According to the New York Times, cosmetics companies are getting more and more high tech in their search for effective antiaging skin are products. Matching the leaps of technology in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries, cosmetics manufacturers are getting more and more sophisticated, not only perfecting the antiaging ingredient itself, but also making the delivery system more efficient. Researchers are looking for substances that have particle sizes optimized for delivery of the wrinkle relieving ingredients to where it will do the most good. For years, cosmetic companies have relied on plant extracts to aide in the absorption of the cosmetics into the skin. Now the companies are researching such delivery systems as mineral spheres and time release technology. In effect, the companies are combining ancient herbal treatments with high technological advances to create skin care products that really do work.
This research has borne fruit. There are now products for sale that rely on these new technologies to make sure that the antiaging ingredients are very efficiently absorbed by the body. For example, Estee Lauder Future Perfect Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Cream uses what the company calls "cell vector technology". Little spheres of protein like material are used to enclose the active antiaging ingredients.
These spheres penetrate the skin where they are slowly dissolved by enzymes. Fine lines & wrinkles are reduced much faster with this method. Since the product also contains a sunscreen, it also defends the skin against damaging UV rays. Another product to use innovative technology is Freeze 24/7 Anti-Wrinkle Cream. This product uses GABA, an amino acid with many useful properties, including that of a natural muscle relaxant. GABA, itself, cannot penetrate the skin, but it stimulates gynostemma, a plant extract that can, to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles and creases.
Among the benefits of this product are: it eliminates a majority of fine lines and wrinkles quickly after application: its "Age Reversal Technology" with GABA neurotransmission inhibitors work to diminish forehead creases, droopy brows, crow's feet, laugh lines, and more; it significantly reduces the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks, rosacea, and enlarged pores; and gives the skin a plumper, more youthful appearance. Finally, Estee Lauder and Neutrogena have found a way to reduce the size of zinc and titanium oxide particles so that they are small enough to be invisible on the skin. You can have the benefit of some of the strongest sun blockers around without having to look like a clown. It seems like the cosmetics companies are coming up with more and more winners.
For those of us looking for "Botox in bottle", it looks more promising than ever that we might be successful in our hunt. This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.
Jean Bowler was a ballet dancer and instructor, a teacher, a personal trainer and a cosmetics consultant. She is editor of Ageless Beauty
