Scientifically speaking

The Silence of the Genes

In recent years, scientists became fascinated with a new mechanism of aging that works similarly for every organ and tissue. This new mechanism is called epigenetic modifications and imply changes in our DNA that result from impaired gene regulation. In other words epigenetic modifications are changes in the DNA that do not require rewriting of the genetic code. What happens is merely silencing or inhibition of a certain genes that are normally active in young tissues. This can affect for example repair enzymes that normally promptly fix any damage caused by environmental factors. It could be genes responsible for synthesis of collagen or other important proteins. Or it can be genes that produce anti-inflammatory substances. Today we know that many widespread toxins, including those that can be found in cosmetics, can silence those important genes increasing inflammation and speeding up aging. However, there are other compounds – some of them are also found in cosmetics – that can reverse these changes by reactivating silenced genes.

Recent studies showed that some well known plant antioxidants such as flavonoids that are long used in skin care for prevention of oxidative stress and inflammation can actually reverse harmful epigenetic changes. However, most plant compounds are active in relatively high concentrations and act better when consumed, not applied to the skin.  Another emerging epigenetic modifier is the tri-peptide GHK-Cu. More and more evidence points to the fact that this small molecule can be a new hero of anti-aging medicine. First, all experimental data indicates that its effects on the cells and tissues are very positive – it helps to regenerate tissues, repair damage and reverse many age-related changes. Second, it appears to control a large number of human genes. It even can re-activate some silenced genes. Third, it is active at a very low micro and nanomolar concentrations. And finally, it is able to pass the skin layers, which many other compounds cannot do. To the best of our knowledge, none of the other compound used in today’s cosmetics possesses all three qualities at once. So next time, you dab on your favorite GHK-Cu based cream, think of your genes that could be silenced by harmful environmental toxins, and all of a sudden, they have a VOICE. Once again, your skin can manufacture all the essential enzymes and proteins to remain beautiful and radiant.

Product Highlight

Hair Signal Therapy Solution

The long noted fact that so many men go bald, while women just develop thinning of hair, prompted scientists to suspect that baldness is caused by male sex hormones, androgens. Eventually male hormone testosterone was established as the main culprit in male pattern hair loss. However, further research revealed much more complex picture, and up to date there is still no complete clarity why people lose their hair. However, there are several key factors which play their part in progressive loss of hair in both men and women.

1.             Harmful action of an active form of male sex hormone testosterone – dihydrotestosterone or DHT. Testosterone is converted into an active form by an enzyme 5-alpha-reductase in hair follicle and causes some follicles to shrink. Even if the blood level of testosterone is normal, high activity of an enzyme or a high sensitivity of a follicle due to impaired gene control can cause problems.

2.             Inflammation in the hair follicle that leads to scar formation and blockage of blood supply. As a result, the affected follicle begins to shrink. The main culprit there is a chemical called TGF-beta, which causes inflammation and scarring around hair follicles, restricting their growth and impeding circulation.

3.             Breakage of the hair due to the weakness of its keratin structure. It can be caused by aggressive styling, harmful hair products, frequent washing with hot water, weather factors, extreme dieting and many other factors.

4.             Insufficient vitality of hair follicle stem cells. As we age, stem cells in hair follicles may get damaged or inhibited, and as a result hair growth slows down or stops.

Since hair loss is usually caused by a combination of all four factors, to effectively combat hair loss, we need to address them all.

Skin Biology present a unique product Hair Signal Therapy Solution that combines copper-peptides in a synergetic formula using the regenerative power of SRCPs discovered by Dr. Loren Pickart and proven in published studies to increase hair growth and hair follicle size. Its formula is designed to target all the main mechanisms of the male and female pattern hair loss. In addition to SRCPs it contains a powerful blend of safe and natural compounds that have been scientifically proven to inhibit DHT action, reduce TGF-beta and inflammation, strengthen the keratin structure of the hair, improve circulation and revitalize stem cells.

SRCPs and copper – inhibit TGF-beta production, improve circulation, prevent free radical damage, and revitalize hair stem cells by changing their gene pattern to a younger state. Have been proven to increase hair growth and hair follicle size in humans, improve the “take” of transplanted hair plugs, reduce hair loss caused by chemotherapeutic drugs, and increase the recovery of hair loss caused by chemotherapeutic drugs.

Aloe Vera juice and gel – has moisturizing, conditioning, anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. It is exceptionally rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Camellia Sinensis (green tea) leaf extract – green tea extract is a well known antioxidant. It also possesses anti-inflammatory effect. In addition it supports female hormone function and reduces harmful effect of male hormones by blocking DHT.

Glycine – is an amino acid that is abundant in keratin. Glycine rich parts of the keratin protein are situated in the “head” and “tail” regions that is why the deficiency of glycine may result in weakening of keratin structure of the hair and “split ends”. Supplementation with glycine allows fast strengthening of the hair and preventing its breakage. 

Serenoa Repens (saw palmetto) fruit extract is derived from the dark purple berries of the American dwarf palm tree. The berries contain compounds possessing anti-androgenic effect – which means that they can counteract harmful effects of excessive male hormones. Unlike many other anti-androgenic substances, saw palmetto is able to inhibit both types of 5-alpha-reductase – type I and II, blocking DHT in the prostate and hair follicles as well. In addition, Serenoa repens berries have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and can inhibit the production of inflammation-inducing chemicals in the hair follicle.

Pygeum Africanum bark extract – is an extract from bark of an African tree Prunus Africanum. It has been long used in African folk medicine for treatment of prostate enlargement in men. Current research determined that this plant contains two compounds, N-butylbenzene-sulfonamide (NBBS) and atraric acid, which can effectively counteract unwanted effects of male sex hormones on prostate and hair follicle cells. In addition, Pygeum Africanum bark extract inhibits TGF-beta, reducing hair loss caused by inflammation in the hair follicle.

Astaxantin – is a carotenoid - it belongs to the same class of phytochemicals as beta-carotene and lutein. Astaxantin is a pigment, which, like all other carotenoids, possesses strong antioxidant activity.  However, unlike well known beta-carotene, which is found in carrots and other orange and yellow root vegetables, or lutein from tomatoes, astaxantin mostly occurs in such foods as salmon, shrimp, krill, microalgae, trout etc, giving them their characteristic pinkish color.  The main natural source for astaxantin is marine microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis.

Directions: Apply a light amount to the scalp once a day. Hair Signals Therapy Solution may work best for general areas of thinning; Hair Signals Therapy Cream may work best for hairlines. Massage into the scalp. Hair Signals Therapy Solution and Cream can be used with other hair stimulators such as Minoxidil. 

Active ingredients:

Copper peptides, cupric chloride, allantoin, glycine, salicylic acid, Camellia Sinensis (green tea) leaf extract,  Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) leaf juice and gel, Serenoa Repens (saw palmetto) fruit extract, tocophersolan (vitamin E), Pygeum Africanum extract, astaxanthin.