You’ve probably heard the term “inflammaging,” which not only reflects the link between inflammation and poor health, but also its impact on our skin. A healthy diet and lifestyle are key pathways to lowering inflammation in the body, which can positively impact our skin. But, anti-glycation skin-care products can also help. Glycation is a process in which sugar molecules attach to collagen and elastin proteins. Over time, something called Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) accumulate, causing inflammation and signs of aging. This shows up on the skin as a lack of firmness, wrinkles and discoloration.
The concept isn’t new—I first heard the term “inflammaging nearly 10 years ago—but the latest research and science is. As scientists learn more, so do beauty brands, and skin-care products become more effective than ever before. That’s the case for Topical Skin and its Age-Defying Peptide Serum.
The Benefits of This Inflammaging Serum
Science-backed and results-driven, this serum contains a long list of powerful actives that, together, elicit change in the skin. The star ingredients are peptides, which work to boost collagen and reverse a lack of firmness in the skin that results from the glycation process. One of those peptides is carnosine, which research shows to have anti-glycation properties. It also has antioxidant effects that defend skin against oxidative stress. Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 also demonstrates anti-glycation benefits. However, Topical Skin didn’t just throw a bunch of peptides into a serum and hope for the best. They carefully studied the right blend of ingredients to help turn back the clock on aging skin.
Other standouts include niacinamide, vitamins C and E, green tea, sodium hyaluronate and safflower oleosomes. Topical Skin utilizes these fatty acid–rich oleosomes (micro-oil droplets) as a delivery system to lock moisture into the skin. Once they are dispensed onto the skin, they rupture at different times for a gradual release of fatty acids, antioxidants and moisture benefits that last. The result is nourished, younger-looking skin and a healthier skin barrier.
The brand says this inflammaging serum is suitable for all skin types, though dry skin will largely benefit from the moisture boost. I also love the oil-serum texture, which gives my skin a pretty sheen. However, it doesn’t leave a greasy feel behind because it actually penetrates the skin effectively.
Key Ingredients
Acetyl tetrapeptide-5, acetyl hexapeptide-8 (argireline), carnosine, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, folic acid, vitamins C and E, safflower oleosomes and gotu kola
