient moisture. Today, I’ll explain how you can protect your skin from drying out during the coming winter months.

Using Sunscreens During The Winter

The epidermis protects the underlying layers of skin. It is made up from several layers; the top layer is called the stratum corneum and contains natural oils that help the body retain water. When the stratum corneum retains enough water, the skin is smooth and supple. However, when this uppermost layer of skin loses water, it becomes dry, and if left unchecked, can crack and even bleed.

There are a number of environmental factors that can influence how quickly the stratum corneum loses moisture. One of these factors is excess exposure to the sun’s UV rays. While some may consider it counterintuitive, you should be using an effective sunscreen during the winter that offers broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. The sun is damaging to your skin throughout the entire year. Anthelios sunscreens are formulated to provide the highest level of protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Moisturize To Retain Water

Because dry skin is so prevalent during the winter, consider using emollients that help your skin retain water while replenishing valuable lipids and essential fatty acids. As humidity decreases, your skin has a difficult time maintaining its smooth and supple appearance. These 2 moisturizers contain ingredients that will help keep your skin in good condition in the harsh winter environment:
Lipikar Lipid Replenishing Cream - Formulated with Shea Butter, this emollient can help repair dehydrated skin while providing lipids and fatty acids to aid in water retention.
IsoUrea Body Milk - When your skin is dry, it can look unsightly and feel uncomfortable. This moisturizer restores comfort and helps rehydrate your skin. 

Exfoliate to Shed Dry Skin Cells

Though it seems counter-intuitive, exfoliating not only gets rid of dry, rough skin cells that sit on the skin’s surface, but can also help to increase penetration of moisturizers. Consider products like:
Lac-Hydrin - Formulated with Lactic Acid, Lac-Hydrin is indicated for dry skin conditions and can help soothe itchiness that often accompanies dry skin.
MaMa Lotion - a 20% alpha hydroxy acid concentration, this multi-purpose product is ideal for all skin types.

Preparing For The Cold Months

Plan to use a combination of well formulated sunscreens and emollients to prevent your skin from drying out. While an effective sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, moisturizers can replenish dry skin with essential lipids while helping it retain water. Exfoliants can help your skin absorb moisturizers more effectively. Taking these steps can help ensure that your skin looks smooth and healthy during the winter months.

Vitamin K and Skin

There are many skin care products that contain vitamin K. Product manufacturers claim that it can provide a number of benefits including reducing the severity of dark circles underneath the eyes, helping eliminate spider veins, and eliminating bruising that results from laser treatments. Topical vitamin K is not considered a drug, so  advertisers don’t have to provide evidence that their claims are valid.

There have been studies performed to test the efficacy of vitamin K, but evidence is not substantial.

Getting Rid Of Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes can occur as a result of many influences (contrary to popular belief, fatigue is not the most common cause). These influences can include sun damage, heredity, an hormonal imbalance, deterioration in the dermis, allergies and atopic eczema. A study that was published in 2004 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology suggested that vitamin K could be beneficial in helping reduce the appearance of dark circles. In that study, a topical gel that included a 2% concentration of vitamin K was used by nearly 60 people to treat their dark circles. After 8 weeks, nearly half of the test subjects reported some level of improvement.

The gel used in the study also included other ingredients (such as antioxidants and vitamins E and C) which could have had an effect either on their own or in conjunction with vitamin K. Since vitamin K was not isolated, evidence of its efficacy can be considered inconclusive. That said, the number of participants who noted improvement suggests that vitamin K may have helped.

Post Laser Treatment

Pulsed dye laser treatment is often used to eliminate warts, spider veins, and other vascular lesions. These laser treatments can result in bruising that is caused when blood vessels hemorrhage. In 1999, a group of doctors at the University of Miami School of Medicine conducted a double-blind study that tested whether vitamin K could be applied as a topical cream to reduce bruising. The results from that study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, suggested that post-laser treatment bruising was significantly reduced as a result of applying the topical cream.

