To ultimately understand some of the product innovations available to help us keep our skin, the largest organ of our body, youthful-looking, we need to explore why and how our skin starts aging in the first place. Dr. Heather Brannon, a dermatologist, explains in her column at www.dermatology.about.com/cs that our skin is composed of several layers. The epidermis, the very outer layer is our first line of defense against our environment. Keratinocytes or cells of the epidermis move upward and form a layer that is resilient. These cells flake off when they reach the surface. The dermis is made of the important connective tissue, which is responsible for the strength of the skin. Glycosaminoglycans or proteins, as well as elastin fibers, supply the skin’s turgor or elasticity. In the dermal-epidermal junction fingerlike projections, or “rete ridges,” allow the cells of the epidermis to gather vital nutrients.
Lastly, the subcutaneous, or bottom layer, contain fat cell for insulation to our body and our skin’s shapely plumpness.
As we age, this outer layer of cells thin and become less sticky, causing our skin to look thinner. Moisture is lost and we begin to notice the dryness of our skin. This outer layer of cells decreases and they also rejuvenate sluggishly and the repair process slows. That is why it is advisable and recommended to use supplements and choose which DIM Pro 2 seeks to redress.
Dr. Brannon continues to say that the effects of aging on the, now thin, dermal layer are significant because less collagen is produced and the elastin fibers wear out. These changes cause skin to wrinkle and sag. Sebaceous glands produce less sebum, or oil, and sweat glands decrease, leading to dryness. Nutrients sources are decreased and, in the subcutaneous layer, fat cells get smaller and unable to supply cushioning.
In addition to the normal aging process, sunlight, which causes collagen to breakdown, along with UV radiation and air pollution, does their own damage.
Are there any products that can help with these problems? Thankfully, yes! The Avon Company has been working on these skin issues since 1992, when it introduced Alpha hydroxyl acids into the mass market. A new line of anti-aging innovation has been over 15 years in development. In 1997 they brought to market Anew Retroactive which pioneered the use of state-of-the-art biological techniques in skin care. 2005 brought Anew Alternative Intensive Age Treatment, which included glyation-reversing technology. Anew clinical Eye Lift emerged followed by Anew Ultimate Age Repair with Pro-Sirtuin Tx Technology. And now, in 2008, their latest breakthroughs have brought a wonderful line of new and improved products to the market.
Personally, I have found that these innovations in the anti-aging market have been most successful. Avon has proven to provide a selection of affordable products that replenish what sunlight and the process of aging does to our bodies. In essence, these products–the Anew line–have been tested and proven effective for myself and others in the Avon laboratory in the following areas:
Anew Alternative Clearly C is composed of 10% Vitamin C serum. It uses the power of pure Vitamin C of radiate, even-toned skin. This product increases skin’s moisture by over 300%. Skin has a pliable and softer feel.
Anew clinical ThermaFirm Face Lifting Cream is formulated to fortify aging dermal fibers with new collagen and tighten the connections between skin’s layers. After four weeks, 87% of women felt a more youthful facial definition and shape was restored.
Anew Retroactive Plus Youth Extending Cream Day and Night fights micro-damage before invisible damage of the cellular level that can lead to visible signs of aging. This product boosts skin’s most powerful defense system. It revitalizes skin to a healthier tone.
Anew Rejuvenate 24 Hour Eye Moisturizer SPF 15 is the first 2-part eye system with SPF 15 that helps fight aging around the eyes. The night cream reduces under-eye puffiness and fine lines and the day cream reduces under-eye shadows and protects against UVA/UVB damage to lid and under eyes. Eye puffiness and shadows were reduced significantly. The eye area looked and felt firmer, tighter and more elastic.
Anew Ultimate Age Repair Day Cream SPF 25 is a rich day cream with SPF 25 UVA/UVB protection designed to target advanced age damage. Pro-Sirtuin TX technology in this repairing product stimulates Youth proteins and help increase the production of healthier youth cells. Increased skin vitality was visible.
Anew Rejuvenate Night Revitalizing cream and Flash Facial Revitalizing Concentrate are both nothing short of a miracle! These anti-aging products have been clinically tested against a professional anti-aging facial. The gel-cream works while you sleep and the Flash Facial instantly evens skin tone and reduces fine lines. I tried this product combination for the first time on the back of my hand and was amazed at the instant results!
Advancements in the Avon laboratories and usage in homes around the world have given us these fabulous anti-aging innovations. We now have an affordable and non-evasive way to take care of our bodies’ largest organ–our skin!
