The Best Natural Anti-Aging Products for Men and Women
There's nothing worse than having to deal with the effects of aging. Wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin are all common side effects of getting older. Fortunately, there are many ways to combat them. One of the most popular methods is using anti-aging products. These products contain ingredients that help fight off the signs of aging, such as antioxidants, peptides, vitamins, and minerals.
What do Anti-Aging Products Do?
Anti-aging products are designed to slow down the signs of aging, improve skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and prevent hair loss. They're also used by people looking for a quick fix to look younger.
Although it may not be possible to reverse signs of aging, slowing the progression of age-related symptoms may offer better outcomes overall, and despite those looking for quick ways to reverse years of damage, scientific studies show that only through consistent and regular use can aging be delayed.
Anti-aging products aim to address various health deficiencies in the body that cause signs of aging on the skin. Here's a breakdown of their common targets:
Fine lines and wrinkles: Many products focus on reducing the appearance of these by boosting collagen production, increasing skin elasticity, and improving cell turnover.
Loss of firmness and elasticity: Ingredients like peptides and retinoids can help stimulate collagen production, which is crucial for maintaining skin's firmness and elasticity.
Hyperpigmentation: Products containing ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and hydroquinone can help fade age spots, sunspots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
Uneven skin tone: Exfoliating acids (like AHAs and BHAs) can help improve skin texture and even out skin tone.
Dryness: Many anti-aging products contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to improve skin moisture and plumpness.
What Anti-Aging Products are Available?
There are many different types of anti-aging products available today, from creams and lotions to serums and gels. Some of them work better than others, depending on what type of skin you have. For overall benefits, placenta contains various health benefits for everyone, but if dealing with exact conditions specific treatments may be persued.
For example, if you have oily skin, you might want to use oil-free moisturizers. If you have dry skin, you should choose moisturizers that contain ingredients such as glycerin, aloe vera, and vitamin E. And if you have combination skin, you'll want to use both oil-based and water-based products.
Anti-aging products can be applied topically or consumed orally. Regardless of the method, all products should contain antioxidants. These compounds combat free radicals, which can harm cells. Free radicals occur naturally in the body and can also be triggered by external factors like pollution and smoking.
Anti-Aging Cream
If you're looking for an eye cream that will help reduce wrinkles, there are two main types of ingredients that work well. First, retinol is a vitamin A derivative that helps skin cells regenerate faster. Second, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables that exfoliate dead skin cells. Both of these ingredients can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Regardless of which type you choose, there are some essential considerations to keep in mind before making your purchase. One such factor is the presence of retinol in certain products, which may require careful scrutiny of the label to avoid any potential irritation on sensitive skin.
Prior to indulging in the luxury of our exquisite anti-aging products, we highly recommend conducting a patch test to safeguard your skin's well-being and prevent any potential allergic reactions.
Products for Men
Various men's skin care products are accessible today, such as moisturizers, cleansers, toners, serums, creams, lotions, gels, and oils. Each product type offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, requiring selection based on individual needs.
There are many men's skin care products to choose from today, including moisturizers, cleansers, toners, serums, creams, lotions, gels, and oils. It's crucial to select the right product for your specific needs.
When diving into men's skin care, brace yourself for a wild array of product choices! Some are meant to be applied daily while others are intended to be used once or twice a week. There are also products that are specifically designed to treat specific conditions such as acne, dryness, and age spots. So how can you choose the right product for you?
Despite the many different types of anti-aging products available today, there's one product that has been proven to be effective at slowing down the signs of aging. That product is called Vitamin Placenta, and it is backed by proven science from peer-reviewed double-blind studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Holistic Solutions to Defy Age
Scientific studies have affirmed that aging is related to the most abundant protein in humans, collagen, which is involved in every aspect of bodily functions. To better understand how this can be useful in providing a solution to aging, it is important to gain an understanding of the functions of collagen and it's prevalence in all organs, but specifically, those that tend to reveal hallmarks of aging which are visible and therefore targeted as a first-in-line age-related issue.
A Comprehensive Scientific and Ethical Exploration
Whether it is by coincidence or design, collagen is also where placenta has a significant effect and represents an area that can be addressed through placental supplementation. The pursuit of youthful vitality has driven extensive research into various anti-aging strategies, with collagen and placenta emerging as two prominent, yet contrasting, contenders. Collagen, a fundamental structural protein, boasts substantial scientific backing for its role in skin health and overall well-being.
Conversely, the use of placenta for anti-aging, while steeped in traditional practices and touted by some celebrities, remains scientifically controversial and raises significant ethical considerations. This comprehensive article delves deep into the science behind both substances, exploring their purported benefits for skin, hair, and nails, comparing their mechanisms of action, evaluating the clinical evidence, and addressing crucial safety and ethical concerns related to placental consumption while weighing the benefits to health and wellness of eating placenta.
