Breakthrough skincare: 7 ingredients to watch in 2009
Sirtuin activators
What they are: Sirtuins are enzymes that have been shown to potentially repair DNA and regulate genes connected with aging. But first, the sirtuins need to be activated by an agent such as resveratrol, commonly found in red wine, or epigallocatechin, found in green tea.
What they do: Sirtuins allow us to address skin care from a totally different direction, says Dr. John Gross, director of cosmetic surgery education at USC. Instead of combating the appearance of fine lines, products that activate sirtuins can potentially slow down the clock and prevent signs of aging, he says.
Status: Resveratrol still has a long way to go in clinical studies, says Dr. Vermén Verallo-Rowell. But coupled with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its worth keeping an eye on.
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Astaxanthin
What it is: Described as the ultimate antioxidant by New York dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark, astaxanthin is up to 1,000 times more potent than vitamin E. It is also found in nature as the fat-soluble pigment found in salmon and algae.
Why it looks promising: This is a retinoid form of vitamin A and has all the typical benefits of retinoids providing antioxidant protection and stimulating cell renewal, Murad says. And according to a recent study, astaxanthin decreased hyper-pigmentation by more than 40%, Mark says.
Status: More clinical trials are necessary to prove its effectiveness.
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