BY TRIS

How to Look Much

YOUNGERThan Your Real Age

Humans can greatly accelerate their rate of skin aging. For

instance, a 35-year-old woman will look older if she smokes

cigarettes, eats overcooked foods, avoids fresh fruits and vegeta-

bles, and/or exposes her skin to ultraviolet sunlight.

Just as there are proven ways to speed up skin degeneration,

there now are documented methods to prevent and reverse it.

The population is revolting against unsightly skin deteriora-

tion by taking extraordinary steps to preserve the radiance of

youth. The result is that aging people today do not have to look as

old as previous generations.

This article uncovers novel approaches to looking younger that

are available for the first time to the general public. > >

JUNE200S I LIF£.£XTENSION 1 J

HOW TO LOOK MUCH YOUNGER THAN YOUR REAL ACE

One reason that facial skin "shrivels" as we ageis that our natural hormone production markedlydeclines. To make matters worse, blood microcircula-tion to our skin is reduced as we grow older, therebydepriving our skin of the small amount of naturalhormones our body still makes.

A large number of published scientific studies revealthat estrogen exerts potent anti-aging effects on theskin.' '- The topical application of natural estrogencan produce dramatic improvements to the skinwithout systemic absorption concerns.

How Estrogen PromotesYouthful Skin

As women enter menopause, their intemal estro-gen production sharply declines. The resultingestrogen deficit exacerbates the effects of both nor-mal and environmental skin aging. According tothe findings of a scientific study published last year,

"estrogens prevent skin aging. They increase skinthickness and improve skin moisture."^•^ Anotherrecent study came to the same conclusion, i.e. "skinaging can be significantly delayed by the admin-istration of estrogen."^

A critical mechanism by which estrogen maintainsa youthful plump appearance is to increase the synth-esis of collagen, which is the skin's underlying supportstructure. Collagen atrophy is a major factor in skinaging. There is a strong correlation between skincollagen loss and estrogen deficiency at menopause.'

Skin aging, especially in the face, is associatedwith a progressive increase in sagging tissues and areduction in elasticity. With advancing age, the skinbecomes more fragile and susceptible to trauma,

leading to more lacerations and bruising.' In meno-pausal and postmenopausal women, estrogen admin-istration increases collagen content, dermal thicknessand elasticity, while decreasing aging dry skin.' "• It isdifficult to imagine aging women maintaining younglooking skin in the absence of estrogen.

Estrogens exert significant effects on skin physi-ology by modulating the effects of key epidermaland dermal cells.^ In fact, tbe skin is an importantestrogen-responsive endocrine tissue.^ Without thegrowth-promoting effects of estrogen, the skinliterally withers away. The very thin skin observedin the elderly can be directly correlated to lack ofestrogens needed to generate collagen and maintainskin thickness.^

Using Estrogen to Rejuvenate Your SkinTopical estrogen application has been shown to be

safe and effective in preventing skin aging. In a studypublished in February 2007, a group of women whowere already taking oral estrogen diTigs were given atopical 0.01% estrogen cream. After only four months,both dermal and epidermal thickness was enhanced,as well as dermal collagen levels. This study showecithat topical estrogen application provided rapid anddefinitive anti-aging effects even in women who badhigh systemic estrogen blood levels.'' Tbe significanceof this study is that it shows how quickly a smallamount of estrogen delivered directly into the skininduces profound anti-aging effects.

A number of studies have investigated the ben-eficial role that estrogens, especially estriol, play inmaintaining skin firmness, elasticity, moisture content,and wound healing in postmenopausal women.

