Wellness Formulations debuts anti-glycation formula in sunscreen

Launched by Wellness Formulations on the US market, the product provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays, combined with the company’s anti-glycation agent.

Additionally the formulation includes antioxidants, moisturizing elements, peptides and botanical extracts, providing a product aimed at both preventing photoaging from sun exposure as well as elements aimed at reversing the signs of aging.

Glycation and the link to sun's rays​

The company says that its anti-glycation agent works to slow the glycation process, which is often intensified by unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays.

The product is the latest in the company’s Renu skin care line, which is claimed to contain more anti-glycation agents than any other product currently on the market.

The four anti-glycation agents contained in the Dermal Renu skincare products are carnosine, pueraria mirifica extract, plantago extract and green tea extract, which according to the company, are all proven to address the issue of glycation.

Glycation weakens skin cells​

Glycation occurs when the naturally occurring sugar molecules in the skin bond to a protein or lipid molecule without the controlling action of an enzyme.

The resulting glycation process impairs the functioning of biomolecules, which in skin serves to weaken the structure at a cellular level, leading to a less firm surface and a greater tendency towards wrinkling.

Although glycation has been known to contribute to skin aging process for some time now, 2009 witnessed several skincare launches with anti-glycation claims, which highlighted specific active ingredients that are claimed to help combat the process.

Born in the USA​

Glycation was first identified by US scientists in the mid-80s, but one of the first individuals to make the jump into a commericial skin care venture was celebrity dermatologist Dr. Frederic Brandt.

Dr. Brandt published a book, named 10 Mintutes, 10 years, which looks at ways to target avdvanced skin glycation, and in turn he also launched a Lineless Anti-Glycation Serum in March 2007

But although the anti-glycation trend took off in the US, it has been Europe where a number of prestige cosmetic products have been launched in recent months, including offerings from Chanel, La Roche-Posay and Dr Pierre Ricaud.