In recent years soy has featured widely in the anti-aging treatment sphere, not only as a health food but also as an important ingredient in cosmetic products following new studies which found that vegetable proteins and hormones produced by soy beans can help rehabilitate and rejuvenate the skin.

 

The proteins in soy act against elastase – the enzyme responsible for breaking down elastin, one of the important proteins that preserve the skin elasticity. With time the activity of elastase increases leading to increased break down of elastin and as a result, the skin loses its suppleness and the ability to preserve the moisture. The use of soy proteins neutralizes the enzyme activity and serves to delay the deterioration. In addition, studies show that soy protein acts to reduce wrinkles and contribues to maintaining a uniform tone and texture of the skin.

 

Phytoestrogens, a soy derivative, are vegetable estrogens that are used in hormone replacement for menopausal women. The natural decline in the estrogen hormone has a substantial influence on the skin, the metabolism and cell renewal slows down and the skin becomes thin. The use of vegetable estrogens derived from soy helps renew the cells and increases skin’s moisture retention capacity. As a result, the skin becomes thicker, hydrated and smooth with fewer lines.