Did you know that in order to have healthier, younger-looking skin, the first thing you need to do is care for your cells and maintain their proper functioning? Wait, we know, it may sound crazy and kind of weird, “ care for our own cells?” how do I do that? Easy: eat your fruit and veg, get moving, get enough sleep ( we see you scrolling through the gram late at night ;) and of course use cosmetics that allow your skin to function more efficiently. Here are 5 Well-Ageing actives that incorporate the latest natural technology and ( the best part) care for your skin in a healthy way, so you can have a day off here and there. There’s no magic formula to age better, it’s just science.
How to maintain our cells in prime condition
Before introducing you to these 5 actives, let’s take a moment to consider the most important aspects of keeping a cell healthy. There are hundreds of processes and reactions that take place in a cell, but there are 3 key aspects that define a well-functioning cell.
Optimal functioning of the mitochondria
These cell organelles produce ATP. Wait, what are those? ATP is a coenzyme that is used to carry energy within the cells of the body. What's great about ATP is that it assists with collagen and elastin production, reducing all signs of ageing. The better the mitochondria functions, the more energy we have.
Long telomeres
Telomeres are the protectors at the end of our chromosomes. As we age, these telomeres "wear out" and shorten. The most interesting thing is that telomeres can be lengthened again - Mother Nature gave us telomerase to do just that. That is why it’s not surprising to find studies on people who, after changing their habits, have managed to reverse their biological age or rather lengthen their telomeres.
Comprehensive Epigenetic Control
Epigenetics are not easy, BUT, let’s try to put it as simply as possible: DNA is like a library, with lots of books, but that does not mean that you have to read them all. Depending on your interests, the librarian (epigenome) can recommend the books that best suit you (transcription or expression of DNA parts). This means that the epigenome will decide which genetic material to read and which not to read. And as we’ve said, it depends on your interests (life habits) which genetic material you will read. It has been shown that with good healthy habits we can "silence" the parts of the DNA that we should not read and that lead to cellular malfunction and various diseases. It’s when we get older and when we have less healthy habits that the epigenome starts to behave abnormally, expressing undesirable genes.
How do I make my skin look better?
These 3 factors that we’ve talked about are important for all cells in the body, so they are obviously also important for our skin as well. And what kind of specialised cells do we have in our skin? Fibroblasts and melanocytes.
Fibroblasts
Fibroblasts are our skin's collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid factories. They are the source of plump, juicy skin.
Source: Asocolderma
Melanocytes
Melanocytes are the cells responsible for protecting us from the sun thanks to the production of melanin, and are the ones in charge of giving us the bronzed look we all love. But what happens to melanocytes if the three factors mentioned above alternate? They go a little "crazy" producing melanin, and that’s when spots come into play.
Actives to make my skin look better? The Well-Ageing guardians!
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is extracted from babchi seeds and a vegetable alternative to retinol. What does it do? It reduces the degradation of collagen and elastin and stimulates the synthesis of these proteins. Why does it deserve your attention? It improves firmness, expression lines and wrinkles. It also has a firming effect on the skin and reduces melanin production in hyperpigmented areas, thus helping to reduce skin spots. Oh and also, it’s antioxidant, non-irritating and has anti-inflammatory properties. It's also great for sensitive skin. Bakuchiol doesn’t cause photosensitivity so, unlike retinol, it can be used in the morning. Also, if you are pregnant, this is your thing, it’s suitable for you as well.
*Learn more about the comparison between retinol and Bakuchiol
The British journal of dermatology
International journal of cosmetic science
Ribose
Ribose is obtained by a biotechnological process from maize seeds. It has an energising function, restoring ATP levels ( remember?), that assist with collagen and elastin production, reducing all signs of ageing.
So if Ribose has the power to restore ATP levels, that means that it delays the appearance of wrinkles, boosting elasticity by stimulating the production of structural components of the dermis.
*Learn more about the benefits of Ribose when applied to the skin
The FASEB Journal
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol
Ergothioneine
Ergothioneine is obtained from the prodigious Japanese Matsutake mushroom. What’s particularly interesting about the Matsutake is that it has a depigmenting and antioxidant effect, so it’s in charge of making those sunspots or little marks on our skin less noticeable. By using Matsutake your skin tone will be more even and soft.
For those curious minds, here’s a scientific article citing the benefits of Ergothioneine on skin cells:
Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Kangaroo Paw Flower
Kangeroo Paw Flower comes from a beautiful Australian red flower and is known for its abundant nectar. What does it do? It increases the amount of collagen and elastin in our bodies, as well as being ideal for rebuilding the skin's architecture and reducing wrinkles. Great, right?
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Slow Ageing Active
This is an extract from the Yellow Narcissus bulb. It protects the telomeres, which results in younger telomeres. Now, remember telomeres? The protectors at the end of our chromosomes? Well, if these are well protected, our skin is being protected as well, and that means fewer wrinkles and greater elasticity and firmness.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Source: Age-related degeneration of articular cartilage in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis: Molecular markers of senescent chondrocytes. Histology and histopathology.
We’ve put our minds and creative insights to work and we’ve come up with the perfect formula for mature skin or simply for those that are looking to prevent fine lines or dullness. The formula had to incorporate the 5 actives we’ve been talking about (of course) and after a long ( and fun) process we’ve created a Well-Ageing cocktail in the form of a serum.
Phoenix Aura incorporates the new Freshly Vegan Capsules technology, that multiplies by 10x the release of active ingredients in the epidermis and dermis, resulting in better results. Oh, and remember: It’s not magic, just science!
We at Freshly Cosmetics create natural cosmetics (all of our formulas contain over 99% natural, sustainable and vegan ingredients) based on scientific knowledge and studies. We aim to make people aware of the effect cosmetics have on their skin. We are scientists with a strong desire to change things and help people take better care of themselves, consciously.
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