The study looks at advanced glycation end (AGE) products and how the ingredient promotes mechanisms to counteract the damage they do to the skin.
Advanced glycation end products are a specific form of cellular waste formed by spontaneous bonding of sugar to proteins, DNA and lipids.
In AGE-damaged skin, the collagen fibres of the dermis are crosslinked by sugar derivatives and can thus no longer move independently.
This results in the development of ageing symptoms such as wrinkles and decreased elasticity and firmness. Because of the inherent coloration of the sugar molecules, an increased level of AGE can cause the skin to appear sallow and yellowish.
Solution
In dealing with this issue, Rahn has been testing its Protolea product, which contains the ingredients jujube and olive, and found that it promotes mechanisms to counteract AGE-damages in skin.
This is done as oleuropein activates the proteasome, the natural recycling system of skin cells and thus helps reduce existing levels of AGE, according to Rahn.
Furthermore, due to their anti-oxidative properties oleuropein and jujube generally have an AGE-reducing potential and prevent the formation of new AGE.
In a new double-blind, placebo-controlled and randomized in-vivo study, Rahn claims to have demonstrated the anti-AGE-effect of Protolea, as after four weeks of application the active reduced the accumulation of AGE in the skin and noticeably improved skin complexion and radiance.
Rahn launched Protolea over three years ago. The active contains an olive leaf extract with oleuropein which activates the proteasome, and an extract from Chinese date (jujube) which enhances the anti-oxidative defence system of the skin, preventing the formation of oxidised proteins.
The four claims Rahn makes for the active are that it detoxifies by activating the proteasome which slows down with age; anti-glycation, as it reduces the accumulation of advanced glycation end products; anti-pollution, as it strengthens the skin’s antioxidant defense system; and anti-ageing, as it rejuvenates the eye area.