What’s Your Fountain of Youth? (Please Don’t Say Collagen Cream!)
We love it when scientists get feisty. Here, in an article in the Daily Mail, is what Oxford University protein biochemist Dr Blanca Sengerova has to say about anti-wrinkle creams that claim to contain collagen:
“It really frustrates me when I see adverts [adverts!] for anti-wrinkle creams containing collagen. Although collagen is structurally important for the integrity of our skin, the protein molecule is far too large to pass through the barrier posed by the skin.”
It frustrates us too, and is a good reminder to all of us that while lots of stuff can readily penetrate the skin, not everything can—and certainly not collagen in a cream.
That said, we totally understand the things people will buy (as in “purchase” and as in “believe”) in the frantic pursuit of skin that is unblemished by age. But the fact is, the science of magical anti-agers just doesn’t add up.
Here’s what a cosmetics-industry rep said to the DM: “Manufacturers are very careful about the exact wording of the claims they make, but here is a risk of customers forming the wrong impression from some packaging and advertising.”
To which I say: Cosmetics industry reps are very careful about the exact wording of the claims they make. It almost sounds like he’s saying companies are being misleading, but actually he’s saying you’re an idiot for “forming the wrong impression” based on outrageous, promisey label claims. You silly goose.
But it got me thinking. What anti-agers do you think actually work?
I’ll go first. In my opinion the best anti-agers are a big fat smile, a healthy diet, lots of sleep, lots of water, and some healthy plant oils applied topically to keep the skin radiant, lines and all. Bonus if they contain antioxidants, of course. Your turn.
Amen, Siobhan! Couldn’t agree with you more.
Not surprisingly I’m with Siobhan on this. Smiles. Mmm. Fruits and veggies and healthy fats! Mmm again. I’ll add exercise in for good measure here.
Yes! Yoga, and other forms of, um, feel-good fitness ;)
Has anyone tried Dr. Perricone’s food diet of basically certain nuts and fruits? LOTS of dark greens and tons of salmon. Its pretty amazing. I can’t say anything for his cosmetic products but his diet concept does really make an nice sheen on your skin with all those omega-3 fats.
Water. I know that sounds cliche, but as I age I really notice the difference between properly hydrated and dehydrated in my skin.
Cardio, Yoga and strength training. When I started Yoga, I was shocked at how much balance I had lost and had to work to regain. I have to admit that I did not even realize that a person loses balance as she ages and it was quite shocking. Along with a healthy diet, staying active really is the fountain of youth.
my fountain of youth are the following oils: Sweet Almond, Argan, Olive and Avocado.
Water, exercise, healthy eating and sleep. Not that I do all three.
I have to say that having seen women old enough to be my great grandmother sweating it out in intensely difficult ballet classes and yoga classes, that exercise and water are the fountain of youth. These women are soooo flexible and crazy strong that I fell both shamed and inspired whenever I just barely make it through a class (I always give my self a high five for making it through though!) I also agree with the fruits, veggies and healthy fats and fresh air. I’m working on making these things a regular part of my life….Working on it is what counts, right?
Coconut Oil!!!!!! I’m 29, so not looking too rough yet, but for years I’ve had pretty deep smile lines that I tried to zap with over the counter lotions and creams. Nothing worked, my skin was always dry and blotchy, and I was spending a pretty penny on products that I hated. Last May my friend’s mother gave me a bottle of the coconut oil that she and her husband make in small batches at their home, and I’m never going back! That, along with cutting out dairy, gluten, processed foods, and meat out of my diet, drinking tons of green tea, and cutting out all non-organic/vegan body products has completely turned my skin around. I haven’t had a complexion this pretty and smooth since high school – it’s fabulous! I wear mineral makeup, as well, and love how the coconut oil provides a perfect base to make the foundation even creamier.
I agree. I use coconut oil and jobjoba oil on my face. My face is still dry on checks and forhead. I dont use toner? any recommendations. i wanted something inexpensive and clean.
Siobhan, I agree with you. Here’s a great article reaffirming what we already know: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/nottingham/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9358000/9358273.stm
I also love slathering on coconut and jojoba oil!
Yeah all of the above…plus a good set of genes.
But I have to say I’ve started using rosehip oil and gee it’s made a difference. Not real sure if it’s “miraculously” erased any wrinkles, but it’s certainly stopped me having that haggard old cow look.
Like others have mentioned I also think sleep, lots of water and a good diet help.
I also find having lots of Omega 3’s in my diet (fish oil, flaxseed, chia seeds) make my skin clearer and less dry.
Plus, a big no no is lots of sun and smoking!
I use a homemade astringent on my face consisting of 4 parts witch hazel, 1 part raw organic apple cider vinegar, and a couple drops of tea tree oil. I use it every night on my way to bed. Then in the morning, I use a couple dabs of organic lotion with a couple drops of straight vitamin E to moisturize.
It cut out the breakouts I’m prone to around pms time and gives my face a glow that I am SO impressed with. I’ve been doing this regimen for about 6 months now and I will NEVER go back to the expensive JUNK again.
The more chemical and additive free I become, the more fantastic my skin looks!
sex, obv. and tata harper!