Anti-Aging Vitamin A

Anti-Aging Vitamin A

Study proves Vitamin A reduces wrinkles

A recently published study found that face creams based on Vitamin A dramatically reduce the depth of wrinkles and significantly improve the appearance of skin in older women. Holy Land Cosmetics, which relies on the most advanced clinical trials in the field of para-medical cosmetics,(Cosmedics) has developed several preparations and ranges based on Vitamin A and Retinol.

A study conducted at the University of Michigan succeeded to prove that face creams based on Vitamin A dramatically reduce age wrinkles. This is not the first time in which research has proven that topical treatment with Vitamin A and its derivative – retinol veratin A reduces wrinkles and expression lines.

However, the study created waves among the scientific community in the field, where as opposed to many previously conducted studies, this time it was not a laboratory study on skin cells, but a clinical study with the participation of women, and then not just women – but women with average age of 87! This important study, which was published in the medical journal Archives of Dermatology, found that the use of retinol – a derivate of Vitamin A, had a significant rejuvenating and anti aging effect in the skin of the subjects.

The research subjects applied topically - on the inner side of the arm – moisturizer containing retinol in concentration of 0.4 percent, or alternatively moisturizer without retinol. After 24 weeks the researchers analyzed biopsy samples of the women’s skin tissue, and found significant differences in the depth of the wrinkles between the side on which the preparation was applied and the untreated side (because a biopsy was performed, the researchers preferred to apply the treatment to the arm skin and not the face skin, and chose the inner part of the arm, where the skin is thin and similar in texture to the face skin).

What was the explanation for this impressive finding?

An analysis of samples showed that the retinol significantly increased the production of two structural components of the skin – glycosaminoglycen and procollagen. The glycosaminoglycen is a glucose molecule known for its important property of binding large quantities of water, and as such serves to support the skin tissues. Procollagen is a precursor from which collagen is produced in our skin.

Increasing the production of procollagen leads to the increased production of collagen – the most important component of the skin.

One Vitamin, Many action mechanisms

The action mechanisms of Vitamin A in the skin and its importance in keeping the skin young and healthy are not limited solely to these two substances. Vitamin A has long been recognized as one of the strongest antioxidants, which protect our bodies from harmful oxidizing effects of free radicals. Among its many functions in the body, Vitamin A has been proven vital in keeping the skin soft and smooth.

Studies in the field of dermatology that focused on this vitamin and its derivatives – retinol and Retin A found that this is one of the only substances which, when applied topically over time can not only slow the aging of the skin, but also reverse the aging process, improve the condition of existing wrinkles and restore the skin. The studies showed that the prolonged topical application of Vitamin A accelerates the production of collagen and elastin fibers, which preserve the skin structure and its elasticity, and of hyaluronic acid, which thickens the dermis and smooths expression lines and small scars thus resulting in anti aging effects.

Apart from its great importance in treating and slowing signs of aging in the skin, Vitamin A helps regulate the production of melanin pigment - the skin pigment which protects the skin from the sun’s rays. Moreover, research has shown that this vitamin is also one of only two substances in the world proven unequivocally so far as being able to repair accumulated damage to the skin following exposure to the sun, and to dramatically fade pigmentation spots. In addition, it has been shown that topical application of Vitamin A or retinol improves the condition of the skin in cases of acne. Regular topical treatment helps normalize the secretion of oil from the sebaceous glands and constricts them, reduces comedones and improves the appearance of the skin.

Dedicated Vitamin A receptors

It is of interest to note that in the dermis – the middle layer of the skin, there are dedicated receptors for Vitamin A, which help the substance molecules penetrate the deep layers of the skin, resulting in a clear increase in the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. As a result the wrinkles and expression lines are smoothed, the skin becomes firmer and more elastic and there is ongoing improvement in the appearance and texture of the skin.

The changes that take place in the skin are amazing. Apart from the cosmetic effect on the external appearance such as anti aging, topical application of Vitamin A has an important internal effect. When a biopsy sample is taken from a certain area of the face skin before treatment and after two years of treatment, a considerable difference is observed. The first sample, taken prior to treatment, presents the effects of damage due to age and the sun on all layers of the skin, where the corneum stratum (the top layer of the skin) is not normal, the epidermis is too thin and its cells lose their typical arrangement, and the collagen and elastin fibers are relatively sparse and few.

By contrast, in the later sample, it can be observed that the corneum stratum appears normal, the epidermis thickens and its cells are organized, the collagen and elastin fibers are arranged and the skin becomes elastic and firmer.

Ingredient in anti-aging medicine

Due to the dramatic and effective effects of Vitamin A on the skin, it is in fact today considered one of the only ingredients whose properties can achieve real change in the face skin, and even more – one of the components used in anti-aging medicine.

Holy Land Cosmetics, relying on the most advanced clinical studies, has developed several formulations and para-medical product lines based on Vitamin A and on retinol. As it is known, one of the main factors responsible for the effectiveness of a cosmetic preparation is the concentration of its active agent. In the study conducted at the University of Michigan, as said the researchers used retinol in a concentration of 0.4%. Holy Land Cosmetics’ preparations based on retinol contain different concentrations, with some reaching double the concentration of that used in the study – i.e. 0.8%.

Anti aging:

The "Alpha-Beta" & "Retinol product line", a unique range which is particularly active in rehabilitation and rejuvenation of face skin, is based on a combination of retinol with alpha and beta hydroxy acids. The leading product in this range is "Premium Peel" – smart peeling from the new generation, based on active retinol which facilitates real change in the skin. Other preparations in the range also contain retinol in especially active concentrations.

Acne treatment:

The "A-Nox Plus Retinol" product line of Holy Land Cosmetics, for the renewal of skin afflicted with acne, is also based on natural retinol, combined with plant extracts, aromatic and antiseptic oils, minerals and more. This range has been clinically tested on cases of acne vulgaris and has also proven effective in extremely severe cases. The product line is used by cosmeticians, as well as by dermatologists who treat acne.

One of the company’s flagship products – "Multivitamin Serum" – is based on Vitamin A, combined with five other vital vitamins – C, E, F, H, K and Vitamin B complex.

The above article is taken from Israel cosmedics website.

Israel Cosmedics is a leading online skin care center distributing Israel cosmetics.