Collagen Resulting in Anti-Aging Effects
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, constituting a significant portion of connective tissues, including skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone. Its primary function is to provide tensile strength, elasticity, and structural integrity, all of which are essential for maintaining a youthful appearance, healthy joints, strong hair, and resilient nails. [1] As we age, collagen production naturally declines, a process accelerated by factors like UV radiation exposure, smoking, poor diet, oxidative stress, and environmental pollutants. [2] This decline manifests in various visible signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging skin, joint pain, brittle nails, and thinning hair.
Collagen's Multifaceted Role in Skin, Hair, and Nail Health
Skin: Collagen is the primary structural component of the dermis, the skin's middle layer. Types I and III collagen are the most prevalent types in skin. Type I provides tensile strength, resisting stretching and tearing, while Type III contributes to suppleness and elasticity. [3] Collagen's exceptional water-binding capacity maintains skin hydration and contributes to a healthy skin barrier, protecting against environmental aggressors. Age-related collagen decline weakens this barrier, leading to increased dryness, wrinkles, and decreased elasticity. Furthermore, collagen plays a crucial role in wound healing and tissue repair within the skin.
Hair: Collagen provides essential amino acids, most notably proline, a key component of keratin, the primary structural protein of hair. Keratin gives hair its strength, structure, and elasticity. [4] Collagen also
supports the health of hair follicles and the dermal papilla, which nourish hair growth. Insufficient collagen can lead to thinning hair, hair loss, decreased hair diameter, and reduced tensile strength, making hair more prone to breakage. Placental consumption provides collagen for
hair growth and reduction of hair loss.
Nails: Collagen forms the structural matrix of nails, providing strength, hardness, and resistance to splitting and breakage. [5] Adequate collagen levels are essential for healthy nail growth and preventing brittleness. Low collagen can result in weak, brittle, slow-growing nails prone to splitting, peeling, and other deformities.
Placenta Promotes Collagen as Provides a Strong Source with Supplementation similar to Collagen Supplements
Extensive research supports the use of collagen supplements, particularly for skin health. However, contrary to popular belief, creams touting to reverse aging by means of collagen inclusion fail to penetrate the skin and represent an overall waste of money, effort and time since they do not boost collagen in the body whatsoever, and false advertising of deceptive practices have resulted in significant financial resources being expended on topical solutions which have no scientific grounding in collagen promotion whatsoever.
Enhanced Skin Elasticity, Hydration, and Wrinkle Reduction:
Oral ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are easily absorbed due to their low molecular weight, has demonstrated significant improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and a reduction in wrinkle depth. These peptides stimulate fibroblast activity, the cells responsible for collagen synthesis, increasing the production of both collagen and elastin. [6, 7, 8] Clinical trials have reported positive outcomes after several weeks of collagen peptide supplementation, with some studies showing a reduction in wrinkle depth by up to 30% and an increase in skin hydration by up to 28%.
Joint Health and Osteoarthritis Management:
Collagen supplementation, especially with Type II collagen, can benefit individuals with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown and inflammation. Collagen can help reduce inflammation, promote cartilage regeneration, and improve joint mobility and function. [9] Studies have shown improvements in joint pain, stiffness, and physical function in people with osteoarthritis following collagen supplementation.
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Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention:
Research suggests that collagen supplementation might contribute to improved bone mineral density and a reduced risk of fractures, especially in postmenopausal women at increased risk of osteoporosis. [10] Collagen provides the structural matrix for bone formation and mineralization, and supplementation can support bone health by providing the necessary building blocks.
Hair and Nail Growth:
Emerging research indicates potential
benefits of collagen supplementation for hair and nail health, including improved thickness, reduced hair loss, and increased nail strength. [11, 12] However, larger-scale clinical trials are needed to solidify these findings and determine optimal dosages and durations for hair and nail benefits.
Navigating the Controversies and Exploring the Potential Benefits of Placenta for Aging
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Placenta's Purported Anti-Aging Mechanisms
Skin Rejuvenation and Wound Healing:
Placenta extracts are claimed to promote skin rejuvenation by stimulating stem cell growth, collagen production, reducing inflammation, and accelerating wound healing. Growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) are thought to mediate these effects. [14, 16]
Hormonal Balance and Menopausal Symptom Relief:
Placenta contains various hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Some proponents suggest that placenta consumption can help regulate hormonal imbalances and alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
Despite this, there is variance among the hormonal content in commercially available placenta products, potentially causing adverse side effects. [15] Furthermore, the efficacy of placenta in managing menopausal symptoms requires further research to determine its safety and effectiveness.
