3 Must-Have Products to Combat Aging Skin

Aging Skin + Longevity: What’s the Connection?

Longevity. It’s a word we hear a lot. We know it means living longer, healthier, fuller lives. But what does it mean when it comes to the largest organ of our body? Skin.

As we age, our skin cells age too. Collagen, the most plentiful protein in our bodies—a critical ingredient responsible for healthy bones, skin, muscles (and more)—begins to decrease after age 25 and continues on from there. Natural skin cell turnover—the cornerstone of a firm, supple face—also slows down. Long term damage from sun exposure, pollution, everyday stress, and free radical exposure as well as good old fashioned Mother Nature all contribute to aging skin. Add to this the fact that the protective layer of our skin, the dermis, which serves as a first-line defense against all of those everyday stressors (e.g. lack of sleep, environmental pollution, UV/UVB rays) has thinned too and we find our face and neck just don’t snap back like they used to. Our skin doesn’t have that easy, “I woke-up-like-this” glow anymore.

Because skin requires loads of nutrients and vitamins to keep it up and running (Vitamin A, C, E and the list goes on), it’s essential to put back what we’ve lost and even add on more as we age. The good news? Over long and even shorter periods of time, there are scientifically-backed, high quality skincare products that can build back what we’ve lost. With regular use, we can reverse cell damage, reboot collagen production, repair the dermis barrier and restore youthfulness—all while supporting skin’s natural turnover process (i.e. more glow!).

How Can You Combat Aging Skin?

Experts and scientists agree that there are three key skin products that help turn back the clock on aging skin. Each one has its own specialty, whether it’s anti-wrinkle, brightening and lightening, smoothing and toning or plumping:

  • Tretinoin (Anti-Wrinkle)
  • DMAE (Firming)
  • NAD+ (Improved Texture/Smoothing)

If you’re interested in one or all of the above products, read more to find out how to undo what’s already been done (think that awful sunburn you got on vacation, the cigarettes you used to smoke, the polluted city you love and live in) and how you can yield fresh, clean and well-maintained skin for years to come. We consider them must-haves for any anti-aging skincare regimen.

What is Tretinoin?

Signs of aging skin are directly linked to decrease in levels of Vitamin A. Tretinoin is a clinical-grade, topical Vitamin A derivative (Retinoid) that’s safe for regular use and has been shown to improve overall skin texture by rebooting collagen production and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.

While you can buy weaker forms of Tretinoin over-the-counter, these retinols are pricey and have to convert into their active form in your body even before they go to work on your skin. Prescription-strength Tretinoin is more potent and used directly by your body for instant skin cell turnover and an immediate collagen reboot. Plus, it’s scientifically proven to work.

Anti-Aging Benefits:

  • A more powerful form of Vitamin A that directly combats signs of skin aging
  • Pure Retinoid that’s been clinically proven to generate rapid skin cell turnover
  • Dramatically reduces deep lines and wrinkles as well as rev collagen levels
  • Safe to use long term.

Scientific Support:

  • Clinical studies have shown that Vitamin A and its derivatives are among the most effective substances slowing the aging process. By promoting cell turnover, retinoids change the appearance of the skin surface, strengthen the protective function of the epidermis, protect collagen against degradation–and more. (Source: Retinoids: Active Molecules Influencing Skin Structure Formation in Cosmetic and Dermatological Treatments; Advances in Dermatology and Algerology (2019)
  • Science has shown that the daily use of retinoids (i.e. Tretinoin) can actually prevent the appearance of future wrinkles. This is because, unlike OTC Vitamin A derivatives, they penetrate into the skin to work on the extracellular matrix, the collagen and elastin fibers.(Source: Skincare in the Aging Female: Myths and Truths; The Journal of Clinical Investigation (2012)
  • In one study, subjects using topical retinoid noticed visible improvement in skin quality within just a few months. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.12131)

To learn more about Tretinoin, or to request a prescription, click here.

What is DMAE?

DMAE stands for dimethyaminoethanol (deanol for short). It’s an organic compound and peptide that’s been shown to tighten and firm facial and neck skin dramatically. It’s also been clinically proven to increase dermal (skin) thickness while also hydrating better than many OTC moisturizing products. Used consistently, DMAE can have acute skin-firming effects.

