#1

Like many men, I’ve been a bit lazy about implementing an anti-aging skincare routine. However, now that I’ve made progress in establishing other lifestyle habits, I’d like to get started on one.

I’m going to start with OneSkin, and at some point, I may add Tretinoin.

I thought it might be interesting to take before and after photos and use one of those websites or apps that leverage AI to estimate age to see if it detects any changes.

Here are a few that I found:

Does anyone have experience with these or other similar sites/apps? If so, I’d appreciate any advice on using them or on the general idea of a before-and-after photo test.

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#2

This is the proven solution. I also had never done anything for my skin. Until recently I never even applied moisturizer onto anything on my body. But vanity prevailed. My skin loves Tretinoin. I apply it everyday now. I started with nightly moisturizer over tretinoin 2/3 x/week but my skin has gotten used to it. Now I am down to using moisturizer only a few times a week just out of laziness and inattention. My skin doesn’t remind me to use it anymore. All of this occurred over 6 months.

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#3

I have done the Novos eval twice, about a year apart. Most recently this Sept.

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#4

Thanks! Looks like an interesting report.

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#5

That report is the one from last year. This year they do not provide that level of detail and explanation. You have to subscribe to get those.

You do get the basic numbers so the explanation in the old report would still apply to the new data :slight_smile:

#6

Seems I could use the text in the report to explain what my numbers means.

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#7

@ageless64 I think a combination of One Skin, Paula’s Choice Equol, gradually weaned up strength based on tolerability with Tretinoin is a sensible set of items. The One Skin bottle for face lasts me 8 weeks, the Equol similar. So it’s not free, but it isn’t that big of a cost.
All of these work through different mechanisms, and my experience has been that they are synergistic and really help both the subcutaneous tissues (Equol), quality of the skin (One Skin) and fine lines and skin quality (tretinoin).

There is also a fair bit of literature, and some controversy on Collagen supplementation to improve subcutaneous texture and fullness.

Here’s what Vera-Health.ai says on this topic:
Collagen supplementation has shown potential in improving skin texture and fullness. Collagen is a major component of the skin, providing structure and elasticity. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to changes in skin appearance such as wrinkles and sagging.

Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of collagen supplementation. Oral hydrolyzed collagen peptides have been associated with significant improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and roughness. For instance, a study involving healthy females showed improvements in these areas with collagen peptide intake 2. Another study confirmed that collagen peptides, especially those enriched with specific dipeptides, improved skin hydration, elasticity, and reduced wrinkles 8.

A systematic review and meta-analysis further highlighted that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity, although it emphasized the need for further large-scale studies to confirm these findings 1. Additionally, collagen from sources like tuna and freshwater fish has been shown to increase skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce transepidermal water loss 41.

Collagen peptides have also demonstrated the ability to enhance dermis density and improve skin texture in diverse populations, including East Asian women 5. These findings suggest that collagen supplementation may enhance skin fullness by improving its structural components and overall appearance.

While the benefits of collagen supplementation are supported by various studies, there are variations in dosing and treatment duration across different studies. The optimal dosage and duration for achieving the best results remain areas for further research 7.

In conclusion, collagen supplementation appears to positively affect skin texture and fullness by enhancing hydration, elasticity, and overall skin health. However, further research is necessary to standardize dosing and confirm long-term effects.

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#8

@DrFraser Thanks for the feedback. I’m happy to learn that One Skin and Tretinoin can be used in parallel, I wasn’t sure about any redundancy or interference effect. And I add 25 grams of hydrolyzed collagen to my daily shake, so I’m already sold on that. I know the evidence for collagen’s impact on skin and joints is far from definitive, but since there seems to be little to no downside risk, it’s an easy choice.

I was not familiar Paula’s Choice Equol. Seems like a quality skincare line but they have so many products, I’m wondering what made you decide to go with Equol?

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#9

That’s a good question on Equol. I first became familiar with this when prepping for my Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Boards a few years ago.

I’ll let Vera-Health.ai do the talking for me on this:
Equol, a phytoestrogen derived from soy isoflavones, has shown potential benefits in topical skincare due to its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. As a metabolite of daidzein, equol can mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors, which is particularly beneficial for estrogen-deficient skin conditions, such as those experienced post-menopause1.

The antioxidative properties of equol are significant in skincare as they help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and preventing damage to skin cells. This action is crucial in maintaining skin structure and function, thereby combating signs of aging 3. Additionally, equol has been shown to enhance skin regeneration and improve structural and molecular parameters, such as maintaining telomere length and modulating epigenetic markers in skin cells, which are vital for skin longevity and appearance 3.

Equol’s phytoestrogenic characteristics not only support skin health but also contribute to its regenerative properties, making it a promising candidate for anti-aging skincare formulations. It can be integrated with other topical treatments, such as sunscreens, retinoids, and other antioxidants, to provide comprehensive skincare. This combination helps in preventing and treating signs of aging, including protection from UV damage, enhancement of skin renewal, and reduction of oxidative stress 2.

In summary, equol represents a valuable component in topical skincare products aimed at improving skin health and combating aging. Its multifunctional properties, including antioxidative, phytoestrogenic, and epigenetic effects, make it a versatile ingredient for enhancing skin regeneration and maintaining a youthful appearance. However, while promising, more extensive clinical studies are needed to fully understand its efficacy and optimal use in topical applications.