Realistic Expectations

In the end, evidence that supports the efficacy of vitamin K as a topical treatment for dark circles and post-laser treatment bruising is available, just not in substantial amount. Evidence does exist and more rigorous testing would be beneficial in determining whether or not vitamin K does truly deliver. If you do suffer from dark circles, then you may wish to consider an eye cream like Neostrata Dark Circle Serum which contains vitamin K and retinol as reported in clinical trials.

In addition, rely upon tried and test skin care products to improve the appearance of your skin while slowing down the signs of aging…

Green Cream - A high potency retinol that stimulates collagen production, tightens the skin, and diminishes wrinkles, resulting in a smoother look.
Anthelios Fluide Extreme SPF 50+ - A fragrance-free, non-comedogenic spray that can be used on all skin types to provide broad spectrum protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Hydraphase UV SPF 30 - A moisturizer plus complete SPF 30 sunscreen which will protect skin and simplify your skin care routine.�

What Cause Stretch Marks And How To Treat Them

Stretch marks affect millions of people and if you have them, you’re not alone. Not surprisingly, individuals with stretch marks are often desperate to be rid of them. If you’re one of the sufferers, then the cosmetics industry is happy to offer a number of products that claim to help. Unfortunately, many of the products that are heavily advertised as being able to eliminate stretch marks are ineffective. Their efficacy is based upon a process that is inconsistent with how the skin works. In order to treat stretch marks properly, it is important to understand why they appear in the first place. Let’s look at how stretch marks occur and effective ways to treat them.

 

What Causes Stretch Marks?

 

While many people think that stretch marks are only experienced by women - and primarily those who are pregnant - men can get them, too. They manifest when the skin is overstretched during the course of several months or years. This overstretching can happen as a result of pregnancy, obesity, or even during bodybuilding. When the skin is stretched, the collagen and elastin (which give skin its strength and elasticity) underneath the dermis are disturbed, causing noticeable scars. If a person’s skin is able to heal quickly, the scars will be less noticeable. By contrast, stretch marks are usually more visible on skin that heals less efficiently.

 

Stretch Mark Treatments

 

There are a few effective methods for treating stretch marks. Despite what many believe, there are no studies that show that vitamin E is helpful. Because stretch marks are scarred tissue underneath the dermis, applying vitamin E oil won’t reduce their severity. Studies have shown, however, that another vitamin, vitamin A holds promise. Vitamin A derivatives such as tretinoin and retinol work by encouraging the production of collagen under the dermis. While tretinoin is available only by prescription, retinol is available in over the counter preparations such as Green Cream. While both are effective options, some individuals may find tretinoin highly irritating and if this is the case, retinol may be a better option. In both case, start slowly, gradually building up dosage and concentration. Do not use Vitamin A derivatives if you are pregnant or nursing.

 

Other studies have shown high potency Vitamin C serums and creams to be effective as well.  

 

Other treatments that have been shown to have a positive effect on stretch marks include dermabrasion and laser surgery. Chemical peels such as trichloroacetic acid can help tighten the skin while stimulating collagen production, reducing the visibility of the scarred tissue. Laser treatment has been known to stimulate pigmentation which can also help improve the appearance of the scarred area. Check with your dermatologist as treatment options are not suitable for all skin types.

 

A lot of cosmetics manufacturers lure unwary consumers to buy “solutions” that promise to either prevent or eliminate stretch marks. They are often advertised as moisturizing creams that penetrate deep into the skin to rebuild the scarred tissue. Unfortunately, most of these products cannot do what they claim. Remember, stretch marks occur due to the disruption of collagen and elastin under the dermis. Moisturizers typically don’t encourage the production of either collagen or elastin.

 

If you are dealing with unsightly stretch marks, try a topical agent that includes a retinoid as an active ingredient. You may also want to add a product containing Vitamin C. While there is no magic bullet that can completely eliminate the scarred tissue, these two ingredients have some science to back up their use.