Franz Kafka once said, “Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.” He may be right, but the multi-billion dollar anti-aging cosmetics industry might have a quarrel with that claim. Baby boomers are entering their fifth and sixth decades endowed with better health and vigor than previous generations. Skincare has great importance to them and their younger counterparts for what is the face, if not a window into our vitality.

This theory might explain our appetite for “elixirs of juvenescence”. Creams that promise skin rejuvenation are pursued and purchased with the persistence of Ponce de Leon’s quest for the Fountain of Youth. If we look past the seductive claims, what do we know about anti-aging creams?

The factors that affect the appearance of skin are age, sun exposure, and smoking. Wrinkles occur when we stop producing collagen as we age. Cigarette smoking’s harmful respiratory effects are well documented, but its toll on the appearance should be noted. Sun exposure also contributes to the loss of collagen. Sunscreens rich in antioxidants can halt the sun damage that affects collagen production. Collagen, which is a protein lost due to age, can be replaced with Peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acid monomers known to increase production of collagen. Retinol A is a vitamin compound that stops the compounds that prevent collagen from forming. Though an effective agent, Retinol A requires about eight weeks of use to take effect. Hyaluronic acid is an agent that absorbs moisture, filling in the crevices that produce wrinkles.

Research affirms the effectiveness of these substances and they are all essential to El Con Health and Wellness Center’s skincare product lines. The ingredients are formulated to address the needs of different skin textures. The science of quality dermal absorption is present in all their gentle, non-irritating products. Effectively and elegantly designed, El Con Health and Wellness Center is the nexus between science and beauty.