What is SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter?
SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter is a high concentration anti-wrinkle cream that is formulated to improve the visible signs of aging caused by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Never heard of advanced glycation end products? In order to understand AGEs, we must first explain the process of glycation. Glycation occurs when sugars enter the circulation and attach themselves to the amino groups of tissue proteins, such as collagen, rearranging their structure into something called advanced glycation end products. As a result, AGEs cause once healthy collagen and elastin fibers to lose their elasticity, thereby becoming rigid, more brittle, and prone to breakage. Collagen and elastin are essential when it comes to maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter helps to preserve collagen and elastin by inhibiting the formation of AGEs. The brand claims that using this cream will help reduce the appearance of skin creping and thinning, visibly improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture, and restore water and nutrients to improve the look of skin firmness. To see if these claims hold true, read on to learn more about the key ingredients in SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter.
What are the key ingredients in SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter?
Inside the SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter formula you’ll find 30% concentration of Pro-Xylane, 4% blueberry extract, and 0.2% phytosphingosine. Below we’ll explain how each of these SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter ingredients works when applied to the skin.
Pro-Xylane, also known as hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol, is a patented ingredient by L’Oreal. It is a sugar-protein hybrid made from xylose, a monosaccharide (sugar) derived from wood. Pro-Xylane is a biomimetic, which means it mimics a biochemical process. Specifically, Pro-Xylane stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the skin. GAGs are long, unbranched polysaccharides consisting of repeating disaccharide units. They are responsible for supporting the structural proteins collagen and elastin, as well as functioning as the skin’s natural moisturizer. Research has determined that aged skin contains less GAGs than young skin, which is one reason skin loses hydration, resilience, and firmness over time. Thus, by stimulating the production of GAGs, the Pro-Xylane in SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter should help to keep skin hydrated and firm.
Blueberry extract is used in the SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter formula because it is both an antioxidant and anti-glycation ingredient that helps fortify skin’s matrix and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and laxity. The polyphenolic antioxidants in blueberry extract help the skin to combat free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
Phytosphingosine is one type of lipid that makes up the skin’s natural lipid barrier, which also contains about ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Without these essential lipids, the barrier is weakened. A weak or damaged barrier causes moisture to escape while also allowing harmful things like allergens, bacteria, and irritants to pass through into the deeper layers of skin. Ultimately, this can lead to the formation of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, sensitive skin, and even signs of aging. Using products that contain phytosphingosine, such as SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter, may help to prevent these problems.
We’d like to point out that there are several SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter ingredients that you may not want to put on your skin. First, the brand uses two types of parabens as preservatives in this product. There is still debate over whether or not the low concentration of parabens used in cosmetic products presents a harm to human health, but if you want to play it safe you should avoid using this serum. SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter also contains a couple synthetic fragrance ingredients. While these make the product smell pleasant, they also have the potential to cause sensitization and skin irritation.
How to use SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter
Once or twice daily, massage a thin, even layer of SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter onto the entire face, neck, and chest. If using in the morning, follow with a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. If using with a retinol at night, apply after retinol application.
Where is SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter sold?
SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter and other SkinCeuticals products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as third party ecommerce websites such as Amazon, eBay, Dermstore, and more. In addition, SkinCeuticals skincare products are sold by dermatologists and estheticians. The SkinCeuticals website has a locator so you can find a skincare professional near you that sells SkinCeuticals skincare.
What is the SkinCeuticals return policy?
The SkinCeuticals return policy states, “If for some reason you are not satisfied with your SkinCeuticals.com order, you can return it in its original packaging with the original packing slip within 30 days of purchase date. We do not process exchanges at this time.”
Is SkinCeuticals cruelty free?
SkinCeuticals is not cruelty free. SkinCeuticals is owned by L’Oréal, a company that tests on animals. L’Oréal does not conduct animal testing on their products or ingredients, nor ask others to test on our behalf, except when required by law. Since L’Oréal products are sold in China, they must test their products on animals by law.
