Nu Skin Presents Findings at ASCS

PROVO, Utah—Additional research on a newly identified internal free radical generator, age-related NOX (arNOX), by scientists working with Nu Skin Enterprises Inc. linked the enzyme to age-related skin damage, such as decreased elasticity and discoloration. The research was presented at the 9th Scientific Conference of the Asian Societies of Cosmetic Scientists (ASCS), March 2 to 4, in Yokohama, Japan.

“We know that arNOX, which is an internal source of aging, generates damaging superoxide free radicals at a rate that accelerates as we age,” said Joe Chang, chief scientific officer at Nu Skin. “This latest research correlates arNOX activity with an increase in cross links in the skin, leading us to the conclusion that arNOX is indeed a contributor to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which contributes to the appearance of lines and wrinkles and other signs of aging skin.”

“New understanding of skin biology and the internal contributors to skin damage and aging are leading to novel technologies for cosmeceutical products,” said Ashok Pahwa, chief marketing officer at Nu Skin. “Nu Skin invests significant resources in research and development to be able to market exclusive anti-aging products that demonstrate effective results for our consumers who want to look as young as they feel.”

The study measured arNOX activity and autofluorescence in punch biopsies of dermis and epidermis and compared that to the age of the sample subject. arNOX activity increased as the age of the subjects increased and correlated well with the autofluorescence of the skin. Autofluoresence is a way of measuring cross-linked molecules in collagen and elastin, two important components of the skin’s extracellular matrix that give structure and elasticity to the skin. When these proteins are damaged, they cross-link and become rigid, contributing to the appearance of lines and wrinkles and discoloration. Cross-links that occur between collagen and elastin can be created by a number of sources, including from superoxide free radicals. Previous studies (Kern, 2008i; Morre 2003ii) show superoxide free radicals are generated by arNOX.

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