Immunomodulatory Effects and Potential for Reducing Inflammation:
Placenta extracts have shown immunomodulatory properties in some studies, influencing immune responses and potentially reducing inflammation. [18] These properties may benefit certain conditions, but more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications of
placenta healing the body.
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Placenta-derived products carry safety and ethical implications
Lack of Regulation and Quality Control:
The placenta product industry lacks stringent regulations, impacting product quality, safety, and efficacy. This lack of oversight raises risks for consumers due to the potential variability in composition and potency. However, with international third-party oversight,
placental supplements can offer effective, safe and comprehensive benefits which can be safely assessed in all standardized products following the same manufacturing process..
Risk of Infection Transmission:
Improperly processed placenta can harbor infectious agents, including bacteria and viruses, posing a risk of transmission. [17] Stringent processing and testing are crucial to minimize this risk. Third party testing of a final product is essential when considering
placental supplements.
Cultural Sensitivity and Respect for Diverse Beliefs:
Cultural views on placenta consumption vary significantly, ranging from traditional practices to considering it taboo. Healthcare providers and practitioners should demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability:
The growing demand for
placenta products raises concerns about the environmental impact of sourcing and processing. Sustainable and environmentally responsible practices are needed.
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Celebrity Endorsements and the Importance of Evidence-Based Decision-Making
Celebrity endorsements of placenta products, while influential, should not replace medical advice or scientific evidence. Rigorous scientific research is crucial to validate purported benefits and establish safety and efficacy. [9]
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Conclusion:
Collagen supplementation, especially with hydrolyzed peptides, shows promise for improving skin health, with potential benefits for hair and nails. It is generally considered safe. Placenta's use in anti-
aging, while potentially intriguing, currently presents robust scientific support and carries safety and ethical concerns which are only relieved in one product,
Vitamin Placenta.
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Consult with a healthcare professional before considering any new supplement, especially
placenta-based products. However, with a new standardized placenta supplement made in a US GMP facility, rigorous safety standards are already met, and by attaining ISO 17025 certification, Vitamin Placenta presents the best possible product to enhance bodily collagen and provide natural anti-aging effects in men and women.
References:
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[2] Ganceviciene, R., et al. (2012). Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 277–291.
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[3] Ricard-Blum, S. (2011). The collagen family. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology, 3(1), a004978.
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[4] Rogers, G. E., & Harding, H. W. (1988). Molecular mechanisms of hair growth. In The Biology of Wool and Hair (pp. 487-508). Springer, Dordrecht.
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[5] Hexsel, D., et al. (2017). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 16(4), 520–526.
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[6] Proksch, E., et al. (2014). Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin pharmacology and physiology, 27(1), 47–55.
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[7] Borumand, M., & Sibilla, S. (2014). Effects of a nutritional supplement containing collagen peptides on skin elasticity, hydration and wrinkles. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 14(4), 291–298.
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[8] Asserin, J., et al. (2015). The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 14(4), 291-301.
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[9] Bello, A. E., & Oesser, S. (2006). Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature. International Orthopaedics, 30(6), 223–229.
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[10] König, D., et al. (2018). Specific collagen peptides improve bone mineral density and bone markers in postmenopausal women—A randomized controlled study. Nutrients, 10(1), 97.
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[11] Guo, Y., & Marti, G. P. (2000). Biomechanical properties of the human hair shaft. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 51(4), 203-214.
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[12] Tyler, W. G. (1982). The Nail. Clinics in Dermatology, 1(1), 21-48.
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[13] Gryder, L. K., et al. (2016). Placentophagy: A review of human and nonhuman animal practices. Journal of midwifery & women's health, 61(5), 597–606.
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[14] Fallahi, P., et al. (2018). Placenta in skin care: An evidence-based review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(5), 755-760.
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[15] Kristal, M. B., et al. (2012). Placentophagia in humans and nonhuman mammals: an overview of biological, clinical, and anthropological factors. Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 51(3), 177-197.
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[16] Hong, J. W., et al. (2014). Human placental extract stimulates epidermal growth and reduces skin inflammation in vivo. Inflammation, 37(2), 540-547.
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[17] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Notes from the Field: Late-Onset Group B Streptococcus Disease in a Newborn — Oregon, 2016. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 66(21), 577–578.
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[18] Tonello, G., et al. (1996). Evidence of immunomodulatory activity of human placental extracts. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 797(1), 183-195.
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[19] Secko, D. (2017). Placentophagy: A biocultural phenomenon with implications for maternal dietary regulation. Appetite, 113, 326-335.
