What is glycation? Comparable to a "caramelization" reaction, sugar molecules naturally present in the skin adhere to collagen and elastin fibers, hardening them. As the skin ages, these sugar molecules create rigid bridges between fibers, called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). AGEs, in turn stiffen the entire internal structure of the skin, making it brittle. As a result, skin loses suppleness and wrinkles set-in.
What is oxidation? External aggressors (sun, pollution, stress) trigger free radicals in the skin. This leads to an oxidative chain reaction in the skin and can cause damage to cell DNA. This damage (similar to rusting) causes cell renewal to slow down. The result is a loss of radiance and vitality in the skin.
INNOVATION: The Solution to BOTH Causes of Aging - NEW La Roche-Posay DERM AOX: A breakthrough formula, which synergistically combines three ingredients, chosen for their unique abilities to combat glycation and oxidation.
-- Anti-glycation action: Carnosine, a molecule stemming from diabetes research, acts like a "magnet" by attracting sugar molecules to itself instead of to collagen fibers, helping to prevent the skin's matrix from stiffening and thus maintaining skin's suppleness. Carnosine is scientifically proven to inhibit the glycation process by 33%(5). -- Anti-oxidant action: Pycnogenol®, a maritime pine extract, is one of the world's most powerful anti-oxidants. Its anti-oxidant action is 20 times greater than that of Vitamin C and 50 times greater than Vitamin E(6). Scientifically proven to reduce oxidative stress by 49%(7), Pycnogenol® neutralizes free radicals and helps protect skin cells from damage. -- Anti-wrinkle action: Vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant, helps neutralize chain reactions triggered by free radicals. Vitamin C also helps restore skin structure, smooth skin texture and increase radiance.77% of patients demonstrated a significant reduction in the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles(8).
