Hair dye and anti-ageing wrinkle cream are normally the go-to options to hide silver strands and smooth over fine lines, but a scientific breakthrough has revealed that a hormone could stop grey hairs and wrinkles developing. The discovery could mean that hair dye and anti-ageing creams will be at the bottom of their beauty shopping list for future generations if they choose a hormone treatment.

 

Melatonin – the hormone that’s making a big impression in anti-ageing

Melatonin is a hormone that is primarily associated with sleeping, but a recent study has shown that melatonin is proving to be valuable for the future of anti-ageing treatments. Findings confirm the powerful role hormones can play in slowing down the signs of ageing. Melatonin contains anti-oxidant properties, which protect cells from damage and slow down the ageing process.

 

The discovery is astonishing and unexpected!

A study highlighted the ‘astonishing and unexpected’ biological effects that hormones have on the hair and skin. The leading author, Professor Markus Bohm from the University of Munster in Germany, said hormone treatments are another avenue to take to limit the physical signs of ageing.

The Professor explained, “Our paper highlights key hormone players that orchestrate pathways of skin, such as degradation of connective tissue, leading to wrinkling, stem cell survival and loss of pigment, leading to hair greying.”

He added, “Some of the hormones we studied have anti-ageing properties and may be used in the future as agents to prevent skin ageing.”

It’s only recently that scientists have been able to show that hormones can clinically target anti-ageing compounds. Other hormones, such as oestrogen, often used in HRT to manage the side effects of menopause, could also help with thinning skin and wrinkles.

The body naturally produces melatonin, but as a future treatment, Professor Bohm said that melatonin is a small antioxidant molecule, which is inexpensive to produce and well tolerated by the body.

He concluded that further research into using hormone supplements for anti-ageing purposes is needed, but all the signs are showing that it would be a safe and inexpensive route to take for someone who doesn’t want to look old and grey before their time.

It’s worth noting that the hormonal treatment has the potential to prevent grey hairs and wrinkles and not cure them.

You can download the study from the Oxford Academic website in the Endocrine Reviews.

 

Melatonin, the skin and grey hair.

Melatonin helps to stimulate collagen production and reduce UV damage. It has antioxidant properties which can help to protect hair follicles from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can cause hair loss and greying, something women, especially, can struggle with as they age.

Melatonin also contains melanocytes, which are associated with protection against damage in the pigmentation of the hair, preserving colour and reducing grey hairs. The hormone helps cells’ energy and production for hair and skin health.

Currently, topical melatonin treatment can be through the use of a cream on the skin or by wearing a patch. Or there is the oral option, taking slow-release capsules.

You can boost your body’s natural supply of melatonin through your diet. Foods high in the anti-ageing hormone are:

• Tart cherry juice

Cherry juice is one of the best-known sleeping aids. It increases melatonin levels in the body. Sometimes cherry juices are high in sugar and calories, eating cherries instead of the manufactured juices would be a healthier way to build up the levels in your body

• Goji berries

Another berry high in the anti-ageing hormone is the goji berry, otherwise known as wolfberries. Produced from the Chinese lycium barbarum plant. Normally sold in dried form and used in Chinese medicine. The berries contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre

• Eggs

Of all dairy products, eggs are one of the best sources of melatonin. Eggs contain the amino acid tryptophan, which synthesises serotonin and converts to melatonin. Eggs are highly nutritious and offer a good source of protein, iron and other essential nutrients

• Milk

Another dairy product high in melatonin is milk. The hormone is produced by the cow’s body and transferred to the milk. Milk also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which synthesises serotonin and converts it to melatonin. The dairy product is highly nutritious, rich in essential nutrients

• Fish

Fish contains the anti-ageing hormone, primarily oily fish such as sardines and salmon, which are rich in the essential omega-3 fatty acids. Melatonin is also found in other fish such as tuna. Fish contain a high amount of vitamin B, which contributes to the production  of the hormone

• Nuts

Most nuts contain a good amount of melatonin. Pistachios, almonds and walnuts are among the highest. The melatonin content is affected by the production of the nut. Roasting nuts reduces the hormone content, so opt for the raw version of a nut instead.

 

As an anti-ageing supplement, we recommend our natural antioxidant product, Melamaxpro, to help with age-related macular degeneration.

 

 

 

References

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/health/anti-ageing-breakthrough-could-stop-31079364

https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-melatonin