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Aging News for Senior Citizens
Arthritis Treatment May Prevent, Erase Aging Spots
on Skin
July 3, 2006 - For many older women, accumulated
sun exposure has already permanently damaged their skin cells, causing
them to overproduce pigment that shows up as unsightly dark splotches
and uneven skin tone over time. But new research indicates that
glucosamine - a compound best known for treating arthritis – can
actually help stop the formation of new age spots, and help fade
existing ones.
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June 13, 2006 - Back when he was 20 years old in
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Older Women Who Sleep Least Gain Most Weight
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Cutting a Few Calories, Taking Short Walks May
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May 8, 2006 - A lifelong habit of trimming just a
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new study shows it may help lessen the effects of aging. Scientists from
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little less food and exercising a little more over a lifespan can reduce
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Aging News |
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“These findings on glucosamine may impact the way
dermatologists treat UV-related skin damage in the future. Right now we
have prescription and surgical options, which some people aren’t willing
to try,” says Alexa Kimball, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology,
Harvard Medical School and lead researcher on one of the studies testing
glucosamine.
“It’s exciting to see this level of research being
done on topical cosmetic applications of glucosamine, and the promising
results.”
An International Consensus on Glucosamine Skin
Benefits
In early 2006, a group of leading dermatologists
from around the world and Procter & Gamble Beauty scientists convened in
Rome to review and discuss the glucosamine data. The panel determined
that n-acetyl glucosamine, a more stable form of glucosamine, reduced
the amount of melanin in skin cells, meaning there was less excess
pigment in the skin to cause age spots.
Additionally, the panel concluded that a
formulation of n-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide, a vitamin B
derivative, significantly reduced the amount and appearance of
hyperpigmentation, age spots and uneven melanin distribution.
Researchers paired n-acetyl glucosamine with niacinamide because they
knew that niacinamide had similar effects on slowing down pigment
production and hypothesized that the two might work better together.
The panel reviewed data from three studies
involving the n-acetyl glucosamine /niacinamide formulation. Tissue
studies showed a reduction in melanin and an increase in collagen – a
key structural protein in skin. Three double-blinded placebo- controlled
clinical studies involving more than 200 subjects, including a study
supervised by Dr. Kimball, showed improvement in hyperpigmentation and
skin tone and a decrease in the size of age spots.
The research is set to be presented in July at the
“Academy ‘06” meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), and
was first presented at the AAD annual meeting in March 2006.
Skin Biology Gives Researchers Clues for Developing
New Treatments
The interest in glucosamine as a possible treatment
comes in part from what scientists already know happens on a cellular
level when skin is exposed to UV radiation. Chronic UV exposure can
damage melanocytes, cells in the skin responsible for producing melanin,
in a variety of different ways.
Often, this damage can lead to a loss of cellular
control, and the production of chemicals that allow the cells to keep
producing more and more melanin – which eventually leads to age spots
and uneven discoloration. Additionally, as skin ages, cell turnover
slows down and melanin “dust” – microscopic particles of melanin – can
become trapped in the upper layers of skin, resulting in a duller
appearance.
Researchers are familiar with these processes and
that has helped them focus on substances - such as n-acetyl glucosamine
- that are known to interrupt the UV-triggered chemical signals that
turn on melanin production. Skin care products that utilize
signal-blocking ingredients currently exist in the marketplace, but
products with n-acetyl glucosamine/niacinamide - which block melanin at
two different points in the pigment producing process - are among the
newest and most studied.
“Pigmentation is an appearance issue that strikes
an emotional chord for women, and even though we’re constantly telling
our patients about the importance of UV-protection, once the damage is
done, we need to be able to provide them with ways to help,” says Dr.
Kimball. “The level of research and validation on topical cosmetic
application of glucosamine will help it stand apart from other
ingredients when it comes to improving tone and treating
hyperpigmentation.”
About source P&G Beauty
P&G Beauty science has more than 1,800 scientists
and technical employees working at nine global technical centers with an
unparalleled commitment to technology development. Company scientific
efforts have resulted in over 3,500 active beauty care patents. This
allows P&G to develop products uniquely suited for different types of
hair and skin, and tailored to different cultures and climates. P&G
scientists are constantly seeking new ways of turning inspiration into
innovation.
P&G Beauty sells more than 130 different brands
in over 180 countries worldwide that touch and improve lives daily. P&G
Beauty had more than $19 billion in global sales in fiscal year 2004/05,
making it one of the world’s largest beauty companies. The global
leading beauty company at mass, P&G Beauty brands include: Pantene®,
Head and Shoulders®, Olay®, Max Factor®, Cover Girl®, Gillette® Complete
Skin Care for Men, Always®, Joy®, Hugo Boss®, Wella®, Herbal Essences®,
Clairol Nice ’n Easy® and SK-II®.
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