Cart

Your cart is empty

The Science Behind Our Formulations

 

Free radicals and the role of antioxidants

 

  • Environmental exposures such as pollution, UV radiation (sunlight), alcohol, smoking, poor nutrition as well as normal metabolic processes in the body can lead to the production of free radicals. Free radicals are highly volatile molecules that can damage cells by causing oxidative stress.

  • In the skin, oxidative stress caused by free radicals can result in damaged cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, leading to premature aging.

    • By breaking down collagen and elastin fibres, free radicals can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles as well as reducing skin elasticity leading to skin sagging.

    • Free radicals can also stimulate melanin production leading to uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.

    • Antioxidants work by neutralising and reducing the concentration of free radicals in skin tissue, making them less volatile and therefore stopping their ability to cause cell damage e.g. the breakdown of collagen. 

    • Used topically they can help reduce UV induced inflammation as well as providing enhanced protection against sun damage and photoaging. 

    • In vivo studies have shown topical application of botanical antioxidants before UV exposure can reduce photosensitivity, inflammation and DNA damage in skin. 

    • The Xasi Revive defence serum is packed with botanical antioxidants to help protect against oxidative stress, helping to both replenish and protect. Read more about the botanical antioxidants that power our formulation.

     

     

    Glycation and skin ageing

     

    Glycation is a natural process where sugar molecules bind to proteins or fats in the body, forming harmful compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This reaction occurs over time and accelerates with age, contributing to various health issues, including skin aging.

    Ziziphus extract has been shown to have significant anti-glycation properties, both through its ability to disrupt the glycation process as well as combating the effects of glycation on the skin through its antioxidant and anti-inflammtory effects. See table below (if viewing on mobile device tilt screen to landscape). 

     

    Effect of Glycation on the Skin

     How Ziziphus Extract Can Help

     Loss of Firmness and Elasticity

    AGEs bind to collagen and elastin fibers, making them stiff and inflexible resulting in reduced skin firmness and elasticity. Ziziphus extract can help preserve collagen and elastin integrity due to its antioxidant properties, which protect against oxidative stress.

    Formation of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

    The anti-glycation properties of Ziziphus extract can reduce the formation of AGEs, helping to prevent the stiffening of collagen and elastin fibers thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

    Skin Sagging

    Loss of skin firmness and elasticity due to glycation results in skin sagging. By maintaining collagen and elastin health, Ziziphus extract can help prevent skin sagging.

    Slower Skin Repair and Turnover

    AGEs impair skin cell functions, slowing down repair and turnover, making skin more prone to damage. Ziziphus extract promotes cell regeneration and repair, enhancing overall skin health and repair processes.

    Accelerated Skin Aging

    Oxidative stress caused by AGEs accelerates skin aging, contributing to the visible signs of aging. Ziziphus extract’s antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, slowing down the skin aging process.

    Hyperpigmentation

    Glycation affects melanin production, leading to uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Anti-inflammatory properties of Ziziphus extract can help regulate melanin production, reducing hyperpigmentation.

    Chronic Inflammation

    Interaction between AGEs and skin cell receptors triggers chronic inflammation, degrading skin structures. Ziziphus extract has anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce inflammation and protect skin structures.

    Disrupted Skin Barrier

    AGEs disrupt the skin's protective barrier, increasing susceptibility to environmental damage and dryness. The protective and moisturising properties of Ziziphus extract can help strengthen and repair the skin barrier.