As we get older, two components of our skin--collagen and elastin--degenerate, setting the stage for the appearance
of wrinkles, creases, folds, and furrows. The breakdown of these components, accelerated by sun exposure and
gravity, results in the sagging skin of old age.
Illustration by Renée Gordon. Source: National Institute on
Aging.
Considerable research has been done to understand the aging
process, and studies now show that products containing bioactive ingredients (those that interact with living
tissues or systems) can benefit sun-damaged, discolored, and aging skin, giving consumers new choices for restoring
their overall appearance. But why is the FDA reviewing products that simply make people look and feel good when
typically the agency evaluates disease-fighting treatments?
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