Ageing and Free Radical Attack

Science has recently proved that the ageing of our cells, including our skin is directly influenced by environmental factors that we find in pollution, UV rays of the sun, cigarette smoke, alcohol drinking, drugs, dietary fat, and stress. These factors form a group of highly volatile and unstable substances called 'free radicals'. Because free radicals contain one or more unpaired electrons in their outer orbit they are highly aggressive in their attempt to link up with other electrons. In so doing they can attack and damage any healthy tissue in the body. Nearly all disease processes related to ageing, including ageing of the skin, are due to free radical attack at the cellular level. Unfortunately, our bodies are bombarded daily with free radicals from exposure to a toxic environment and our general lifestyle habits. Changes in skin specifically? Wrinkles, lines, loss of elasticity, resiliency, age spots and poor skin tone.

Ageing is compounded by free radical attack directly within the skin structure itself. This reaction occurs in two ways. First is the attack of free radicals to the skin fibroblasts. Fibroblasts secrete the protein fibers collagen and elastin that provide skin with its strength, suppleness and elasticity. Their role is not only to secrete these fibers but also to degrade and replace them when they are damaged. A visible ageing effect in the skin is caused by a progressive loss in the total amount of collagen and elastin. This is caused largely by free radical attacks on the fibroblast cells.

The second damaging effect on the skin due to free radical attack is the cross-linkage of connective tissue fibers (collagen and elastin.) This is a process whereby free radicals bond excessively with the long fibrous protein strands causing collagen to tighten and shrink. The cells become strangled constricting the tiny capillaries and choking off the blood supply which typically carries oxygen, moisture and nourishment to the tissues which are necessary to maintain a youthful appearance. The external result is dry, leathery skin, wrinkles, and poor skin tone. The internal result is stiff joints and cartilage, loss of ability of the arteries to expand and contract, and gradual body deterioration. In addition, toxic waste products accumulate in the cells and tissues contributing further to the body's demise and noticeable skin problems.

Age Reversal and Antioxidants

Free radicals are not only destructive to our appearance; they are also a constant threat to our health and longevity. The first step in avoiding the devastating and undesirable effects of ageing due to free radicals is to eliminate the causes of them as much as possible. This would include avoidance of excessive sun exposure, avoidance of pollution, microwave cooking, X-rays and other sources of radiation, excessive dietary fat and alcohol, smoking (active or passive), chemicals in food and drugs, and stress.

We can also approach the problem of free radicals directly with the internal and external use of a group of nutrient substances called 'antioxidants'. Antioxidants have scavenging and neutralizing effects on free radicals when taken internally and applied to the skin topically. They act by pairing with the unpaired electrons contained in the outer orbits of free radicals. This produces a neutralizing effect on the free radical, thereby sparing damaging effects in the body’s cells and tissues, including the skin.

Recent scientific study has shown the unique ability of particular topically applied plant derived substances to neutralize free radicals while simultaneously repairing previously damaged fibroblast cells, returning them to normal functioning. The result is age retardation and some reversal of previously aged skin.

Ageing Skin and ATP Production

Cellular energy is produced in the body by ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). It is the biological energy necessary for all cellular function, including collagen-producing fibroblast cells. ATP keeps the cells alive. In general, it is the molecule that releases energy for muscle contraction, all movement, the production of tears and other body fluids, brain processes, the metabolism of foods, the synthesis of important molecules such as proteins and DNA, and the transport of molecules and ions throughout our system. Sixty percent of the food we eat is used to produce ATP.

The fibroblast cells are specific to maintaining a youthful appearance in skin. They are highly susceptible to damage from free radical attack as previously discussed. If a cell has been damaged, the electrical activity that keeps it alive has been diminshed. The energy released from ATP has the unique ability to reenergize, or reactivate a damaged cell. In the case of the fibroblast cell, this means that it is possible for it to regenerate itself and begin producing collagen and other connective tissue fibers once again. The result is a prolonged youthful appearance.

As an added benefit, when ATP is produced, pure water is also produced within the cell as a natural by-product. The water hydrates the DNA of the cell which also extends the life of the cell.

In order for ATP to be created, hydrogen is necessary. Hydrogen is vital to all life processes. It is typically available from plant sources.

ASTARA Biogenic Skincare Products uniquely supply the cells with millions of hydrogen electrons resulting in increased production of intercellular ATP. The hydrogen electrons are derived from a sophisticated combination of antioxidants from living Botanical sources contained in all Astara products.

Ageing of Skin and Slowing of Keratinization Process

A secondary cause of an ageing appearance to the skin is due to the slowing of a normal process called 'keratinization'. Keratinization occurs when cells in the basal layer of the epidermis migrate upward toward the outer stratum corneum where they lose their nuclei and die. Normally, the dead cells slough off leaving new cells in their place. As we age, the skin loses its ability to slough off the dead cells, causing a build-up on the visible exterior of the skin which inhibits efficient cell renewal. The result is a dry, leathery and lifeless appearance. The accumulation of dead cells also blocks the ability of the skin to absorb nutrients and moisture from external sources.