Researchers say: “DMAE (an analog of the B vitamin choline and a precursor of acetylcholine) has been receiving more attention as an exciting new skincare supplement today for its acute effects of anti-aging, anti-wrinkle and skin firmness.”

Anti-Aging Benefits:

  • One-of-a-kind cream for tired, sagging skin
  • TIghtens and firms crepey neck
  • Smoothes crow’s feet and forehead lines
  • Diminishes dark under-eye circles
  • Improves lip shape and fullness
  • Hydrates so effectively that it builds back the skin barrier we’ve lost to age

Scientific Support:

  • In a randomized clinical trial, DMAE facial gel applied daily for four months showed reduction in forehead lines and periorbital fine wrinkles. Beneficial trends were noted in the appearance of coarse (deeper) wrinkles, under-eye dark circles, nasolabial folds (laugh lines), sagging neck skin, and neck firmness.
  • The same study showed users had improved lip shape and fullness too.
  • In a 2005 study, DMAE showed potential as an ingredient that could actually penetrate under the skin and improve underlying facial muscle tone. (American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2005).
  • In a 2014 study out of China, “Those treated with 0.2% DMAE showed epidermal and dermal thickness and density of collagen fiber that was significantly elevated over those of aging control groups after just 42 days.” (Effects of Dimethylaminoethanol and Compound Amino Acid on D-Galactose Induced Skin Aging Model of Rat (Harvard Publishing Company, The Scientific World Journal, 2014)

To learn more about DMAE, or to request a prescription, click here.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. Signs of aging skin are directly linked to depletion of NAD+ as our skin requires higher amounts of NAD+ to repair damage from daily external (UV) and other age-related stressors. Many OTC skin creams use Niacinamide (a precursor to NAD+) in the hopes that it will boost NAD+ levels, but none contain actual, pharmaceutical-grade NAD+. Topical NAD+ can reverse signs of skin aging all without harsh chemicals or side effects.

Anti-Aging Benefits:

  • One pump twice a day goes a long way (cream infused with 10% pure NAD+)
  • Dramatically reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots
  • Improves skin elasticity and firmness
  • Helps with sun sensitivity and defends against future UV damage.
  • Protects your skin from UV damage and other everyday stressors (e.g. pollution, loss of hydration, poor sleep).

Scientific Support:

  • In a clinical trial, Niacinamide, a precursor to NAD+, was well tolerated by the skin and provided significant improvements versus control in end points evaluated previously: fine lines/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation spots, texture, and red blotchiness. In addition, skin yellowing (sallowness) versus control was significantly improved. These results could be seen after just 12 weeks. (International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014)
  • In a study of 30 Japanese women with wrinkles around the eyes, Niacinamide (precursor to NAD+) showed marked and moderate improvement in 64% of the subjects with a significant difference and in just 8 weeks.
  • Another research study found that Niacinamide had a stimulatory effect on collagen synthesis, epidermal biopolymers (proteins) and keratin. -(“NAD+ and Vitamin B3: From Metabolism to Therapies”: Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2008)
  • Our skin is the largest organ of the human body and therefore holds the most NAD+. These levels decline as we age which makes it critical for us to find ways to adequately replace what we’ve lost to time. -”Therapeutic Potential of NAD-Boosting Molecules”, Cell Metabolism, 2018

To learn more about NAD+ Cream, or to request a prescription, click here.

Using All Three Products Together

If you’re interested in using all three products together, you’re in luck! Our products are designed to be used as a complete skincare system.

Based on feedback from our staff, patients, and our pharmacists, we recommend you first moisten your face with a bit of warm water. Next, apply your NAD+ Cream and allow it to dry (usually, only a minute or two). Following, apply your DMAE. If it is daytime, apply your daily SPF last. If it is bedtime, apply your Tretinoin and any desired moisturizer (not necessary, but can help reduce any dryness during the first few weeks of treatment).

We strongly encourage you to also use a daily SPF of 30 or higher as your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight when using these products.

The Bottom Line

Aging skin doesn’t have to be inevitable when you consider these three go-to products. Used in conjunction with a good daily routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing, they show short and long term benefits to your skin that are clinically proven and backed by science. They’re also all compounded and made-to-order by a certified pharmacy, 100% vegan, and cruelty free.

To learn more about available Aging Skin products, click here.