DERM AOX and Glycation, Latest Buzzword in Skin Care

La Roche-Posay's new DERM AOX ($55) is an anti-aging product designed to slow the skin's aging process, iron out wrinkles, and restore radiance. It's formulated with Carnosine, a molecule stemming from diabetes research, to inhibit the glycation process and help maintain skin suppleness. It also contains Pycnogenol, a powerful antioxidant, to neutralize free radicals and vitamins E and C to help restore skin structure, smooth skin texture, and increase radiance.

The first thing about DERM AOX that caught my eye was the term "glycation." I knew it only through its relationship to diabetes (very technical - Google it if you are interested). Along comes La Roche-Posay with its new DERM AOX, and it spotlights glycation as a factor in skin care. Glycation is already a "happening thing" in Europe - many of us are behind the curve in the U.S.

Glycation occurs when the naturally occurring sugar molecules in the skin bond to a protein or lipid molecule without the controlling action of an enzyme. The resulting glycation process impairs the functioning of biomolecules, weakening the structure of skin at a cellular level and leading to a loss of firmness and a greater opportunity for wrinkling.

Glycation was noted in the U.S. by cosmeceutical genius and celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Frederic Brandt. Dr. Brandt published a book, named 10 Minutes/10 Years, which looks at ways to target advanced skin glycation. He launched a Lineless Anti-Glycation Serum in March 2007. There is an interesting interview with another expert, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, on sugar and its adverse effects on the skin at this Discovery Health link. The dermatologists are onto something!

Back to DERM AOX. Here is what La Roche-Posay has to say about its benefits.

• Slows the skin aging process - inhibits the glycation process by 33% and reduces oxidative stress (oxidation) by 49%
• Smoothes wrinkles - 77% of test patients demonstrated a significant reduction in the appearance of crow's feet
• Restores radiance - 90% of test patients demonstrated a significant improvement in their skin's radiance
• Fresh, hydrating gel serum
• Paraben-free, non-comedogenic
• Suitable for all skin types
  
• Hypoallergenic

I have been using samples of DERM AOX and find it promising. A friend, a total skin care junkie, has been using it for weeks, and she is ecstatic. She has very sensitive skin and is disturbed by her minor wrinkling and uneven skin tone. She reports that DERM AOX is working.

You can find DERM AOX at the CVS Healthy Skincare Stores or order it from La Roche-Posay's Web site.

Photo courtesy of La Roche-Posay