Breakthrough skincare ingredients

Firming creams, whitening serums, and anti-ageing miracle gels—we’re always on a constant quest for the ultimate “beauty in a bottle”. Lucky for us, researchers at both beauty and pharmaceutical companies are constantly coming up with new sources and new ingredients to help us get closer to finding that “fountain of youth.”
 

Wool from New Zealand Sheep
Our skin naturally produces keratin, which are proteins that promote elasticity and at the same time, holds our skin firmly together. Unfortunately, as we age (and as we expose ourselves to sun damage and pollution), our skin doesn’t produce too much of them anymore—hence, wrinkles and sagging skin.

While many products already claim to contain keratin, they most probably source them from the hooves, horns, and feathers of animals and birds. (That’s because keratin can also be found in different body parts, such as nails, skin, and hair.) The breakthrough is keratin sourced from the wool of New Zealand sheep, called Cynergy TK. Why is it special? It’s keratin that is almost identical found in human skin, and promises to be more effective on actual human skin. Cynergy TK is said to stimulate keratin in the skin, and promote its growth. 

Broccoli, Brussels Sprout and Cabbage
Your mom was right—vegetables are good for you. Cruciferous veggies, such as cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain sulphoraphane, a compound that has been found to be containing anticancer, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties. Some have even put this ingredient in their sunscreens, as it protects the skin from UV rays, thus protecting the wearer from possible skin cancer. Not only that, but a study done in Canada found that sulphoraphane’s detoxifying properties can help protect skin cell regeneration—making it an anti-ageing phytonutrient (ie., nutrients derived from plants). Supposedly, the addition of sulphoraphane in products can help users expect their fine lines to disappear, and deep wrinkles to decrease in depth.

Algae
Healthy, new skin cells mean better, more radiant skin, less fine lines and wrinkles, and an even skin tone. But we’ve learned that as we age, our body slows down in the cell production department.
What if you could actually increase skin cell regeneration up to 55% (over untreated cells)? That’s what alguronic acid claims to do, apparently more than other well-known anti-ageing ingredients such as retinol, coenzyme Q10, and even Vitamins C and E.

What makes alguronic acid stand apart from other anti-aging ingredients is that it’s derived from algae. In fact, alguronic acid was founded by accident while scientists from San Francisco were doing microalgae research. A plus for this ingredient is that algae are known to weather even the harshest environments. So just imagine what kind of protection you’ll have from the elements if your skin care products had this ingredient!

Kelp from the Japanese Sea
Phytessence wakame is yet another ingredient derived from the sea, this time, from kelp found in the Japanese Sea. It helps firm up the skin by inhibiting harmful hyaluronidase activity in the skin. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme present in the body that breaks down hyaluronic acid, also known as the “glue” of elastin and collagen fibres. Without hyalunoric acid, elastin and collagen fibres weaken, and you’re left with—you guessed it—fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

The Japanese were definitely on to something when they started putting phytessence wakame in their products. In fact, some Japanese women have been using it for centuries! It seems that it’s only now that the humble kelp is being praised in the global spotlight. And it’s no wonder why—further research has found that not only is phytessence wakame rich in minerals and B-vitamins (which help soothe skin irritation), but it also contains sulphated pilyfucose, which can protect your skin from pollution and harmful UV rays from the sun.