34 I LIFE EXTENSION | JUNE 2008

HOW TO LOOK MUCH YOUNGER THAN YOUR REAL AGE

Topically Delivered EstriolEstriol is a weak estrogen when systemically admin-

istered, bul it can induce potent anti-aging effects as atopical treatment. A six-montb study of peri- and post-menopausal women was conducted at the Universityof Vieniia in Austria comparing the topical applica-tion of estriol and estradiol creams. The doctors foundthat skin symptoms of aging improved, and that thosetreated with estriol obtained superior results, with nosystemic hormonal side effects noted.^

Scientists have developed topical creams to nour-ish the skin with estriol without subjecting users lo thepotential dangers of therapies containing more potentforms of estrogen.''^

Derived from plants, estriol is a weak estrogen,so it does not need to be counterbalanced by pro-gesterone and it does not have a systemic effect ontbe body. There is evidence that estriol, the so-called

"good estrogen," may inhibit some of the unwantedeffects of estradiol by binding preferentially to estro-gen receptor-beta."

Edward Lichten, MD, author of the Textbook ofBio-Uleniical Hormones reports that no estriol wasdetected in blood measures of test subjects who useda topical estriol cream.'^

Dr. John R. Lee, author of books like What YourDoctor May Not Tell You about Menopause,^" concurredthat estriol applied to tbe skin reverses wrinkling andshould be an essential part of the anti-aging skinregimen. The Hai-vard-trained physician also wrotethat estriol is the safest natural estrogen.

In a review of 45 scientific studies published inAlternative Medicine Review,^^^ estriol was found tobe an effective and safe treatment with fewer sideeffects than traditional hormone-replacement thera-py.''̂ Postmenopausal patients showed improved elas-ticity in the skin, while a study that included menand women with acne-damaged skin showed 100%improvement in repair of scarred tissue after threemonths of twice-weekly treatments.'*^

New Estriol-Based Face SolutionDr. Edward Lichten and his wife Carolynne, a bio-

cliL'mist. have created a new face solution that hasbeen shown to help combat many of the visible effectsot aging. It combines esrrio/with 15 other ingredientsto help lock in moisture and improve skin radiance,tighten the texture of the skin, enhance collagen andelastin, wbile reducing wrinkles and fine lines.'"

The objective was to develop an affordable facesolution that included the latest anti-aging ingredi-ents from around the globe. After the product hadbeen developed, a scientific analysis was conductedto determine its effectiveness and confirm its safety.

Twenty women with mild crows feet, rough-texturedskin, and moderate skin tone with some blotchingand imperfections used the product on only one sideof their faces over a six-week period. Skin qualitywas evaluated before and after the test period usingthree laboratory devices. The Cutometer** was used tomeasure skin elasticity, a Corneometer® was usedto evaluate skin moisture, and a Chromameter® toevaluate skin pigmentation."'

Patients as well as their physicians and the scien-tists conducting the tests provided subjective evalu-ations to complement the scientific measurementscollected. ^ of the subjects reported that their skintexture was smoother and that the quality of tbeirskin had improved, while 90% and 80% said thatthe moisture content and elasticity of their skin hadincreased, respectively, giving them a healthier andyounger-looking appearance. Clinical assessmentsshowed a baseline improvement of 19% increase inelasticity and 9% increase in moisture in the skinafter just one week.""

Test subjects reported very satisfying results. "/saw an extremely noticeable chatige in mv skin andoverall appearance," reported one subject. Other com-ments included a decrease in skin imperfections anddiscoloration; lessening of fine lines, wrinkles and

JUNE 2008 j LIFE EXTENSION | 35

HOW TO LOOK MUCH YOUNGER THAN YOUR REAL AGE

crow's feet; skin feeling more hydrated and firmer—better. Of the test subjects, 80% recommended thesolution to their friends.'^

The "Other" Ingredientsin This New Face Solution

In addition to estriol, some of the other ingredientsin this new face solution include those only found inthe most expensive cosmetic products. One of theseinteresting new substances is an instant anti-wrinklecompoimd known as SYN®-AKE.

