New Anti Wrinkle Ingredient Fights Acne Too!

New anti aging ingredients promises to not only fight wrinkles but also soothe mid-life acne. But do they work? Here’s what you need to know - by Colette Bouchez

So here you are, looking in the mirror and thinking, “This just isn’t fair …wrinkles and acne?”

But truth is as we enter our middle years, and particularly as our reproductive hormones take on a life of their own, it’s entirely possible that in between those fine lines and wrinkles you may also see a brand new bumper crop of acne breaking out as well - even if you didn't have acne as a teen.

“Almost all acne is hormonal. …and adult acne occurs for the same basic reasons as adolescent acne…. cells respond abnormally to androgens,” says dermatologist Dr. Richard G. Fried, author of Healing Adult Acne.

In fact, experts say that middle-aged acne is usually driven by the same type of hormonal activity we see in puberty – except in reverse. And much like those bouncing hormones of your teen years, today’s middle-aged hormonal surges can cause your skin to react in myriad ways, including causing acne breakouts.

For many women problems are compounded by another common mid life skin condition known as acne-rosacea.

“Hormones play a strong role in the development of rosacea and many women notice flares around the time of the menses, and particularly around menopause,” says Palm Beach dermatologist Dr. Ken Beer, author of Palm Beach Perfect Skin.

As Beer explains, this dermatologic condition causes an acne-like appearance (red bumps and lumps, sometimes filled with fluids) plus it has the added component of causing facial flushing –as if we need more of that this time of life!

Acne rosacea can occur on it’s own, or in conjunction with traditional acne and both can easily flare in the middle years.

While there are certainly enough acne treatments on the market, finding one that works in midlife can be a real challenge, particularly if you’re also concerned with reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

The reason: Since most over-the-counter acne formulations are drying to the skin, they pull moisture from cells – and that make lines and wrinkles look much worse.

At the same time, most over-the-counter anti-wrinkle treatments, particularly rich creams and serums, can irritate sensitive acne prone skin and may increase breakouts, or worsen one that’s already started.

So what’s a middle-aged girl with a pimple and a wrinkle to do?

I’m happy to tell you that new hope – and new help – has finally arrived! There are in fact, several brand new products designed to fight wrinkles and acne in a single swoop!

The New Anti-Wrinkle Ingredients
The anti aging skin care ingredient creating a lot of new buzz these days are plant based growth factors known as cytokininsins -and for good reason. First, they are fast proving to be a powerful anti-wrinkle treatment, working to not only protect skin cells that manufacture collagen and elastin, but also increase their activity. Since it is collagen and elastin that helps give skin that plump, youthful lifted look, keeping them working at full tilt is one way to thwart the natural aging process.

Moreover, cytokinins also have the potential to slow down the breakdown of collagen and elastin cells that results from environmental factors such as the sun and pollution – now considered the two leading causes of premature skin aging.

But what makes cytokinins such an especially enticing skin care ingredient is that they possess all these powerful anti-aging effects and yet don't aggrevate acne or rosacea. In some studies cytokinins even had a beneficial effect on these conditions.

Indeed, in one 12 week study conducted by Dr. Jerry McCullough from the University of California on the patented cytokinins growth factor known as Pyratine 6, research revealed an increase in skin moisture by some 41%, and a decrease in fine lines by almost 30%, with early results appearing as little as 2 weeks.

But perhaps more importantly, Pyratine 6 was also clinically shown to be an effective treatment for redness associated with rosacea, eczema, contact dermatitis, and general menopause-related skin redness and irritation. Skin roughness was decreased by 84%, redness by 67% and discoloration by 41%. The findings were published in the journal Drugs and Dermatology.

But Pyratine 6 isn't going to be alone the shelf. Another plant growth factor known as TFG Beta-1 is also generating quite a stir.

In research conducted at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Cornell Medical College, and Jefferson Medical College doctors found TGF Beta-1 also stimulates significant collagen and elastin production - and it is also proving helpful in healing wounds more quickly and easily. Many believe its potent anti-inflammatory effects may prove to be exceedingly beneficial for those suffering with acne or rosacea.

Anti-Wrinkle - Anti-Acne Care Combined!
Perhaps the best part of this new anti- aging/anti-acne treatment approach is that you don't have to wait years or even months to harness the power - some of these ingredients are available right now!

Indeed, earlier this year Jan Marini Skin Research began offering their Transitions line of products containing TGF Beta-1. It's combined with various peptides also involved in skin regeneration and healing , for a one-two punch that can make skin look younger and clearer.

Pyratine-6 by Lumeris is the new player in the game. Available in a lotion or cream formulation it captures the anti-aging and anti-acne power of Pyratine 6 in another new combination product that is perfect for mid-life skin. Although not a prescription treatment it is sold primarily through doctor’s offices.

That’s said, I have found it- as well as the Jan Marini products - for sale online, but both purchases come with a word of caution. It’s a good idea to have any skin condition checked at least once by a board certified dermatologist before buying any self- care treatment products.

Not only is it possible that your skin condition might be caused by something else entirely, sometimes dry, irritated and even acne-prone mid life skin can be a symptom of a systemic disease such as thyroid disorder - and may require entirely different medication to bring relief.

You might also be interested in reading:
Return of the Face Lift- And Other New Ways To Avoid Growing Old!

Anti-Aging Cosmetics: What You Need To Know!

New book by Colette Bouchez: The Hot Flash Solution!

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