Glycation is one of the internal causes of skin aging. Glycation is the glycosylation of protein (for skin care, is the skin protein such as collagen and elastin) without the requirement of an enzyme. The glycation reaction attaches glucose to the protein chain, forming the so called Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGE), resulting in the crosslinking of protein molecules (skin collagen and elastin). When protein molecules are cross-linked, their functional three dimensional structure change, their biological function are destroyed. When collagen and elastin fibers are cross-linked, they become stiff and brittle, skin structure can not be replaced with newly synthesized functional collagen. Wrinkles and Laxities are formed.

Anti-glycation ingredients function to inhibit the glycation of collagen and elastin thereby reducing the aging signs of skin causes by gyration process. Some anti-glycation creams are formulated with effective anti-glycation ingredients to target specifically this mechanism of skin aging. At the same time, anti-glycation ingredients are combined with other effective anti-wrinkle ingredients such as antioxidants for a comprehensive results. Some botanical extracts are not only powerful antioxidants, but also show anti-gyration activities.

There are ingredients that have been found to inhibit glycation and increase collagen production, such as Carnosine, Calcium Pyruvate, and Pro-Xylane. Plant extracts such as Blueberry, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Ginger, and Green Tea have also been shown to prevent glycation.

Dr Brandt Lineless Anti-Glycation Serum contain hydroxyprolisilane C to slow down glycation process. Dermal Renu Anti-glycation cream contain a unique combination of four proven anti-glycation agents (Carnosine, Pueraria Mirifica Extract, Plantago Extract, and Green Tea Extract). Shantel Anti-Glycation Cream uses the key anti-glycation ingredient L-Carnosine (commonly formulated with Aminoguanidine HCL. SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex uses a Blueberry extract to block the formation of advance glycation end-products (A.G.E). PrescribedSolutions’ Triple-action Anti-glycation Cream utilizes combinations of anti-glycation ingredients ( Carnosine, Blueberry, garlic, pomengranate)