This synthetic tripeptide is based on the venom ofthe Temple Viper snake, and is making headlines forits ability to smooth small wrinkles for a short periodof time.'^ SYN®-AKE contains collagen stimulatorsand is rich in antioxidants. SYN®-AKE is sen/ing asthe Botox® solution for the Hollywood crowd. That'sbecause actors who may be called upon to exhibit theirfacial expressions in their line of work cannot run therisk of extended paralysis of facial muscles that Botox®causes. SYN®-AKE itself sells for $185 an ounce, butis included in this new face solution that sells for onlya fraction of this price.

Proteins to StimulateCollagen Production

while estriol instructs cells to produce collagen,specialized proteins provide the raw materialsneeded for collagen itself to be made. This new facesolution contains a skin-contouring hydrolyzedvegetable protein called Peptireline-SC", which

has been proven to stimulate collagen type I and IVformation along with elastin. Peptireline^ containsspecial proteins that diminish wrinkles by enhanc-ing the cohesion of the outer cellular matrix layerof the skin and maintaining the packed state ofepidermal lipids.

Reduce Wrinkles... Protect AgainstNew Ones Forming

Argireline® is a revolutionary new hexapeptidethat reduces the depth of wrinkles caused by repeatedfacial movements. It has also demonstrated effectiveprotection against the formation of new wrinkles."* '̂Silanetriol is a pure marine collagen serum that tight-ens skin with immediate results as well as providinglong-term benefits in strengthening connective tis-sue. "These marine peptides are the same ingredientsthat can be found in some of the most expensivecosmetic products," says Dr. Lichten.

Restoring Youthful MoistureThis new face solution incorporates several

substances known for their hydrating qualities.Restructured pure water is used, which is scientificallybroken into micro-clusters for better hydration andabsorption and which prevents the infiltration of toxicmetals and trace substances. Hyaluronic acid formsa visco-elastic surface film that holds moisture againstthe skin.-" By increasing water retention, it serves asan excellent skin lubricant and skin-swelling agent,filling in lines and wrinkles.

36 I LIFE EXTENSION | JUNE 2008

HOW TO LOOK MUCH YOUNGER THAN YOUR REAL AGE

Increasing Skin Cell Energy MetabolismAn algae extract called PEPHA®-CTIVE is another

marine peptide that acts as a skin energy generatorto restore stressed skin, enhancing radiance with ahealthy glow. Studies demonstrated that 80% of treat-ed subjects have improved luminosity and transpar-ency after four weeks and 70% of subjects describetheir complexion as more fresh and radiant.^'

Improving Micro-Capillary CirculationREGU '̂-AGEis a hydrolyzed rice bran protein that

reduced dark circles by 35% in an eight-week testand puffiness around the eyes by 31%. Skin texturewas improved by 42% with REGU*-AGE, which alsoimproves microcirculation and strengthens naturalcollagen and elastin while protecting skin from freeradicals."

Fatty Acids Increase Hyaluronic Acidand Collagen Type IV

Matrixyl™ 3000 (palmitoyi tetrapeptide-3) isa lipo-pcptide, a fatty acid mixed with amino acids,shown to increase overall collagen synthesis by upto 117% and collagen IV synthesis by up to 327%.'^It stimulates the lower layers ol the skin to heal anddiminish the appearance of wrinkles. It also increaseshyaluronic acid synthesis by up to 267%, restoringihe skin layer by layer.'' Matrixyl'" 3000 cuts deepwrinkles in half in treated subjects, who showednoticeably younger looking skin w ithin two weeks."

Another algae extract called PEPHA®-TIGHT is askin-tightening agent that provides an instant effectas well as long-term filming and strengthening of skintissue. PEPHA^^-TIGHT stimulates collagen forma-tion and protects skin from oxidative stress. Test sub-jects reported immediate effectiveness and continuedsatisfaction with results after just two weeks.^''

Stimulating Skin Cell RenewalThe new face solution also contains an amino

acid-rich glucosamine complex, which increasescell regeneration, helping to control wrinkles and tostimulate collagen production. A four-week test founda 56% reduction of lines and wrinkles and an 84%increase in exfoliated cells.

