The anti-ageing industry is big business in the UK. There seem to be countless creams, lotions and potions on the market, all promising to rewind time and give us back the tighter, less-lined faces we had when we were younger.
In addition to all these products on the high street shelves, an ever expanding niche within the anti-ageing supplements market is nutraceuticals; drugs that, when taken, supposedly help the user to look and feel younger.
As a result of the sheer volume of products available on the market, it’s unsurprising that many are sceptical as to how well these wonder-products actually work. However, recent studies suggest that some drugs can actually reverse the signs of ageing. The big question remains: are they effective?
Anti-ageing Supplements: Can they Make You Look Younger?
There are currently a number of drugs available to purchase online, which promise to reduce wrinkles, plump and firm skin and create a fresher, rejuvenated look. One such examples is Youth, which is a supplement supplied by Beauty Works West in London.
Dr Daniel Sister, who supplies the anti-ageing supplements to his clients, claims that the amino acids present in the pill help to stimulate hormones in the body, which get to work repairing skin damage and reducing the effects of free radicals.
Dinny Hall (50), one of Sister’s customers, states that she is a ‘different person’ after taking Youth. She goes on to claim that her ‘skin looks great’ and that her ‘face feels firmer.’
Revive Q10 Plus is another product that promises to smooth out lines and make the skin appear fresher. Interestingly, research investigating the effects of the amino acids in this drug found that it was also effective in helping to lower cholesterol.
However, products such as these tend to cost around £60 for a month’s supply, so they’re certainly not a cheap option!
Rewinding the Effects of Time?
A study carried out by Harvard University and the University of NSW suggests that a chemical called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) can actively reverse the ageing process. The research involved several 2-year old mice, who were given this chemical over the period of a week.
After the week was up, researchers noted that the key indicators of age in the mice had reverted to those of a six month old. In human terms, this is the equivalent of making a 60 year old feel as though they were 20 again.
Trials are currently continuing on human subjects. However, the scientists responsible are optimistic that this ‘wonder drug’ may be used to not only make people feel younger, but effectively treat diseases such as diabetes, dementia and even cancer.
Do They Really Work?
Although some users claim that they’ve experienced great results from using nutraceuticals, others are more sceptical. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting, notes that many of the studies that companies use to back up the effectiveness of their products are actually not very impressive when examined in detail. She says: ‘Most studies are too short to be significant, or use unusual methods of measuring their results, or are published in obscure journals.’
While it is unclear whether certain anti-ageing supplements can banish wrinkles, it is clear that certain natural ingredients can have a significant impact on the appearance of your skin so you may like to include these anti-ageing foods in your diet:
- Oats
- Oranges and other sources of Vitamin C
- Brussels sprouts
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
- Oily fish
- Lean beef
- Soy foods
Finally, what most experts do agree on is that adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating the right foods and exercising, are the most effective ways of making you feel and look younger.