References

  1. Phytoestrogens (Resveratrol and Equol) for Estrogen-Deficient Skin—Controversies/Misinformation versus Anti-Aging In Vitro and Clinical Evidence via Nutraceutical-Cosmetics
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Lephart et al.
    25 citations
    2021
    The overarching theme for this review is perspective. Superfoods (a marketing term for fruits and vegetables, etc.) have a positive connotation, while many superfoods contain phytoestrogens, a term that is alarming to the public and has a negative connotation because phytoestrogens are endocrine-disruptors, even though they are strong antioxidants that have many health benefits. To understand phytoestrogens, this paper provides a brief summary of the characteristics of: (a) estrogens, (b) estrogen receptors (ER), (c) estrogen-deficient skin, (d) how perspective(s) get off track, (e) phytoestrogen food sources, and (f) misconceptions of phytoestrogens and food safety, in general, that influence person(s) away from what is true. Finally, a brief history of cosmetics to nutraceuticals is covered plus the characteristics of phytoestrogens, resveratrol and equol on: (g) estrogen receptor binding, (h) topical and oral dosing, and (i) in vitro, molecular mechanisms and select clinical evidence, where both phytoestrogens (resveratrol and equol) demonstrate promising applications to improve skin health is presented along with future directions of nutraceuticals. Perspective is paramount in understanding the controversies associated with superfoods, phytoestrogens, and endocrine-disruptors because they have both positive and negative connotations. Everyone is exposed to and consumes these molecules everyday regardless of age, gender, or geographic location around the world, and how we understand this is a matter of perspective.

Open Access
Influential Journal
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2. Relevant Topical Skin Care Products for Prevention and Treatment of Aging Skin.
Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America
Sunder et al.
13 citations
2019
Students should be encouraged to use daily sunscreen, a topical retinoid every night, and a topical antioxidant daily, and Supplementing the routine skin care regimen with alpha hydroxy acids, growth factors, heparin sulfate, and defensins can be addressed individually.

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3. Topical equol preparation improves structural and molecular skin parameters
International Journal of Cosmetic Science
Magnet et al.
18 citations
2017
Equol has been shown to improve skin health and regeneration, due to its antioxidative, phytoestrogenic and epigenetic characteristics.

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#11

Thank you for your detailed explanation. I would like to ask if the Equol is also suitable for men to apply externally? Thank you

#12

It is a very weak estrogen, and I’d not be surprised if it has come effects like the much sought after 17 alpha estradiol. I’ve seen no issues with using it in males and it has been used for the better part of a decade in both males and females. Paula’s choice has been the only source I’ve found for it, and they do a pretty good job, it’s a nice formulation. AM my face gets 1 skin face and equol, then pm tetenoin.

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#13

Thanks for this link… traveling back from Sydney, Australia, today (18 hour flight) and decided to play with the App a little bit. Background, I’ve been applying .2 percent rapamycin/siriolimus in a compounded lotion for at least three years. My dermatologist says my skin is amazing for my age. I attribute it to the combination of oral and topical rapamycin.

CareFirst compounded .02% Sirolimus

The first photo was taken just before I started rapamycin, four years ago. No oral dose… no lotion my age 62 years old. It says I look 64 years. Damn!

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The second photo was taken this week at the age of 66.5 years. It thinks 55 years, so I get 11.5 age reduction. Nice!

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Definitely seeing the difference in skin quality, wrinkle reduction, tone and thickness with the oral and topical rapamycin combo.

I must also add that at the time of my picture at age sixty-two I was feeling old and having issues of arthritis, dysphagia - choking, skin crepey, dulled memory and muscle weakness. My feelings of age shows. Despite the smirk.

In my second… current picture, I have a constant euphoria, I feel great, no pain issues. I think that kind of shows also in the face. The differences of feeling energetic and youthful.

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#14

Just be aware it can make your skin more sun sensitive and I have read its best not too close to eyes : Dry eyes: A price to pay for clear skin?

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#15

Dry eyes are awful, and I for one do think mine are a result of retinol use. The skin benefits are just not worth the price.

#16

Hard to know what to do- am taking sea buckthorne now and again. I also wear a sleep mask at night, eyedrops (always preservative free) and I use Zaditen vials now and again to keep inflammation down, warm eyebag. Low thyroid, ageing, hormone imbalances dont help. Had a cataract op about 6 years ago (not ageing related) in left eye and that one very dry. On right side an acoustic neuroma which may be a factor for that eye.

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#17

It really is hard to know what to do. I did the IPL treatment at the cost of 1200 dollars … can’t say for sure it helped… maybe marginally. I was prescribed various things that insurance will not cover and I can’t possibly afford. I did find that one of these - Miebo - is available in the EU for 16 EU under the name EVO tears, and have been using them for a week. Terrible container, the drops fall everywhere - but they make the eyes feel smooth for a couple of hours. Nothing really definitively helps, you are right. There are just some things that make it better for a bit :frowning:

#18

Hi I also had IPL a few years ago- very expensive and did not help as much as a simple warming eybag.

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#19

Do you apply the topical rapamycin cream daily? I use it as well, but I apply it every second night and the other night I use tretinoin. So I alternate between the both. Not to sure if I should use both at the same time.

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#20

I use the .2 rapamycin lotion about every third day. On the forehead … around the crow’s feet of the eyes and all around the neck.

Seems to be working… been at it for about three years.

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#21

I am 58 and I have a 13 year old daughter who is a Sephora teen. She has forced me to begin a skincare routine! Face Cleanser. Hyaluronic acid. Retinol serum. Moisturizer. Clay mask. Pore cleanser. Etc.

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