La Roche-Posay Introduces The 1st Anti-Aging Product to Help Fight Glycation and Oxidation(1)

NEW YORK, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Dermatologists identify two major causes of skin aging: glycation and oxidation(3). As a result, dermatologists recommend antioxidants everyday to help prevent skin aging. Accordingly, 40% of women want a moisturizer/treatment that both prevents and reduces signs of aging(4). To address the major causes of aging and the demand of the market, La Roche-Posay, the brand recommended by over 25,000 dermatologists worldwide, introduces a new approach to skin aging: DERM AOX, the 1st Anti-Glycation(2) + Anti-Oxidation Serum(1). This serum is the first product of its kind to help prevent not only oxidation, but now glycation(1). DERM AOX inhibits the glycation process and protects against cell oxidation to slow the skin aging process, smooth wrinkles and restore radiance.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091104/NY04434 )

What is glycation?
Comparable to a "caramelization" reaction, sugar molecules naturally present in the skin adhere to collagen and elastin fibers, hardening them. As the skin ages, these sugar molecules create rigid bridges between fibers, called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). AGEs, in turn stiffen the entire internal structure of the skin, making it brittle. As a result, skin loses suppleness and wrinkles set-in.

What is oxidation?
External aggressors (sun, pollution, stress) trigger free radicals in the skin. This leads to an oxidative chain reaction in the skin and can cause damage to cell DNA. This damage (similar to rusting) causes cell renewal to slow down. The result is a loss of radiance and vitality in the skin.

INNOVATION: The Solution to BOTH Causes of Aging - NEW La Roche-Posay DERM AOX:
A breakthrough formula, which synergistically combines three ingredients, chosen for their unique abilities to combat glycation and oxidation.

• Anti-glycation action: Carnosine, a molecule stemming from diabetes research, acts like a "magnet" by attracting sugar molecules to itself instead of to collagen fibers, helping to prevent the skin's matrix from stiffening and thus maintaining skin's suppleness. Carnosine is scientifically proven to inhibit the glycation process by 33%(5).
  

• Anti-oxidant action: Pycnogenol®, a maritime pine extract, is one of the world's most powerful anti-oxidants. Its anti-oxidant action is 20 times greater than that of Vitamin C and 50 times greater than Vitamin E(6). Scientifically proven to reduce oxidative stress by 49%(7), Pycnogenol® neutralizes free radicals and helps protect skin cells from damage.
  

• Anti-wrinkle action: Vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant, helps neutralize chain reactions triggered by free radicals. Vitamin C also helps restore skin structure, smooth skin texture and increase radiance. 77% of patients demonstrated a significant reduction in the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles(8).
  

DERM AOX Anti-Glycation(2) + Anti-Oxidation Serum is a lightweight fresh, hydrating gel fluid, a "must have" for every stage of aging and all skin types. It is paraben-free, non-comedogenic and has a hypoallergenic fragrance. The result: the facial skin is instantly more radiant and wrinkles are smoothed.

DERM AOX from La Roche-Posay has a suggested retail price of $55.00 and can be purchased at select physicians' offices, CVS/pharmacy, Duane Reade and Longs locations with Dermo-Skincare Centers, and online at www.laroche-posay.us beginning in November 2009.

About LA ROCHE-POSAY
La Roche-Posay is the brand recommended by 25,000 dermatologists worldwide offering adjunctive therapy daily skincare and in-office chemical peel products formulated with highly concentrated ingredients targeting every skin's needs. Products are tested on sensitive skin. Its daily use products include formulations that are based on thermal spring water rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant. Formulations are clinically proven for safety and efficacy that enhance overall treatment results and reduce related side effects that can improve consumer quality of life. Its range of professional products is composed of in-office procedures, including chemical peels as well as pre and post care products / protocols to increase procedure efficacy and optimize safety.

(1) On the mass market
(2) Based on in-vitro testing
(3) In addition to UVA rays
(4) U&A 2005
(5) Protocol: in vitro test. Densitometric analysis of AGE production after Dot-Blot immunodentection *p less than 0.0001
(6) Source: Cossins et al., Biochem Mol Biol Int, 45: 583-597, 1998 Packer et al., Free Rad Biol Med 27: 704-724, 1999
(7) Protocol: ICL-S Technique (Induced Chemiluminesence of Human Skin) ; in vivo measurement of photonic emission following UVA-induced oxidative stress on 24 subjects over 20 days; once daily application. *p less than 0.0001
(8) 90% of test patients demonstrated a significant improvement in skin's radiance. Protocol: CHU Besancon, clinical scoring tests conducted on 2 groups of 30 women aged 35 to 45, under dermatological supervision. Blind study DERM AOX Serum vs Placebo. Twice daily facial application for 6 months.