Cytokines & Aging Skin

Cytokines & Aging Skin

Cytokines:
Immune and repair functions are regulated by a group of skin chemicals called "cytokines." They include epidermal cell growth factor (ECGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), angiogenesis factor (AF), interleukin (IL), interferon (IF) and a number of others. These chemicals are produced by various cells within the skin as a result of physical or chemical injury. Some cytokines promote inflammation (redness, irritation, itching, etc.) while others promote the healing and repair processes. If you read the section on Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema), which is very interesting, you will see how BiON isolated the specific cytokines that promote the cascades of inflammation that are typical of eczema and prevent the healing and repair processes. BiON developed a formulation that blocks the specific inflammatory cytokines and thus achieves control or remission of eczema in about 84% of cases. On the other hand, effectively treating mature or damaged skin must involve the activation or stimulation of the specific cytokines involved in repair and healing.

Angiogenesis factor (AF) stimulates the rebuilding of the microvascular system and this cytokine comes into immediate action following injuries, especially cuts and abrasions. Transforming growth factor (TGF) and epidermal cell growth factor (ECGF) stimulate rapid cell development to replace dead or damaged cells and stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin to bind the wound together. Some interleukins (IL) and interferons (IF) assist in these functions and help protect against infection and foreign matter.

Cytokines repair injuries to the skin, including planned and controlled injuries like deep laser peels. Topical skin care products created for serious skin rejuvenation must contain ingredients that stimulate cytokine production to cause repair and they should contain other ingredients to help support these processes, such as antioxidants to inhibit free radicals produced by repair functions, adenosine triphosphate which is skin energy to support repair functions and a variety of other essential supports.

Vitamin A:
Volumes of research have been published on the precise roles of vitamin A within the skin. Vitamin A is able to attach to receptors on macrophage cells (specialized skin cells involved in immune and repair functions). Macrophages then produce AF and TGF, stimulating enhancement of the microvascular system and production of elastic fibers (collagen and elastin), producing long-term benefits. In the correct concentrations vitamin A can reverse the conditions of photo-aging (premature aging caused by sun damage) and many scientists believe it can reverse conditions of chronological aging.

In one study an 89% increase of the microvascular system was produced after six months of vitamin A use, in the same high concentration BiON uses. In a three month study there was improvement in skin thickness, elasticity and other healthful skin functions. Twelve months after discontinuing the vitamin A treatments 23% of the beneficial effects still remained. It should be mentioned that by improving the vascular integrity of the skin, vitamin A enables the skin to respond more effectively to other forms of therapeutic treatment because the skin regains an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, plus necessary waste removal.

The key word is "concentration." Most anti-aging cosmetic products contain so little active vitamin A they have no rejuvenating benefits. BiON's Vitamin A + Antioxidant Complex contains maximum allowable retinol (bio-active vitamin A) and produces results comparable or superior to the well-known prescriptive products. Routine use (daily or every other day for sensitive skin) of Vitamin A + Antioxidant Complex is the appropriate compliment to hydroxy and enzyme peels or microdermabrasion, giving the patient the long-term benefits of vitamin A and short-term benefits of exfoliation.

Betaglucan:
Betaglucan is a well recognized modulator of cytokines and is commonly incorporated into sterile dressings applied to skin wounds and surgical incisions to promote the healing process. While betaglucan (a yeast derivative) is not natural to the skin, for some reason it is able to attach to macrophage cell receptors and signal production of ECGF and TGF. Betaglucan stimulates the formation of new feeder vessels, promotes cellular proliferation and stimulates fibroblast cells to produce elastin and collagen. Betaglucan is contained in Bio-Essence Nighttime Calcium Complex, Moisture Complex, Ultra Moisture Renewal and Vitamin C + Calcium Complex.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5):
Panthenol is an important component of skin chemistry and regulation. It is known to have similar stimulatory abilities to betaglucan and is able to cause the production of ECGF and TGF. Medically we see it used in conjunction with skin grafts to produce rapid formation of new skin. It is also used to treat slow healing wounds. There is considerable research in process to determine the precise modes of action of panthenol in the healing and repair process. Panthenol is contained in Vitamin A + Antioxidant Complex, Bio-Essence Nighttime Calcium Complex and Moisture Complex.

Please continue to "Minerals & Skin Rejuvenation."

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