Bright, youthful, age-defying beauty – that’s all that any of us want. With scientists and skincare experts constantly pushing the boundaries of high tech beauty, there’s a world of options at our hands. With that in mind, we’ve spoken to leading doctors in the field of cutting edge anti-aging treatments to give you access to their secrets.
Science is in our corner. Here’s what you need to know about right now:
Epidermal Growth Factors
In recent years scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about the very structure of our skin, allowing us to reap the benefits in the world of beauty. Epidermal growth factors (or EGF) are a natural part of many human tissues, and are one of the ‘superstar’ repair catalysts that help us to regulate cell proliferation and health. The trouble is, as we age, the natural production of EGF is compromised and our skin is no longer able to repair its cells to the same extent. Applying bioengineered EGF creams to the skin can dramatically reverse this effect.
‘Growth factors are very powerful biological molecules, that control all aspects of cellular proliferation and differentiation,’ says Dr Moy, creator of DNAEGF. ‘Both forms of aging (intrinsic and extrinsic) result in lower natural growth factor level, application of growth factors to restore skin condition is therefore an effective strategy. EGF is proven to help the skin’s natural repair process and activate the regeneration of young, health cells.’
Many women favour EGF because they can be easily introduced into their daily skincare routine (and don’t require the dreaded needle). ‘Apply morning and/or night to clean skin,’ says Dr Moy. ‘Use on face, neck, décolletage and hands. Follow with a good moisturiser and sunscreen for day. EGF can be used in combination with antioxidants, retinol or other corrective products.’
Rescu. Roadtest: We tried the DNAEGF Growth Factor Serum ($145) and loved the silky, highly absorbable texture. After three weeks we noticed firmer and fuller skin under the eyes as well as improved skin smoothness overall. Our skin felt so soft and touchable after use that we never forgot an application. DNAEGF products are available at advancedcosmeceuticals.com.au
Generation Next on Injectable Fillers
Current trends favour Hyaluronic Acid fillers, which have – enhanced the use of cosmetic injectables by providing safer and more precise options for facial beauty. ‘With the new generation of Hyaluronic Acid, specially with the Juvéderm range and the new Vycross technology, it is almost impossible to get a reaction to product,’ says Paris Based aesthetic surgery specialist Dr Raspaldo, spokesperson for Juvéderm.Whilst many of us are squeamish around needles, injectable fillers remain one of the most popular anti-aging choices, proving that we’re willing to overcome our fears when it comes to tangible beauty results. Dermal fillers do just what their name suggests, they fill the area under the skin – plumping out cheeks, filling out lips, contouring the jaw line and smoothing out obvious signs of aging like wrinkles and creases.
Hyaluronic Acid fillers are eventually absorbed into the body, usually within 6 to 9 months, so patients are required to undergo repeat injections to maintain their youthful-looking skin. Whilst permanent fillers do exist, Dr Raspaldo insists that ‘it is highly recommended NOT to use permanent fillers,’ because of the damaging long term effects.
Rescu. Recommends: Dr Steven Liew, based at Shape Clinic in Sydney, is a Sydney based, international expert on fillers and cosmetic facial enhancement techniques. One of Australia’s leading plastic surgeons and a global leader in cosmetic facial enhancement techniques, Dr Liew is our go-to expert on choosing the best techniques and treatments for serious anti-ageing results. Shape Clinic, in Sydney’s Darlinghurst, can be contacted on +61 2 8356 2888 or at shapeclinic.com.au/
Peptides
‘A peptide is a short protein. It’s a chain of amino acids,’ says Dr Wells, creator of Helix D skincare range. If that explanation is a little too high science, you might prefer the fact that peptides are able to stimulate collagen and elasticity, supporting the structure of your skin.
‘I’ve been around for 30 years and recall at that time people make claims, frankly, may I say exaggerated to some extent and really there were nice moisturisers, they were nice and they did stuff but they didn’t attack the underlying problems of what causes a wrinkle,’ says Dr Wells. ‘The real thing about the dual liposome technology [Helix D’s claim to fame] is we know exactly what we’re encapsulating. We start off, we put in a capsule, we put in a second one and that’s what stays in the product. It doesn’t leach out, it doesn’t break down.’
‘So we have good ingredients, well protected, and then we have this low polarity delivery system to make sure that the peptides/active ingredients go where they’re supposed to go.’
Rescu. Loves: Helix-D, a peptide-rich skincare range, including the popular Ageless Face and Neck Serum ($99), promises good results in just 2 weeks but we were surprised to see a visible improvement after only 3 days. In the past, either active ingredients weren’t able to penetrate the skin’s barrier successfully, or never even make it to the counter, with shelf creams and serums losing up to 40% of active ingredient potency after just a few weeks of shelf life. The Double Helix-D Delivery System protects active ingredients from being neutralised by the skin’s defense mechanisms through unique double encapsulation technology. As a result, the full potency of active ingredients is only released when Helix D actually comes in contact with skin. Helix-D is available at helixd.com.au
Everybody’s skin is unique, and so, each of us has a unique set of considerations when devising an anti-aging plan. The right choice for your skin will depend on its condition, the stage of aging, budgetary considerations and your own personal preferences for treatment. With the world science on your side, youthful, age-defying skin is just a few steps away.