Classic Anti-Aging Skin NutrientsIn addition to estriol and other novel anti-aging

compounds, this new face solution contains nutri-ents that were long ago shown to have definitive skin-rejuvenating properties. These include vitaminsA, C, and E Iiposome micronized with power-ful antioxidants and white tea extract, anotherfree radical-zapping antioxidant with protectivepolyphenols.

In addition, micronized dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA) is also included, which is readily absorbedinto the skin and helps protect the integrity of skinblood vessels so they do not break and cause unsightlypattems near the skin's surface.

DHEA is known to maintain the health of skintone and moisture and to protect from the effects ofsunlight. It also inhibits collagen degradation andincreases procollagen synthesis, thus counteractingthe characteristic saggy, wrinkled appearance associ-ated with honnone-related skin aging.̂ "̂

Sun-protection ingredients like titanium dioxideare also included in the solution.

No Need to Appear asOld as You May be

Normal aging inflicts a devastating toll on theskin. While past generations had httle choice than toaccept relentless deterioration of their outer appear-ance, new scientific findings reveal proven methodsof circumventing and reversing signs of age-relatedskin degeneration.

By replenishing the skin's estrogen alone, remark-able age-reversal effects have been demonstrated inindependent scientific studies. Aging humans todayhave access to far greater technologies to combatsagging, wrinkling, dryness, thinning, uneven pigmen-tation, and enlarged pores than ever before.

We are fortunate to live in a time when wedon't have to just sit by and accept these inevitableconsequences of aging. •

If you have any questions on the scientificcontent of this article, please call a Life Extension

Health Advisor at 1-800-226-2370.

JUNE 2008 I LIFE EXTENSION I 37

HOW TO LOOK MUCH YOUNGER THAN YOUR REAL AGE

References1, Calleja-Agius J, Muscat-Baron Y, Brincat MR Skin ageing.

Menopause Int. 2007 Jun;l3(2}:60-4.2, Stevenson S, Thornton J. Effect of estrogens on skin aging and

the potential role of SERMs, Clin Inlerv Aging. 2007;2(3):283-97.3, Thornton MJ, The biological actions ol estrogens on skin. E.xp

Dennalol. 2002 Dcc;l l(6):487-502.4, Patriarca MT, Goldman KZ. Dos Santos JM, et al. Effects of

topical estradiol on ihe facial skin collagen ol postmenopausalwomen under oral honnone therapy: a pilot sludy, Eur J ObslelGvnecol Reprod Biol. 2007 Feb;l3O(2):2O2-5.

5, Schmidt JB, Binder M, Demsclilk G. Bieglmayer C, Reiner A.T^-eatnienl of skin aging with topical estrogens. Int J Demtiitol.1996 Sep;35{9): 669-74.

6, Brincat M, Moniz CF, Studd XW, Darby AJ, Magos A, CooperD. Sex hormones and skin collagen conteni in postmenopausalwomen. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1983 Nov 5; 287(6402): 1337-8.

7, Dunn LB. Damesyn M. Moore Aa, Reuben DB, Greendalc GA,Does estrogen prevent skin aging? Results from the First NationalHealth and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) ArchDennatoL 1997 Mar:133(3):339-42.

8, Lee John MD. What Your Doctor May Nol Tell You AboutPrernenopaiise. New York, NY: Wellness CentralAVarner, 1999,

9, Lee, John MD, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You AhoutMenopause. New York, NY: Grand Central Publishing/Warner. 1996,

10, Head. KA, Estriol: Safety and eflicacy, Altem Med Rev. 1998Apr:3{2):I01-13.

11, Schmidt JB, Binder M. Macheiner W, Kainz C, GitschG, Bieglmayer C. Treatment of skin ageing symptoms inperimenopausal females with estrogen compounds. A pilot study.Maturitas. 1994 Nov; 20(1): 25-30,

12, Verdier-Sevi-ain S, Eflect of estrogens on skin aging andthe potential role of selective estrogen receptor modulators.Climacteric. 2007 Aug;IO(4):289-97.

