♥Eymm5 Blog's ♥

Tom Mammone, executive director of Clinique Research and Development, talks about how stress affects ageing and the benefits of Clinique’s latest product, Superdefense SPF 25/PA+++ Age Defense Moisturizer.

• Does stress really affect ageing?

When your body is under stress, it releases hormones including adrenaline and cortisol. These stress hormones can cause irritation and loss of immune function in the skin and the effects of this are very similar to what happens during the natural ageing process. When skin is irritated it can lead to a compromised barrier function. A strong barrier keeps moisture in and external aggressors and irritants out. When the barrier is damaged, moisture evaporates more rapidly and irritants can get in more easily, both of which cause damage to the skin. In addition, when the immune function of skin is compromised, its ability to fight off external invaders and suppress damaged cells before they multiply is also compromised.

• Why did you choose to approach age prevention this way?

We have had anecdotal evidence for a long time that psychological stress can affect skin. One of the best examples is to look at pictures of politicians that have had to deal with particularly stressful times during their terms. The difference between the pictures before they held office and after can be dramatic. This topic is one that has long been of interest to us so when the opportunity for Clinique scientists to do targeted research on the subject came about, we took it. The findings from our study confirmed that emotional or psychological stress can damage skin’s natural defences. In addition, the research led us to have a clearer understanding of how psychological stress can damage the skin and armed with this knowledge, we were able to look into ways to combat this visible damage topically.

• What makes this product so special?

This product is our first to address the damaging visible effects of physiological and emotional stress on the skin. It boosts skin’s ability to protect against the visible effects of internal stress. It also includes ingredients to fight external stress and damage, and it is a great moisturiser that helps keep skin’s barrier in the best possible health. When you have a strong barrier, your skin is able to retain the moisture it needs to function optimally and defend against the external aggressors that can cause the damaging affects that lead to premature ageing.

• Who should use this product?

This product is designed to fight off the visible signs of ageing. Depending on whether your main skin concern is prevention or repair, we’ll help you select the best regimen for your skin needs and type. Superdefense SPF 25/PA+++ Age Defense Moisturizer is a great choice if your main skin goal is to maintain skin’s health and strength as well as prevent the signs of premature ageing Clinique Superdefense SPF 25/PA+++ Age Defense Moisturizer retails at RM180.