It is interesting to see how scientists are combining ancient knowledge with the latest scientific breakthroughs to create truly effective anti-aging skin care products. This article will examine Avon’s Anew Alternative Night Cream, a wonderful combination of modern science and ancient wisdom from the Far East. It combines high-tech tetrapeptides with a unique blend of ancient Eastern herbs to reverse facial sag. I can personally attest that within one month my chin line was more defined, my skin tone more even and my neck noticeably firmer. The active ingredients, described in detail below, work to: protect the skin from inflammation caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi; improve circulation to speed repair and invigorate the skin; and control the body’s inflammatory response (as your own hormones did in younger days). Indian Himalayan Herb Protects Extracts of the Himalayan neem tree, often called Nature’s drugstore, have been used medicinally for at least 2,500 years. The tree is prized for its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Anew Alternative contains extract of the neem tree’s flower (Malia Azadirachta) to prevent skin inflammation. Chinese Herb Invigorates The benefits of Szechuan lovage root extract (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Root Extract) were first documented in the Shennong Bencao Jing published in 500 A.D. (representing a compilation of herbal information believed to be 5,000 years old). The Bencao Jing is the earliest extant Chinese pharmacology tome and is still widely referenced today. Lovage root extract is known to invigorate blood and improve circulation. When applied to the skin, lovage root extract not only speeds healing but also improves skin tone. Tetrapeptides Control Inflammation and Allow Skin to Heal Finally Anew Alternative contains palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3. Tetrapeptides actually reverse skin sag by reining in the skin’s inflammatory response. In our younger years, the inflammatory response is a good thing. It is the body’s way of walling off an injured area and preventing spread of infection. When its work is done, hormones shut off the inflammation. However, as hormone levels decline with age, inflammation runs rampant. Older, hormone-depleted skin takes longer to heal and eventually doesn’t completely heal at all. I find it very interesting that once you understand how skin care anti-aging ingredients function, you begin to realize that we are not just talking cosmetics and vanity, but that many such treatments can actually result in a better quality of life. In the case of Anew Alternative with its combination of ancient herbs and modern tetrapeptides, the result is skin that heals better and is less prone to infection. As another example, in the case of pentapeptides, the result is thicker skin that forms a stronger barrier against infection. Pentapeptides stimulate the growth of new collagen beneath the surface of the skin and plump out wrinkles from within. Pretty amazing stuff.