13, Sfhmidl JW, Woltner D, Curcio J, Riedlinger J, Kim LS. Hormonereplacement tlierapy in menopausal women: Pasl problems andfuture possibilities. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2006 Oct;22( 10):564-77.

14, Kainz C, Gitsch G, Stani J, Breitenccker G. Binder M, SchmidtJB. When applied to facial skin, does estt'ogcn ointment have•iysiemK e^iec\.&> Arch Gynecol Obstet. l993;253(2):71-4.

15, What you don't know about estrogen. lAfe Extension.October 2004,

16, Essex Testing Clinic, Inc, Data on file,17, McArdle, JJ, T I, Lenlz, V Witzemann, H Schwarz, SA Welnstein

and H Schmidt, 1999. Pharmacol Exp Tlierap. 289: 543-550,18, Available at: hltp://wwvv,lipotec.com/pdfs/argireline_e.pdr.

Acces.sed April 9, 2008.19, Available at: http://www,centerchem.com/PDFs/Argireline%20

Ed%207AA,pdf. Accessed April 9, 2008.20, Available at: http://www,centerchem,com/CapabiIity.asp?CapabiIit

yiD=2550&CatllD=20. Accessed April 9, 2008,21, Available at: http://\vw'w.pentapharm.com/graphics/Penlapharm/

downlo<id/cosmetics/Anti-Aging_Skin-Protection/800545_PEPHA-CTIVE_Factsheet5704,pdf. Accessed April 9. 2008,

22, Available al: http://www.pentapharm.com/graphics/Pentaphann/do\vnload/cosmetics/Anti-wrinkIe_Skin-Regeneration_Funclional-Support/80013l_REGU-AGE_Factsheet5511 ,pdf. AccessedApril 9, 2008,

23, Available at: http://wTArw.wrinklereview.com/wi-inkie-reducer/matrixyl,html. Accessed April 9, 2008.

24, Available at: http://www,pentaphann,com/graphic.s/Pentapharm/download/cos met ics/Tightening_Firming/800356_PEPHA-TIGHT_Factsheet-'i604.pdr Accessed April 9, 2008,

25, Shin MH, Rhie GE, Park CH, = Modulation of collagenmetabolism by the topical application of dehydroepiandrosteroneto human skin, J Invest Dermatoi. 2005 Feb;l24(2):315-23.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Preventing Skin Aging• skin aging is greatly accelerated by internal and

external factors, such as a decline in natural

hormones, inadequate nourishment, tobacco

smoke, and ultraviolet sunlight.

• Aging skin needs broad-spectrum protection

against internal and external damage as well as

to help repair and renew aging skin cells.

• This is where novel skin-rejuvenating nutrients

can come to the rescue by helping to preserve

the radiance of youth.

• Estriol, the so-called "good estrogen" is a weak

form of estrogen that has been found to be a

safe and efFective anti-aging treatment with no

systemic hormonal side effects,

• Specialized proteins such as Peptireline-SC^",

Argireline''^, REGU^ -̂AGE, and Matrixyr" 3000

stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin,

healing sagging skin while increasing skin elas-

ticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

• Clinical studies have also shown that marine

peptides such as PEPHA®-CTIVE helps restore

skin luminosity and Silanetriol provides

skin-firming effects, thus giving the complexion

a more fresh and radiant glow.

• A breakthrough anti-wrinkle compound called

SYN®-AKE is making headlines for its ability

to smooth small wrinkles for a short period of

time, and works iike Botox®, but without the

need for injections.

• Aging skin needs plenty of moisture, which

can be derived from several ingredients

known for their hydrating qualities, such as

hyaluronic acid.

• Novel ingredients like SYN®-AKE can be

supported by nutrients that were long ago

shown to have definitive skin-rejuvenating

properties, such as vitamins A, C, and E

and white tea extract.

38 1 UFE EXTENSION i JUNE 2008