Aging is not the enemy. But most of us would like to age well. And to do that, we need to get to know our skin, inside and out.
That’s why we’re here to explain it Why and how behind the skin relaxation. And how skin care super ingredient carnosine can help fight it. So, if healthy, youthful-looking skin is your goal, it’s time to experience the benefits of carnosine.
Let’s dive in.
What is skin laxity?
Skin laxityalso known as laxity or sagging, occurs when the skin tissues lose their elasticity and the underlying muscles begin to sag. It can appear as loose, scaly skin on certain areas of the face. Some of the most common? Eyelids, chin, jaw and neck.
But before we continue, here’s a gentle reminder: There is nothing wrong with loose skin! It’s a natural part of life and doesn’t mean your skin isn’t healthy (priority number one).
What causes sagging skin?
While you may be apt to blame it all on gravity, skin loses its bounce as the years go by due to a variety of factors:
Sweetening
First, let’s talk about glycosylation. Glycation is caused by the presence of excess glucose, or sugar, in the skin fibers. This excess triggers an internal reaction where sugar molecules attach to collagen and elastin proteins.
Typically, these proteins work together to help keep the skin firm and elastic. However, during glycosylation, sugars attach to these proteins – forming something called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Over time, these end products make collagen stiff and stiff instead of bouncy and elastic. And finally, this can help to relax the skin.
Oxidative stress
Another factor in the breakdown of skin firmness? Oxidative stress. If your body is fighting off a lot of free radicals from pollution and the like, it can cause a process called oxidative stress. This causes an increase in enzymes that break down proteins in the skin that help keep things firm (like collagen).
Different internal and external factors can accelerate oxidation and signs of skin aging. Smoking, pollution, unhealthy diet, stress or lack of sleep are some of your skin’s enemies. But one of them is particularly harmful: exposure to the sun. Indeed, 80% of premature skin aging is due to solar radiation.
Natural aging
Aging is a part of life. And skin aging can start as early as age 20. Fortunately, knowledge is power — understanding why your skin is aging can help you do something about it.
The three main layers of your skin are connected by connective tissues. As you grow older, this web it slowly loses its firmness and elasticitywhich makes the skin thinner and more relaxed. It also loses some of its ability to regenerate – and natural restoration is the key to fighting the signs of skin aging.
What is carnosine?
Although it may not sound familiar, carnosine can be found naturally in your body. It is considered a dipeptide, AKA a powerful pair of amino acids. What is special about amino acids? Studies show that they are the ones that make up some of the most important proteins in your skin: collagen and elastin.
But carnosine is a unique compound. It offers two very useful services for your skin: antioxidant and anti-glycemic action. It works to attract and distract harmful sugars and free radicals on your skin. This means your skin is free to continue its natural processes and regeneration, without so many interruptions.
The best part? Carnosine products can easily be added to any skin care routine for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Since it’s naturally in your body, there’s minimal risk of skin irritation — and maximum potential for benefits.
Top 3 Carnosine Benefits for Skin
What does carnosine do for the skin? This treatment ingredient is a triple threat as it has three revitalizing actions that help revive sagging skin. Let’s break each one down:
1. Enhances vigor
Carnosine can help fight the effects of gravity on your skin. How; Acting as an anti-glycosylation agent.
Glycosylation of the skin is the natural process caused by an overload of sugars in the skin fibers. Remember, this process causes your skin to form something called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Over time, the finished products make the collagen stiff, meaning the skin can begin to sag as it loses its natural structural support.
That’s where carnosine comes in. How does carnosine work to combat glycosylation and the formation of AGEs? Through distraction: the sugar molecules responsible for skin stiffness attach to carnosine instead of your collagen, minimizing glycosylation. Firm, supple skin follows.
2. Enhances elasticity
You love taking care of your skin as much as the next skincare enthusiast. But free radicals and oxidative stress from everyday skin enemies (think pollution and UV rays) can undo some of your hard work. Like glycosylation, oxidative stress reduces the natural strength of collagen and elastin in your skin, causing visible signs of aging to appear.
The good news: Carnosine also acts as an antioxidant. When applied topically, antioxidants can help slow the processes that break down essential proteins in the skin. So plan on adding carnosine to your routine to help enhance the natural bounce of the skin.
3. Enhances softness
Antiglycosylation effect? Control. Antioxidant activity? Yes! Finally, carnosine has one more benefit for your skin. As a dipeptide, this it can also help fight sagging, fine lines and wrinkles while supporting skin health.
Dipeptides in skin care products are designed to support the production of elastin and collagen. If you think of your skin as a mattress, collagen fibers are the springs — giving you a smooth, taut appearance.
But over time, glycosylation damages our skin’s natural collagen and makes this elastic support stiffer. Add the fact that our Bodies gradually produce less collagen as we age and we need all the help we can get.
So what is the plan of action? Fortunately, carnosine can work to restore glycosylated collagen fibers. Get a moisturizer with carnosine to support skin’s natural state: smooth, healthy and firm.
And above all, love your skin, take care of it and protect it, always.
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time skincare obsession into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics in Washington DC and Barcelona. What’s in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.
