Hydrapharm : Elixium Anti Aging

The Elixium Origin Story

Elixium is a product with a serendipitous origin. One of the R&D members at Hydrapharm was remarking to a biochemist friend he was meeting how the field of anti-aging supplementation seemed focused on supplements as opposed to cosmetics, despite the market for cosmetics being much larger than that for supplements. Furthermore, the cosmetics industry was one where he argued pseudoscience dominates and it did not make sense this field was ignored, after all we all want to look good.

At that point his friend mentioned how actually he had developed a formula which his wife had used for the past two years and suitably intrigued, they started to discuss potential ingredients to add or subtract into such a product. While the product had worked well for his wife, the biochemist was not interested in the field of cosmetics so that initial conversation led to the genesis of Elixium, with a couple of tweaks made to the formulation over the years.

To understand this product, here is a short primer on the issues it seeks to help overcome.

What causes aging of the skin?

The rate at which skin ages is down to more than just our chronological age with other key factors including diet, exercise, genetics, exposure to sunlight, stress response activation, and ingestion of toxic substances such as alcohol and cigarettes. Some of these can be altered by us easily, with others being more difficult to do or even impossible in the case of changing our genes.

What is particularly difficult to overcome are the negative effects of a lifetime’s worth of doing the wrong kind of things. This can mean two very similar individuals, even if they’re from the same family, can appear to age at significantly different rates.

The science behind aging

Aging is a multifactorial process about which we are still finding out more information every year. However there are two key processes which can definitely contribute to accelerated aging which we need to understand at the granular level.

The role played by telomere shortening

Telomeres are DNA sequences which occur at the end of your chromosomes. Aging is associated with a shortening of these structures, something which numerous studies have validated.[1][2][3] Not only does telomere shortening contribute to aging but those with shorter telomeres are found to be at greater risk of a host of disorders as these studies cited show.

One of the ingredients included in Elixium is a telomerase activator, cycloastrageol, a substance which has been shown to activate telomerase[4][5] and extend telomere length[6] with applications considered for the treatment of aging-related diseases including improving skin fitness and improving skin healing[7][8]. Cycloastragenol is readily absorbed through the skin and has research supporting its ability to reduce inflammation of the skin[9], improve skin texture, reduce redness, improve skin colour and clarity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.[10][11]

Taken orally, cycloastragenol has yet more benefits by virtue of its inherent anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects[12] and it is considered one of the most promising nutraceuticals for those interested in anti-aging supplementation which is one reason this was originally introduced by Hydrapharm in their oral cycloastragenol product.

How Glycation leads to AGEs that cause aging

Among the various pathways which contribute to aging perhaps the primary culprit is the process of glycation which is a process where a sugar binds to a protein. Glycation has long been considered to play a significant role in the aging process[13][14][15] with glycation of proteins resulting in crosslinking and the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contributing to aged skin[16][17][18]. These AGEs are detrimental to a host of conditions being contributing factors to a host of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, kidney failure, and Alzheimer’s as well as acting as a biomarker for aging[19][20]. However, the most abundant protein in the body is collagen[21] which is found in the skin of course, and with age we see decreased levels which results in worsening skin texture.

At this point it may be helpful to know that one of the biggest contributors to the glycation process is through a diet high in sugar[22] or even complex carbohydrates especially if ingested at a time when insulin sensitivity is reduced (meaning you are less able to utilise insulin for directing nutrients to muscle) with high sugar intakes directly implicated to premature aging[23][24]. Something to think about the next time you think about going for dessert?

Could AGE-Breakers unlock the path to better aging?

Now we know how important glycation and advanced glycation end products are in causing aging to occur we turn our attention to the potential of AGE-breakers to help combat the formation of these end products.

Within the Elixium formula we have included an AGE-breaker (alagebrium aka ALT-711). This particular compound has largely been investigated as a treatment for some aging associated diseases such as improving sexual function in type 1 diabetics more than insulin alone[25] cardiovascular pathologies[26][27], diabetes[28][29][30][31] (also linked to formation of AGEs) but also as a topical for improving the appearance of skin, something which has been demonstrated with topical use improving skin hydration[32] as well as helping maintain an optimal level of oxygenation whilst minimising the lack of blood flow to the skin which can occur as we age[33] and improving dermal tissue repair [34] with less potent ingredients which act similarly to alagebrium already employed in some anti-wrinkle creams.[35]

What to expect from Elixium and what else you can do

Elixium is far more than two ingredients and is also designed to help protect the skin through acting as an effective moisturiser, aiding hydration, and supporting your skin to look its best. With typical results noticed in a couple of weeks, we recommend using this in conjunction with a low sugar diet, while avoiding too many foods which trigger the so-called Maillard Reaction, a process that accelerates the formation of advanced glycation end products, exactly the thing we want to avoid. In addition, users of Elixium should also ensure they exercise regularly, whilst those wanting the very best in anti-aging results should consider taking this alongside the other Hydrapharm anti-aging series products, Immortal and the oral cycloastragenol product, both of which will provide an additive effect that works both inside and out.

Lastly, we advise that for those who are not currently needing this type of product, you should consider winning the fight that will come before you by starting on this early as prevention is always better than cure.