Oxidative stress plays a major role in skin aging. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors (UV-radiation, pollution, lifestyle, stress etc.) trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) thus inducing cellular damage at molecular level (DNA, lipids, proteins, extracellular matrix etc). These events contribute to inflammation and represent the root of premature skin aging.
The skin is equipped with powerful mechanisms to counteract oxidative stress including enzymes (Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidas etc.) and non-enzymatic anti-oxidants (vitamins C and E, glutathione) that neutralize harmful free radicals, alongside structural barriers and melanin for UV protection.
Anti-aging products may target superficial signs of aging (wrinkle depth, skin smoothness, firmness and elasticity…) also by enhancing the anti-oxidant capacity of the skin thus extending skin healthspan over time.
How cosmetics products can help
Cosmetic treatments, cosmeceuticals and food supplements aimed to improve skin appearance offer solutions that target the root of the biological mechanisms of aging rather than merely alleviating its signs, thus promoting longevity and preserving skin health.
Consumers demand scientific proofs that the products deliver on their promises thus emphasizing the importance of robust and well-designed clinical studies.
The evaluation of anti-oxidant efficacy relied on in vitro assays, such as DPPH, while useful for preliminary screening, are limiting in representing the complexity of the skin, with all the mechanisms of absorption, metabolism, and interaction with the cellular environment and the microbiome.
Therefore in vivo evaluations seem to be the most appropriate ways to overcome these limitations.
Our testing solution to substantiate anti-oxidant claims: in vivo FRAP assay
We have recently introduced the FRAP assay for in vivo studies to measure the increase of the anti-oxidant capacity of the skin after application of products by volunteers.
It represents a powerful and reliable tool to unveil protective efficacy in promoting slow aging and skin longevity.
FRAP assay can be performed alone or in combination with other clinical or instrumental assessments in in vivo studies. Non-invasive tape strips are used to collect skin samples. Eluates are tested in a colorimetric assay based on the reduction of ferric to ferrous ions in the presence of anti-oxidants.
Building your claims
The application of this method paves the way to new opportunities for your marketing claims regarding topical treatments and even food supplements intended to support “Beauty Claims”.
- Chrono-aging and inflammaging: demonstrate the action of your product in preventing root mechanisms of aging and in mitigating silent inflammation that accelerates aging.
- Longevity & well-aging: test your formulation in slowing down aging and extending skin health and beauty over time.
- Exposome & photoaging: provide evidence that your products effectively protect the skin against oxidative stress induced by external aggressors (pollution, UV, stress…..).
Don’t miss the opportunity, contact us!
