After scouring dozens, if not hundreds, of ingredient lists for beauty and skin care products, it’s safe to say that many products these days contain almost identical formulations. While there’s nothing wrong with using tried-and-true ingredients that have proven efficacy, it’s always exciting to learn about a company developing products with truly innovative ingredients. One brand doing exactly that is DefenAge. Touted as a breakthrough anti-aging ingredient, the Age-Repair Defensins found within DefenAge are said to naturally and effectively rejuvenate your skin. To determine if these claims are true, below we’re discussing the key products and formulations behind DefenAge Skin Care.
\Key products
You’ll find all of DefenAge’s key products within the core 3-piece regimen called the Clinical Power Trio. This regimen contains the 2-Minute Reveal Masque, the 24/7 Barrier Balance Cream, and the 8-in-1 BioSerum.
The DefenAge 2-Minute Reveal Masque is a triple enzyme resurfacing masque that is said to brighten skin within minutes. This masque exfoliates the top layers of skin through a blend of ultrafine sugar crystals along with three enzymes: pumpkin ferment extract, papain (from papaya fruit), and pomegranate extract. Additionally, this masque contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that breaks down keratin between dead skin cells in order to reveal a new layer of healthy, clear skin.
The DefenAge 24/7 Barrier Balance Cream features Age-Repair Defensins (discussed in detail below) infused into a hydrating, lightweight cream. Ingredients within this product that are well known for added hydration the skin include shea butter, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, panthenol, vitamin E, and many more.
The final product found in the Defenage Clinical Power Trio regimen is the 8-in-1 BioSerum.
This product is named “8-in-1” because the brand claims that results are equal to 8 separate serums. The 8-in-1 BioSerum also features DefenAge’s signature Age-Repair Defensins, along with several other beneficial peptides. Peptides are commonly used in anti-aging products due to their ability to increase collagen production. Since collagen is a protein that helps to maintain smooth, firm skin, it makes sense to include peptides in anti-aging products like the DefenAge 8-in-1 BioSerum.
Key formulation
The key formulation behind the DegenAge products is something called Age-Repair Defensins, which are a combination of alpha and beta defensins. If you’re not familiar with defensins, they are defense peptides which protect the host from bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Alpha defensins are predominant within the gut and play a role in maintaining healthy gut flora. Beta defensins are predominant in and on the skin and protect the body from pathogens.
Interestingly, research has shown that alpha defensins are pro-inflammatory, which means that they cause inflammation. Most anti-aging products contain ingredients that are anti-inflammatory since inflammation is a significant cause of visible signs of aging. So why would DefenAge formulate their anti-aging line of products with an ingredient that will cause inflammation? An article from Bare Faced Truth theorizes that DefenAge included alpha defensins in their formulation despite the fact that they are pro-inflammatory because inflammation causes mild swelling, which can contribute to skin appearing more plump with reduced appearance of fine lines.
In contrast to alpha defensins, beta defensins are anti-inflammatory. Beta defensins are secreted by skin cells and exhibit antimicrobial activity. This means beta defensins protect your body from infection by killing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. By including beta defensins in their products, DefenAge provides a way to strengthen the skin’s barrier function, which in turn could prevent signs of aging.
Reviews
DefenAge includes multiple testimonials on their website from esteemed physicians and dermatologists who praise the science behind the DefenAge products. For instance, Dr. Barry Dibernardo, MD, a world renowned plastic surgeon says, “DefenAge is a paradigm shift for skin care seen only once per decade. Both a stand alone breakthrough, yet complimentary to other skin care treatments and technologies.”
In addition to statements from medical professionals, DefenAge also features reviews from their clinical study participants and consumers. Many of these reviews state that their skin improved by 100% after using DefenAge products for just six weeks. The main changes that participants noticed were a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles and also improvements in the texture and appearance of their complexion.
In sum, DefenAge presents a unique line of anti-aging skin care products that feature Age-Repair Defensins as the breakthrough ingredient to give you more youthful-looking skin.