Age Reversal in Skin and Exfoliation

The ageing effects resulting from decreased keratinization can be reversed through various processes of exfoliation. Repeated exfoliation of dead surface skin cells gradually diminishes fine lines leaving the skin smoother and softer and with more vitality.

Exfoliation can occur in three basic ways: (1) use of finely grained scrubs designed not to damage pores; (2) use of enzyme masks which work to dissolve and extract dead cells; (3) use of alpha hydroxy acids derived from natural food sources which decrease the bonding of dead surface cells through a dissolving action.
Exfoliation of the skin not only improves the skin's appearance, it also allows for efficient absorption and greater effectiveness of antioxidants and other skin nutrients and moisturizing factors.

ASTARA Biogenic Skincare products offer an excellent system of exfoliation for both gentle and more therapeutic use. A gentle, safe, daily exfoliating scrub beautifully polishes the skin, while a lactic acid (AHA) toner safely dissolves dead surface cells with no side effects. A highly concentrated enzyme mask intensely exfoliates while noticeably stimulating the skin with increased circulation. Increased circulation to the skin enhances nutrient availability to the tissues while stimulating the release and removal of toxins and excess fluid.

Ageing in Skin and Lack of Moisture Retention and Emolliency

The essential fatty acids linoleic, linolenic and gamma-linolenic are a vital part of every cell in the body. In the skin they are a necessary component of the fluid lipid film coating the skin's surface. This film maintains moisture and emolliency in the skin as well as providing a protective barrier against the entry of disease-causing organisms. The body's normal secretion of essential fatty acids decreases with age leaving a less moist and emollient skin, characteristic of most ageing skin.

Moisture can also be supplied by way of topically applied essential fatty acids, essential oils, and other moisture retaining nutrients such as Vitamin E Linoleate, algae extracts, Aloe Vera, Sodium Hyaluronate, NaPCA and other plant derived nutrients. Formulated in an efficient delivery system, these natural constituents become well absorbed into the epidermal and dermal layers of tissue. Assimilation is greatly enhanced when the skin has first been exfoliated.

The skin also gains moisturizing benefits when essential fatty acids are taken internally in forms such as cold-pressed vegetable oils, flax seed oil, borage oil, black currant oil, evening primrose oil or cold water fish oils. Adequate daily intake of pure water is a critical factor in retaining moisture in the skin. Internal sources of moisturizing agents will optimally reach the skin only if the collagen system is healthy. This is achieved best if free radical attack on collagen fibers and collagen producing cells is prevented with topical and internal use of antioxidant nutrients, to insure greater integrity of the connective tissue fibers.

ASTARA Biogenic Skincare products provide ultimate moisture retention in the skin by using a high level of vegetable source sodium hyalonate for cellular water retention, vitamin E linoleate and numerous oils providing a rich source of essential fatty acids.

Ageing and Other Nutrient Factors

The general health of the skin and the formation of connective tissues, which makes up approximately 70% of the dermis, are dependent upon the availability of certain nutrients which are delivered through blood vessels into the cells and tissues. The most important nutrient for the formation of collagen is vitamin C. Other essential nutrients for the health of skin are the B vitamins, especially dl-pantothenate, vitamin A, vitamin E and sulfuric amino acids. Minerals taken internally are also necessary components to skin health.
Phytochemicals, active constituents derived from herbal sources, produce various positive effects in the health and appearance of the skin. In external formulations phytochemicals are generally used in the form of extract concentrates.

Nutrients known for their beneficial roles in the skin and against ageing are potentially effective in skincare products when used in the correct form and formulated within an efficient delivery system. Taken internally in forms more ideal for body absorption, particular vitamins and minerals, especially antioxidants, further increase health and vital appearance to the skin.

ASTARA Biogenic Skincare Products contain a wealth of active nutrients in all products especially formulated to increase the health of the skin.

Summary

The causes of ageing to the skin simply stated are:

1. Free radical attack on the collagen producing fibroblast cells and connective tissue fibers. This causes less collagen in the tissues with excessive cross-linkage in existing connective tissue fibers, resulting in sagging skin, decreased nutrition, oxygen and moisture to the skin as well as poor elimination of toxic wastes.
2. Dehydration of cellular DNA. Accumulation of dead surface skin cells .This causes dry, rough or leathery appearing skin and the inability to absorb moisture and nutrients from conditioners and moisturizers.
3. Decrease in fatty acids. This causes drier, less emollient tissues.
4. Internal nutrient deficiencies. This causes general poor health which is mirrored in the skin.

To prevent further ageing to the skin and ideally reverse some of the previous damaging effects in the skin, ASTARA Biogenic Skincare includes:

Synergistically formulated skincare products that contain:

A. Effective, high potency antioxidants including negative hydrogen, nature's most powerful antioxidant.
B. Non-damaging, safe and effective exfoliation products.
C. High percent Sodium Hyaluronate and Vitamin E Linoleate, and oils containing valuable essential fatty acids.
D. Vital nutrients that feed and support healthy skin.