Iron is an important mineral that our bodies need to function properly, including for oxygen transport, energy production, and DNA synthesis. As we age, iron accumulates in our skin and contributes to the aging process via several mechanisms. It is a catalyst for oxidation reactions and initiates the cascade of oxidative reactions that results in oxidative stress, the impairment of skin cell function, and promotion of AGE (advanced glycation end product) formation. While iron is an essential mineral for various physiological processes, excessive iron accumulation in the skin has detrimental effects on skin appearance and contributes to skin aging.
Iron accumulation in the skin is believed to occur through a process called cutaneous iron deposition, which involves the accumulation of iron in the skin tissue over time. This accumulation is thought to be a consequence of both internal and external sources of iron. Internal sources of iron include the breakdown of haemoglobin from red blood cells, while external sources can come from diet, air pollution, and iron-containing cosmetic products. For example, iron oxide is found in make-up and in clay masks.
When iron accumulates in the skin, it is a catalyst that can trigger a cascade of reactions that generate harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and damage to the skin's components, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. This oxidative stress can accelerate the aging process by causing inflammation and collagen breakdown.
Iron accumulation in the skin can also impair the function of skin cells, including fibroblasts, which are responsible for producing collagen and other extracellular matrix components that provide structural support to the skin. Iron-induced oxidative stress can disrupt collagen synthesis and promote collagen degradation, leading to decreased skin elasticity and increased skin sagging and wrinkling, which are characteristic signs of skin aging.
Iron is lost from the body via sweat, desquamation, and menstruation. As we get older the skin renewal process slows, allowing for greater iron accumulation. Another factor that contributes to cutaneous iron deposition is sun exposure. Iron accumulation in the skin is linked to the cause of negatively perceived accelerated skin changes for women post menopause, as they have lost an important mechanism for maintaining iron homeostasis and why exercise and the resultant perspiration becomes even more important. As we become older our skin requires more assistance to counteract the accumulation of iron and resultant oxidative stress. At the same time our skins antioxidant capacity is reducing, requiring our skincare to be able to topically boost antioxidants and neutralise iron simultaneously. We need to be mindful of and avoid cosmetics and skincare that contain iron oxide, so not to further increase iron accumulation within the skin exacerbating oxidative stress.
Vitis V Face TonIQ has the ability to increase the antioxidant capacity and to neutralise iron, counteracting the simultaneous loss of antioxidants and iron accumulation in the skin.
Recent research has shown that proanthocyanidins can help prevent the negative effects of iron accumulation in the skin. Proanthocyanidins are known for their super antioxidant properties and can protect against iron-induced skin aging through a process called chelation.
Chelation is a chemical process in which a compound binds to a metal ion, such as iron, and forms a stable complex. This complex prevents the metal ion from participating in harmful chemical reactions, such as oxidation, by sequestering it and rendering it less reactive. In the case of proanthocyanidins, they can chelate iron, forming stable complexes with iron ions in the skin.
By chelating iron, proanthocyanidins can inhibit the formation of ROS and subsequent oxidative stress in the skin. This can help protect the skin from collagen breakdown, inflammation, and other damaging effects of iron accumulation, ultimately slowing down the perceived negative changes on the skin. Proanthocyanidins can also scavenge existing ROS and neutralise them, further reducing oxidative stress in the skin.
In addition to their chelating properties, proanthocyanidins have been shown to have other beneficial effects on the skin, such as promoting collagen synthesis and inhibiting enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin. Proanthocyanidins also bond with the enzyme responsible for uneven skin tone and pigmentation including hyperpigmentation. This can help maintain skin elasticity, firmness and evenness which are important factors in preventing the visible characteristics referred to as ageing.
In summary the accumulation of iron in the skin as we age can accelerate the aging process through oxidative stress and other biological mechanisms. However, proanthocyanidins, through their chelation and antioxidant properties can help counteract the negative effects of iron accumulation in the skin by inhibiting the formation of ROS and protecting against oxidative stress. Proanthocyanidins have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and enzyme neutralising properties, which further contribute to their protective effects against skin aging.
A foundational ingredient in Vitis V Face TonIQ is white grape seed extract made by us without heat or solvents from unfermented grape seeds. Grape seeds are a rich source of proanthocyanidins.
The brilliance of Vitis V Face Toniq is it boosts the compounds and precursors that are already in your skin and required by your skin for optimal function, Compounds that you normally lose with time. These compounds act synergistically and symbiotically to support optimal skin function and mitigate skin changes.
Vitis V Face TonIQ skincare is biochemically active in its pure, clean, nutrient rich, naturally occurring unaltered state that contains essential components, multiple sources of antioxidants and multi functional synergistic action for optimal skin function.
Vitis V Face TonIQ is bio-inspired meaning; inspired by or based on biological structures or processes. It has multi-functional activity and contains only two naturally occurring ingredients from unfermented grape seeds. These contain essential nutrients for optimal skin function and super antioxidants proanthocyanidins that exhibit robust redox balancing and iron chelation properties, mitigating oxidative stress and the subsequent changes to skin.
Skin function does equal skin appearance.
Vitis V is built on understanding the link between the science and function of skin and the regenerative power of nature. Working with nature to boost your skins antioxidant defenses and alleviate iron induced oxidative stress to prevent skin changes.
Active skincare should contain effective compounds with antioxidant and iron chelating properties. Vitis V Face TonIQ has this multi-functional action so that you can achieve your most radiant and nourished skin.
Shedding a New Light on Skin Aging, Iron- and Redox-Homeostasis and Emerging Natural Antioxidants
Menopause increases the iron storage protein ferritin in skin