A powerful corrector of solar elastosis

Under UV , fibroblasts produce too much elastin and insufficient LOX-L enzyme to allow it to assemble into functional elastic fibres. UV radiation also stimulates the synthesis of elafin, a marker of elastotic aggregates. This protein crystallises elastin fibres and triggers the formation of aggregates which cannot be naturally eliminated by the skin. The skin loses its elasticity, and lines deepen. BASF’s new anti-ageing active Lys’Sun™, a witch hazel extract, stimulatesLOX-L expression to support the build-up of functional elastic fibres inthe dermis and controls elafin overexpression. After eight weeks of treatment with Lys’Sun at 1%, wrinkles were significantly reduced (7.8%) and, after 12 weeks, there was a dramatic improvement (14.6%) in the skin’s firmness.

We have learned how to protect ourselves against harmful UV radiation – whether it means staying in the shade, covering up, or using sunscreen. But although sun-savvy people in most parts of the world know how to prevent sunburn and the associated skin damage, we can still sometimes unwittingly expose ourselves to the sun for longer than we should. 

Sunshine is considered the single biggest cause of photoageing, also known as actinic ageing, which accelerates intrinsic ageing. UV radiation causes both direct and indirect DNA damage to the skin – in fact, UV and IR radiation is responsible for 80% of the visible signs of ageing. It causes particular damage to the dermis, the inner layer of the skin. Under UV radiation, collagen levels decrease while dystrophic elastotic material accumulates. This degeneration of connective tissue in the dermis is known as solar or actinic elastosis. The skin loses its elasticity, takes on a yellow and thickened appearance, and acquires deeper, more visible wrinkles.