Protect the Skin's Outer Barrier

For skin to maintain youthful hydration, a strong supporting barrier is required to lock in moisture and keep out irritants that accelerate the appearance of wrinkles.

Loss of barrier function occurs in response to normal aging, ultraviolet radiation, and other external factors.^1,2

Scientists have identified 2 plant-stem cell extracts that have been shown to rebuild and protect the skin’s surface.

This topical formula can induce meaningful rehydrating effects on aging skin.

Importance of the Skin Barrier Function

The skin’s outermost layer (stratum corneum) acts as a barrier to the external environment.^3-5 Preserving skin barrier integrity as we age is crucial for keeping skin hydrated, soft, and youthful.

Repeated sun exposure,⁶ extreme temperatures,^7,8 and over-cleansing⁹ take their toll on barrier function, creating cracks that allow moisture to escape. What ensue are dryness, flakiness, and wrinkles characteristic of dehydrated skin.

Euterpe oleracea Fruit Extract

Plants survive harsh environmental conditions due to their reservoirs of stem cells, which generate protective compounds when under extrinsic stress.^10,11

For example, Euterpe oleracea (açaí or cabbage palm fruit) is a fruit tree that withstands high levels of ultraviolet radiation in Central and South America, thanks to its ability to synthesize a secondary metabolite called ferulic acid.^12,13

When topically applied to human skin, Euterpe oleracea fruit extract prevents sun-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by neutralizing toxic free radicals.^14-17 This finding is noteworthy since chronic sun exposure is one of the primary causes of decreased skin barrier function and increased moisture loss.

Additional research shows that Euterpe oleracea fruit extract rejuvenates aging skin by replenishing its energy supply in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which naturally decreases with age.^17,18 This increased fuel availability promotes continuous cell renewal of the skin’s surface to leave it looking younger, healthier, and refreshed.

By strengthening and defending the skin’s barrier function, Euterpe oleracea fruit extract produces immediate and long-term rehydrating effects. In a human study, topical application of Euterpe oleracea fruit extract improved skin moisture by 51% within 24 hours and by 102% after 4 weeks.¹⁷

Centella asiatica Extract

Centella asiatica (also known as gotu kola) is another plant that depends upon secondary metabolites called triterpenoids to thrive in the different climate zones of subtropical and tropical regions.^19-21

As the skin ages, it has a diminished capacity to bounce back from the damaging effects of environmental stressors. Researchers are finding that Centella asiatica extract has potent free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory actions that accelerate wound healing. This in turn repairs cracks to improve the protective barrier function.^22-25

This effect was demonstrated in a clinical study in which healthy volunteers topically applied Centella asiatica extract or a placebo to their forearms twice daily for 4 weeks.²⁵ At the end of the study, participants underwent exposure to a common skin irritant called methyl nicotinate and 2 hours later were evaulated for erythema, skin pH, and transepidermal water loss.

The results showed significant reductions in all of these skin parameters on the side treated with Centella asiatica extract compared with the placebo side, indicating better preservation of barrier function integrity.²⁵ Researchers believe that Centella asiatica extract rapidly increased epidermal renewal through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity to reduce skin irritation.

The same study also observed a significant 12% increase in stratum corneum hydration on the side treated with Centella asiatica extract compared with the placebo side.²⁵ This might be due to triterpenoids in Centella asiatica extract that act as powerful sponges to attract and capture water molecules within the epidermis.²⁵ Another possible mechanism relates to its strong inhibition of the enzyme hyaluronidase.²⁶ This translates to higher levels of hyaluronic acid in the stratum corneum, which is shown to boost hydration and support barrier function.^27,28

Seaweed Extracts

Few plants stack up to the wealth of skin nourishing nutrients found in Chondrus crispus (Irish moss), a red seaweed that lives off the rocky shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. With its high content of essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, Chondrus crispus naturally drives cellular repair and regeneration in response to external enemies.^29,30 When you add in its well-known moisturizing compound, carrageenan,³¹ Chondrus crispus is a potent and often overlooked weapon to hydrate skin optimally.

Laminaria digitata (brown seaweed) is rich in compounds called fucoidans. These polysaccharides quell inflammation and inhibit protein-degrading enzymes that destroy skin from the inside out.^32,33 Remarkably, Laminaria digitata facilitates cell-to-cell signaling to maintain the function and structure of youthful skin.³⁴

Summary

Loss of moisture as we mature causes smooth, vibrant, and healthy skin to take on a rough, uneven, and dull appearance that makes wrinkles and fine lines more apparent.

Two plant-stem cell extracts—Euterpe oleracea and Centella asiatica—synthesize secondary metabolites shown to stimulate epidermal renewal of barrier function, combat sun-induced inflammation, and enhance the water-holding capacity of skin surface cells.

These natural extracts, along with skin-supporting seaweed extracts, have been combined into one topical formula to optimize skin hydration and promote a more youthful appearance.

Gary Goldfaden, MD, is a clinical dermatologist and lifetime member of the American Academy of Dermatology. He is the founder of Academy Dermatology in Hollywood, FL, and Cosmesis Skin Care. Dr. Goldfaden is a member of the Life Extension® Medical Advisory Board. All Cosmesis products are available online.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension® Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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