Thousands of products claim to be formulated with technology to reverse aging, reduce fine lines, age spots, wrinkles and improve the skin’s elasticity. How do you know which product will work for you? How do you know if these products are safe and if there any benefits to their ingredients? One of the biggest issues I have discovered in researching products available on the market, is a consistent use of known skin irritants, allergens and toxins within most formulations.
Let’s check out some of the leading and most expensive anti-aging products available today and see what allergens and toxins are lurking.
Allergens & Toxins in Anti-Aging Products
PEGs are contaminated with a carcinogen 1,4-dioxane. Phenoxyethanol is a carcinogenic preservative that is increasingly reported as an allergen. This means that more and more people are developing an allergy to it! Dimethicone is a silicone polymer. Humans have no way to metabolize these molecules and they have been shown to be pro-inflammatory and allergenic.
Fragrance is the third most common allergen known to irritate skin and cause eczema in America. Propylene Glycol is a common contact allergen from petrol. Tocopheryl Acetate is vitamin E and is often included for marketing appeal. Vitamin E becomes allergenic when it is oxidized and applied to the skin. Titanium Dioxide is a metal that the human body cannot metabolize. It also causes photo-reactive, DNA-damaging free radicals when on the skin and exposed to the sun.
In addition to the allergens listed on the chart, I noted several other allergens within the ingredient lists. Plant-based products and extracts (plant allergens) also contain the same molecules that are found in fragrances and which cause eczema. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are a group of preservatives that are very allergenic, carcinogenic, and also contribute to eczema. Sorbic acid can cause hives when applied to the skin. Benzoic acid/sodium benzoate can cause eczema around the eyelids, the neck, face and hairline.
I also discovered, Paraben preservatives, which are a group of preservatives that are carcinogenic and mildly allergenic. Beeswax is problematic because it contains propolis. Up to 16% of people who have eczema are allergic to propolis. And finally, the most toxic ingredients of all; Heavy metals! Heavy metals were intentionally added and presented to be beneficial. They are toxic to the nervous system, cause permanent effects to the brain, affect lung function and many other bodily functions. Heavy metals are also quite allergenic and do not belong in our skin care!
Bottom line? Why would you pay exorbitant amounts of money to treat your skin with products that contain numerous common allergens, toxins and skin irritants? TrueLipids is free of over 88 common allergens in skin care products! They are 100% hypoallergenic and 99% vegan, making them perfect for all skin types!
What are the Better Options?
Recent scientific studies have shown healing and anti-aging properties in ceramides and cholesterol esters. Ceramide 3 is particularly beneficial and has been shown to be deficient from aging, dry and eczema-prone skin. Ceramides have also been shown to inhibit the enzymes in the skin called matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs). When the skin is exposed to sunlight, MMPs are turned on and start to break down your youthful collagen and elastin!
As you can see from the information provided in the chart, 3 out of 10 of these products utilize ceramides within their formulas. Ceramides make up roughly 47% of the skin barrier lipids and their role is to optimize the skin barrier, retain moisture, control inflammation and to naturally fight infection.
Cholesterol esters have also been shown to play an important role in youthful skin. In aged skin, the levels of cholesterol esters drop and leads to dry, dull skin. When cholesterol esters are replaced, the skin regains a bright, youthful glow. Other multi-tasking anti-aging must-have molecules in any wrinkle-fighting products are niacinamide, glycyrrhetinic acid and gluconolactone.
Niacinamide has been shown to help repair sun-induced DNA-damage and is a very effective anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. One of its little-known effects is that of skin thickening. It has been shown to thicken the top layer of the skin called the epidermis even more effectively than Retin-A! It has also been shown to minimize irritation from Retin-A. Niacinamide has also been shown to minimize oil production in oily skin.
Glycyrrhetinic acid has potent anti-inflammatory qualities and has tremendous benefits for redness and for pigmentation. Glycyrrhetinic acid is also an anti-oxidant, is naturally anti-bacterial and has DNA-repairative effects after sun exposure.
My next favorite anti-aging molecule is a polyhydroxy acid called gluconolacctone. Gluconolactone is an anti-oxidant, has chelating qualities and has been shown to help the skin to hold on to water and to improve tone and texture of the skin.
How TrueLipids Can Help
TrueLipids has been formulated with the healing and anti-aging properties of ceramides, very long chain fatty acids, phytosphingosine, niacinamide, glycyrrhetinic acid and gluconolactone all in ONE formulation. TrueLipids’ patent pending blend of essential skin lipids replenishes your skin barrier to help it to stay and become youthful, smooth, and soft. Countless people return to my office to buy the TrueLipids lotion and Ceramide+ Cream because it is unlike any other product; it works. You will notice an overall glow to your skin, improvements in tone, texture, redness, pore size and the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are other factors to consider, in addition to your anti-aging cream. Dietary restrictions, exercise, stress reducing activities and avoiding substances including nicotine and alcohol, combined with your TrueLipids skin care regimen, will provide you with the best anti-aging defense!
