What is AGE(ing) You? Glycation. By Dr. E. Ronald Finger Plastic Surgeon & Anti Aging Specialist Author of “Why Grow Old.”
You probably have heard about the term “glycation” In fact, in 2011 at the American Academy of Anti-Aging conference, Glycation and AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) were named the leading factors in premature aging and disease.
So what is glycation anyway? Glycation is a by-product of our metabolism, and it’s bad news for aging gracefully. Consider it like the smoke from a fire. We may want the heat, but not the smoke.
Glycation happens when sugar and protein molecules form an abnormal bond, creating sticky molecules that adhere to other fibers, such as elastin, collagen, enzymes, hemoglobin, immunoglobulin and more. When it attaches to elastin and collagen fibers, it reduces their ability to move and contract normally.
What does this mean for you? Glycation “gums up the works” and results in a hardening of the arteries – and even sagging and wrinkling of the skin. Every part of your body is affected by the arteries’ loss of elasticity – your brain, kidneys, heart… and your skin. These rogue molecules that stick to everything are called Advanced Glycation End Products, otherwise appropriately known as AGEs.
Three Steps You Can Take to Delete the A.G.E(ing) Process of the Skin
If you want your skin to look younger, there are many things you can do to reduce glycation and its harmful effects.
Remove most of the white food from your grocery list. White potatoes, white bread, desserts – in other words, reduce sugar from your diet. Sugar consumption is rapidly approaching 200 pounds per year for one person.Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) happens when you eat excess sugar. In 2010, the American Heart Association recommended no more than 100 calories per day, or about 6 teaspoons of sugar for women and no more than 150 calories per day, or about 9 teaspoons a day for men.
Certain nutrients act as bond breakers, which is what we need to break the sugar-protein glycation bond. For example, Carnosine is an amino acid with powerful anti-glycation effects. Carnosine supplements are widely available at local health food stores. Do eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, raw nuts, and other unprocessed, unrefined foods have low levels of glycotoxins.Foods high in protein and fat, such as animal products like beef, pork, poultry, fish, seafood, and lamb, that are cooked, heated, or processed at high temperatures are chock full of glycotoxins. One useful tip is to try preparing food at temperatures less than 250°F to minimize the formation of dietary glycotoxins. Using liquids and lower cooking temperatures when preparing food, such as poaching, steaming, braising, stewing, and slow cooking (as in a crockpot cooker).
It’s not only about what you ingest, but certain product you put on your skin can make a difference. Certain skin care products contain powerful anti-glycation ingredients, such as the ones found in New Youth AGE CONTROL Serum & New Youth ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CREAM.
Both products are available separate and can be found in the New Youth Skin Care System.
As of recent we also carry the Mini Anti Aging Kit.
NEW YOUTH AGE CONTROL SERUM
For all skin types.This unique serum with MAP (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a form of vitamin C) is designed to heal and preserve skin cells, reduce hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of premature aging of the skin. Applied to a clean face before any other product,Age Control Serum not only improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture, but also increases the amount of moisture in the skin. MAP provides anti-oxidant benefits with increased collagen production, but without the irritation than many see with vitamin C’s low pH level. Age Control Serum also includes thioctic acid, fennel seed, B complex vitamins an anti-glycation agent and other anti-oxidants. One of its ingredients, calcium, plays an important role in the buildup of outer skin tissue. This helps to manufacture protein and improves the integrity of the cell structure. Age Control Serum is a very powerful, well-absorbed and effective anti-oxidant product.
The combination is an excellent product to reduce wrinkles of the eyelids, forehead and upper lip both for the short-run and long term.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CREAM
The anti-inflammatory cream was the first product in the New Youth line, fueled by Dr. Finger’s desire to address inflammation and its effects on the aging face. A true anti-aging complex, the anti-inflammatory cream contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, whole food nutrients, and vitamins, promoting cell repair and restoration with ingredients like cat’s claw, Russian black tea, marine algae extract, and Resveratrol. Patients will notice quickly their skin looking firmer, smoother, more radiant, healthier and more beautiful.
For all skin types. This is an exclusive cream designed to reduce inflammation, GLYCATION , and free radical damage. These processes are results of poor skin health, smoking, high carbohydrate diets lacking in phytonutrients, excess ultraviolet damage, and genetics. These also make skin look old, pigmented, thin, and saggy.
