Blog

Boost Collagen With This Face Serum

Boost collagen with Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging, a face serum that can help keep skin looking healthy and youthful. Shop A Is for Anti-Aging Serum (Our Retinoid Formulation) What is Collagen? Collagen is the protein most abundant in mammals and it’s behind pretty much everything holding you up right now – your bones, skin and muscle. Collagen is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, which give strength and structure to tissues. This allows us to remain bendy, bouncy and generally supple. It’s one of the main components of skin but we sadly start to lose collagen as early as our twenties. Over time, this can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and loose skin. Fortunately, we can help to boost collagen levels with a combination of factors including lifestyle changes, sound nutrition plus topical treatments including this face serum, A is for Anti-Aging. Sunscreen and antioxidants are a great first defense against damage to collagen. Exposure to UV rays turns up the production of MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), a group of enzymes responsible for the degradation of most of the body’s proteins like collagen. A well formulated sunscreen, like Shade SPF 30, along with an antioxidant treatment can help to neutralize free radicals and quash inflammation. The good news about some antioxidants, like Vitamin C and green tea, found in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, is that in addition to protecting against free radicals, they also protect against collagen loss and help to boost its production. Learn more about how to beat sun damage here. This Face Serum Can Help To Boost Collagen While collagen creams are available, the collagen molecule itself is too large to penetrate skin to where it’s needed, deep in the dermis layer. The better way to boost collagen is to apply treatments that contain ingredients which have been shown to stimulate the production of collagen. In addition to antioxidants, peptides plus retinoids have been shown to boost collagen production. Retinoids like prescription retinoic acid or over the counter retinaldehyde, found in our A is for Anti-Aging Serum, have been around for a while and have a lot of evidence to support their ability to boost collagen levels. They work by ‘turning on’ genes and cells that are involved in collagen production and also help to organize new and existing collagen. Over time, they can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The biggest downside of retinoids is their ability to cause skin irritation. That’s why we are such big fans of the retinaldehyde found in A is for Anti-Aging, which is not only effective, but also the least irritating of all retinoids. Retinaldehyde is supported by other ingredients that can help to protect and improve skin’s appearance. Lifestyle Factors Beyond protecting collagen in your body with topical treatments, there are other things you can do as well. Smoking, stress, excessive alcohol consumption and a diet high in sugar and processed food can all accelerate the loss of collagen. Consume foods high in lean protein, essential fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, which contain amino acids, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients and help create a foundation for firm skin. Don’t skimp on protein, which is needed to produce collagen. If you’re curious about whether collagen supplements can help to boost collagen levels, know that while the research looks promising, it isn’t yet conclusive. For best results, look for brands that contain hydrolyzed peptides as these are the best way for the collagen stimulating molecules to reach your bloodstream. Other nutrients such as lysine, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and keratin stimulate collagen and vitamin C is essential for its production as well.

Learn more

A is For Anti-Aging: New Clinicals Just In!

When we introduced A is for Anti-Aging, we knew we’d come up with something special. Formulated with a patent pending stabilized retinaldehyde (IconicA) – the immediate precursor to retinoic acid, it promotes collagen production leading to firmer skin. Beyond that however, retinaldehyde is far less irritating to skin than retinol or retinoic acid so all skin types, even sensitive skin, can use it. We’re delighted that new clinical results confirm what we already know AND deliver more positive news regarding wrinkles, skin tone, skin radiance, skin smoothness and more: 1. Four Week Study Significant Improvement. An independent evaluation of IconicA in a cream vs the same cream without IconicA showed a statistically significant improvement in clinical grading scores for a number of parameters on the face – radiance/brightness, tactile smoothness, visual smoothness, fine lines, overall photo damage, overall evenness of skin tone and overall appearance – as well as wrinkles on the cheeks, under eye, and crow’s feet areas when compared to baseline scores: 8.9% reduction in Crow’s Feet wrinkles 12.5% reduction in fine lines 14.7% improvement in radiance/brightness 11.4% reduction in under eye wrinkles 9.4% reduction in cheek wrinkles 21.1% improvement in tactile smoothness 10.3% improvement in overall evenness of skin tone 2. Six Week Study Subjects who used a cream with IconicA for six weeks commented on the dramatic evenness of overall facial complexion, without irritation, burning or stinging like other Vitamin A products used in the past. Neck, decollete were smoother and overall improved tone. 3. GeneMarker Study Compared to retinaldehyde, IconicA is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, improves skin barrier function, tightens skin and is skin whitening. 4. Wrinkle Reduction Photography Study Demonstrates a 52% reduction in wrinkles with a Visia-CR, the premier research and development imaging camera and database. 5. Redness Reduction Photography Study Demonstrates a 70% reduction in redness with a Visia-CR, the premier research and development imaging camera and database. The stabilized retinaldehyde in A is for Anti-Aging delivers antioxidant, skin whitening and anti-inflammatory benefits while improving skin barrier function and tightening skin. We’re proud to offer this advanced cosmeceutical ingredient in our state of the art Apothekari Dermaceuticals line. Shop A Is for Anti-Aging Serum (Our Retinoid Formulation)

Learn more