In addition to argan oil (see Feb. 13 post), one of the revolutionary new anti aging ingredients listed in the Los Angeles Times is carnosine.
Carnosine, or L carnosine, is an amino acid found naturally in the body. Scientists have discovered that carnosine acts as a powerful antioxidant with anti aging benefits, and it’s now being used as an ingredient in eye wrinkle cream and other anti aging products.
In the recent Los Angeles Times article, Dermatologist Dr. Naila Malik states that “carnosine is the only agent that addresses all three processes leading to aging – oxidation, inflammation and glycation.” Glycation, which occurs when sugar binds to proteins such as collagen, works with oxidation to create free radicals that damage skin cells, proteins and DNA. These free radicals eventually impair and deteriorate collagen and cause inflammation in the skin. The combination of these three processes leads to the formation of eye wrinkles, puffiness and other signs of aging.
Studies have shown that carnosine can slow the glycation process, and in turn, prolong the life span of skin cells. By doing so, it is also decreasing the creation of free radicals that cause eye wrinkles. Therefore, eye wrinkle cream that contains carnosine will boost the defense mechanisms that protect against damaging free radicals, slowing the aging process and reducing the appearance of eye wrinkles. One such anti aging product is Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Night Cream Pro-Fortifying Carnosine DP.
