The term “glycation” may immediately take you back to a college science lecture hall, but it’s currently the latest skin-care term to understand.
As a refresher, glycation is a natural process that occurs in our bodies when excess sugar molecules bind to proteins. This leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (aka A.G.E.s).
Houston, TX dermatologist Sherry Ingraham, MD describes glycation as “an unavoidable factor of the natural aging process,” that can have a negative impact on our skin, accelerating visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, laxity, and dullness.
The bad news: Skin glycation begins in our 20s. The good news: SkinCeuticals’ latest breakthrough, A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, is clinically proven to combat its effects. Ahead, Dr. Ingraham helps us explore everything to know about the latest “it” cream and how it works to help reverse the effects of skin glycation.
What is skin glycation?
“During this multi-phase process, excess sugars bind to structural proteins in the skin, including collagen and elastin, and form advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.s),” explains Dr. Ingraham. “A.G.E.s cause collagen and elastin to become rigid and brittle, weakening their reparative ability and causing visible signs of aging.”
What does skin glycation look like?
According to Dr. Ingraham, glycation affects the aging, tone and dehydration of the skin. “Glycation degrades the structural proteins responsible for skin volume and elasticity, causing visible wrinkles and laxity.” Because A.G.E. are naturally brown or yellow in color, they can contribute to a dull, sallow-looking skin tone. Glycation also decreases stratum corneum moisture, Dr. Ingraham explains, resulting in skin dryness.
Why is skin glycation so difficult to prevent and correct?
While Dr. Ingraham notes that everyone experiences glycation—“it is a natural and unavoidable biological process”—she explains that external aggressors such as UV and pollution can also accelerate A.G.E. formation. Additionally, glycation is made up of three stages, making it increasingly difficult to pinpoint during treatment. “Glycation is made up of three stages where the first two stages are reversible. The last stage is not reversible,” says Dr. Ingraham.
How does SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter Advanced improve skin glycation?
Dr. Ingraham calls SkinCeuticals new A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced a “breakthrough in anti-aging skin care” because it helps reverse visible aging impacted by glycation, a notable feat. SkinCeuticals originally launched A.G.E. Interrupter in 2008, pioneering anti-glycation skin care.
“As aesthetic procedures have evolved, the brand has remained committed to studying the glycation process and developing innovative, science-backed skin care to address skin aging impacted by the formation of A.G.E.s.”
As Dr. Ingraham has explained, glycation is made up of three stages: the first two stages being reversible, and the final stage irreversible. SkinCeuticals new A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced is formulated to address all phases of the glycation process, “helping to correct existing signs of aging and defend against new and recurring damage caused by A.G.E. formation.”
The rich, satin-finish cream features 18% concentrated ProxylaneTM, 4.25% wild fruit flavonoid blend of blueberry and pomegranate extracts, and 0.1% glycyrrhetinic acid. Together, Dr. Ingraham explains, these ingredients help visibly smooth fine lines and five types of wrinkles “including forehead wrinkles, nasolabial folds, marionette wrinkles, glabellar wrinkles and crow’s feet.”
Who should be using SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced?
Dr. Ingraham says anyone experiencing glycation—those in their early 20s and older—can use SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced.
