As we get older, two components of our skin--collagen and
elastin--degenerate, setting the stage for the appearance of wrinkles, creases, folds, and furrows. The
breakdown of these components, accelerated by sun exposure and gravity, results in the sagging skin of old
age.
Illustration by Renée Gordon. Source: National Institute on
Aging.
Considerable research has been done to understand the aging process, and
studies now show that products containing bioactive ingredients (those that interact with living tissues or
systems) can benefit sun-damaged, discolored, and aging skin, giving consumers new choices for restoring
their overall appearance. But why is the FDA reviewing products that simply make people look and feel good
when typically the agency evaluates disease-fighting treatments?
|