New Topical Cream Claims to Increase Elastin, Reduce Wrinkles

For years, scientists have been researching methods to restore the skin’s elasticity, in hopes to reduce and prevent wrinkles in any skin type. Elastin, a protein in connective tissue that permits tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting with regular movement, begins to diminish by the age of 12 or 13 when the body decreases production. As a result, the elastin fibers begin to deteriorate. This leads, over time, to the typical signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles and sagging.

On Monday, Revance Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical research company based in California, released a new product called Relastin™, the first product to clinically demonstrate an increase of elastin in the skin. It is said to restore a youthful complexion by penetrating the skin and working with the skin’s cells to promote new elastin growth.

A press release by Revance Therapeutics claims that clinical studies with Relastin™ resulted in a visible difference in 84% of studied subjects following four weeks of testing. The new topical treatment has been shown to hydrate, tighten and smooth the skin in a manner similar to cosmetic injectables and other more invasive treatments.Relastin™ is released as Eye Silk for the under-eye area and Skin Revitalizer for all-over facial use.

Niqeuette Hunt, vice president of cosmetic and OTC products for Revance Therapeutics, is excited about the product’s release. "Relastin™ works from the inside out to foster the restoration of elastin and create a healthier, more youthful appearance,” she says. “Many products have claimed to be ‘cosmetic breakthroughs,’ but Relastin’s™ clinical studies prove remarkable effectiveness.”

According to Revance Therapeutics, clinical data shows that skin treated with the patent-pending Zinc Firming Complex™ found exclusively in Relastin™ contained more elastin than untreated skin. Following two weeks of testing, users of the product noted visible differences and experienced a decrease in dark circles, a reduction in eye puffiness and minimized fine lines and wrinkles.

If Relastin™ lives up to the claims of the clinical trials, other heavy-hitters in the cosmetic industry may have a run for their money. A topical cream that boosts elastin production would have a more permanent effect than current popular treatments for wrinkles. Rather than freezing the muscles with Botox® Cosmetic, or plumping the wrinkles with dermal fillers, Relastin™ is said to address the issue at its root. While this could be the next fountain of youth, it is important to hold out on further studies and trials to prove the product’s capabilities.

Survey Shows Growing Desire for Plastic Surgery in U.S.

According to a survey done on RealSelf.com, consumer interest in plastic surgery is increasing despite the recession. The survey, which was developed by Harris Interactive®, interviewed 2,148 U.S. adults aged 18 years and older. While the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported earlier this year that the 2009 numbers were down, the American desire to be more attractive has renewed. Harris Interactive® surveyed 2,148 adults online and 69 percent said they would choose to have cosmetic work done if money wasn't an issue. This is a 15 point ( 54%) jump from November 2009, when the survey was taken.

Of those surveyed who would get cosmetic work done, 29 percent would choose a tummy tuck, 23 percent would select liposuction, and 13 percent would opt for a face lift. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the top five surgical procedures in 2009 were: liposuction, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, and abdominoplasty. The data from both sources suggests that the desire for plastic surgery procedures is based on people preferring more sizable changes over minor nips and tucks.

The survey also reported that the three most popular cosmetic treatments desired by women are the same procedures often associated with the “Mommy Makeover”. Forty-six percent of women aged 35-44 would have an abdominoplasty if money weren't an issue. Of women aged 18-34, 34 percent would undergo a tummy tuck. Another 34% of women aged 35-44 would undergo a breast lift, and 28 percent would choose liposuction. With cosmetic surgery among men growing in popularity, 29 percent of men surveyed would undergo liposuction. The survey also recorded the cosmetic procedures people planned to undergo within the next 12 months in order to gauge future trends in plastic surgery. Of the people surveyed, 23% plan a hair removal procedure, 11% seek dermal fillers, while only 3 percent noted they will have Botox® injections in the coming year. As far as surgical cosmetic procedures, here is the top 5 lineup: blepharoplasty (27%), hair replacement (18%), face lift (13%), abdominoplasty (12%), and breast lift (12%).

It is interesting to see if this survey, taken from a small sample of subjects, will accurately predict the upcoming trends in cosmetic surgery. Will laser hair removal throw Botox® off its throne? Will breast augmentation be ousted by the tummy tuck? We will have to wait and see!

*Chart and data courtesy of MedSpaRX.com