What if the secret to great skin was not in your medicine cabinet, but in your pantry?

University of Rhode Island researchers hope to make this a reality – sort of – through a recent study on the benefits of red maple leaf extract for the skin.

Their research revealed that red maple leaf extract could be the next important ingredient in reducing the signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines.

The Rhode Island study also found that red maple leaf extract can also help to treat sagging skin and uneven pigment caused by aging.

“As we get older, our skin loses its ability to stretch and retract, and in many cases, we develop dark spots or uneven skin tone,” said Dr. Mayli Davis of the Advanced Eyelid Surgery Center in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Even though these signs of aging may not be visible until the mid-40s, changes in the skin begin to develop in the early 20s.

“During the early to mid-20s, two significant changes occur in the skin. The first change is that facial fat volume decreases. The second change is that the body slows down its production of collagen and elastin,” Davis said.

Fat helps to fill the skin out against the skeleton. Collagen and elastin are two proteins critical for skin quality collagen gives the skin its support, and elastin allows the skin to retract after being stretched.

Since these changes can negatively affect skin quality later in life, it is natural that people should want to prevent these changes from ever taking place, which is precisely why the skin care industry is growing, and anti-aging products are in demand. Researchers estimate the global skin care market is expected to total $180 billion.

An increasing number of the skin care and anti-aging products sold in the United States each year are all-natural or organic; studies have shown that over 50 percent of women in the U.S. believed it was important to purchase natural products.

“Many men and women are concerned with the products they put on their skin and want natural or organic solutions,” Davis said.

This is where the Rhode Island researchers believe red maple leaf extract can come into play. In addition to being a natural product, red maple leaf extract is effective in wrinkle prevention because it neutralizes the enzyme elastase, a protein that breaks down elastin.

By stopping elastase from affecting elastin, the skin can retain its elasticity and ability to stretch and retract.

Red maple leaf extract also shows promise in reducing redness and inflammation. The RI researchers also believe it has significant benefits in lightening sun spots and correcting areas of uneven pigmentation.

The researchers on the project say that although the extract can help prevent wrinkles, it does not address existing lines. Therefore, individuals who already see the signs of aging will still need skin-rejuvenating treatments and other preventative methods.

“Botox is an excellent option for individuals who want to reduce their risk of developing wrinkles or to prevent existing wrinkles from becoming worse,” Davis said.

Other treatments such as dermal fillers, radiofrequency skin tightening and laser skin rejuvenation can also help improve skin quality.

But, individuals can also take some self-care steps to help prevent the onset of the aging process.

“One of the key steps you can take to protect your skin from premature aging is to wear sunscreen,” Davis said.

In addition to wearing sunscreen, Davis also recommends getting plenty of sleep and drinking water.

“Staying hydrated keeps your skin cells hydrated and healthy,” Davis said.

While individuals should drink more water, they should avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.

“Alcohol can make the skin dehydrated,” David said.

Other behavioral factors, such as smoking, can interfere with the body’s production of collagen.

Source:

Allure. Maple Leaf Extract Could Be the Next Big Fine Line Smoother, According to Early Research. 23 August 2018.