Every now and then there is a quantum leap in the world of anti-aging. The next step: Skin creams that enhance our genetic capabilities.
The trend in non-invasive cosmetic procedures today is to use the body’s own natural repair processes to jumpstart or accelerate regenerative processes. Actually, it’s not entirely new; even traditional chemical peels work by forcing the skin to renew itself with fresh collagen production.
With advances in biochemistry, however, this concept of assisting cellular renewal is reaching new depths, taking skin care down to the genetic level.
Helping cells repair themselves genetically was one of the goals of Ron Moy, M.D., a Beverly Hills dermatologist who is also a professor of dermatology at UCLA. Dr. Moy spent years researching cellular repair at UCLA before going into full-time private practice. Among other accolades, Dr. Moy—currently president of the American Academy of Dermatology—is one of the foremost specialists in the treatment of skin cancers.
While researching skin cancer treatments at UCLA, Dr. Moy discovered that the same enzymes and growth factors that can repair precancerous and cancerous conditions also dramatically improves the skin’s appearance. The next step was inevitable. “After using it for cancer patients and seeing the beneficial side effects, we decided to try and use it cosmetically,” he says.
The result is the DNA/EGF Renewal cream line, which uses “epidermal growth factors and DNA repair enzymes” to undo the effects of aging, sun damage and environmental stressors.
How It Works
For years, retinoid products have been the go-to solution for dermatologists and skin repair. According to Dr. Moy, the mechanism for his DNA Renewal product line is far more potent. “We say, ‘Repair the past, protect the future,’ because it definitely repairs past DNA damage and protects against future damage,” he says.
Dr. Moy stresses that the DNA/EGF creams don’t do anything our bodies don’t already do. Our skin cells have enzymes that repair the damage when DNA gets broken down by sun damage or a carcinogen. But in some of us, the process is not as efficient as it could be. “We all have enzymes that repair this, but as we get older we have less,” Dr. Moy explains.
Indeed, a slew of scientific data shows that certain topical enzymes and growth factors actually help repair the breaks in DNA structure caused by environmental and aging processes. Collagen production increases, skin tightens and thickens, fine lines diminish, and pores get smaller. “It’s the only thing I’ve seen that really does that, and the effect is faster and more dramatic than you see with Retin-A,” says Dr. Moy.
While the use of genetic growth-factor serums is not unique—L’Oreal’s Youth Code boasts gene research—the DNA/EGF claims a proprietary formula. “Most growth factors made via bioengineering are made from ecoli… so they’re not very stable and they don’t work that well, not to mention that the bacteria can even cause death,” says Dr. Moy. “But that’s the only way it’s made in the U.S.” The growth factor used in the DNA/EGF line is bio-engineered in Iceland from barley, making it safe, stable and effective. “This epidermal growth factor really helps heal wounds faster. My daughters use it to heal pimples.” For the rest of us, it’s just smooth, glowing, wrinkle-free skin that we want.
While the use of genetic growth-factor serums is not unique—L’Oreal’s Youth Code boasts gene research—the DNA/EGF claims a proprietary formula. “Most growth factors made via bioengineering are made from ecoli… so they’re not very stable and they don’t work that well, not to mention that the bacteria can even cause death,” says Dr. Moy. “But that’s the only way it’s made in the U.S.” The growth factor used in the DNA/EGF line is bio-engineered in Iceland from barley, making it safe, stable and effective. “This epidermal growth factor really helps heal wounds faster. My daughters use it to heal pimples.” For the rest of us, it’s just smooth, glowing, wrinkle-free skin that we want.The DNA/EGF Renewal line is available through the California Health and Longevity Institute, at the Moy/Fincher practice in Beverly Hills, Calif., and online at www.dnaegfrenewal.com.
