Skin - Topical Substances that Enhance

Carbohydrates

 Hyaluronic Acid (especially LMW Hyaluronic Acid applied topically) may retard premature Aging of the Skin including the Photoaging caused by exposure of the Skin to Ultra-Violet Radiation:  ^[1]

 Hyaluronic Acid (applied topically) is a also highly effective moisturizing agent for the Skin.

Enzymes

 Proteolytic Enzymes - Dietary (applied topically) may dissolve old, highly cross-linked Collagen within the Skin and may cause its replacement with new, young Collagen:  ^[2]

 Bromelain may improve the visual appearance of the Skin (by encouraging the rapid turnover of cells, encouraging the formation of new Skin Cells and dissolving Cross-Links within the Skin).  ^[3]

 Papain may improve the visual appearance of the Skin (by encouraging the rapid turnover of cells, encouraging the formation of new Skin Cells and dissolving Cross-Links within the Skin).  ^[4]

 Pepsin is sometimes used in cosmetic products (applied topically as a component of Skin masks) to improve the appearance of the Skin (due to its ability as a Proteolytic Enzyme to break down cross-linked proteins in the Skin).

 Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) (including exogenous SOD applied topically) may inhibit the damage caused to the Skin from exposure to the Ultra-Violet Radiation component of Sunlight (due to the Antioxidant properties of SOD).  ^[5]

Growth Factors

 Skin Respiratory Factor (SRF) (applied topically) may improve the health and visual appearance of the Skin. 

Hormones

 Estrogens (specifically topically applied 0.01% Estradiol or 0.3% Estriol;  oral Estrogen replacement therapy may also be effective) may retard and reverse some aspects of the Aging Process in the Skin:  ^[6]

 Topical Estrogens may increase the moisture content of the Skin (thereby alleviating Dry Skin).

 Topical Estrogens may improve the elasticity and firmness of the Skin.

 Topical Estrogens may decrease Wrinkles (as measured scientifically by the depth of Wrinkles using Skin profilometry) by between 61% and 100%

 Topical Estrogens may decrease the size of Enlarged Pores (as measured scientifically Skin profilometry) by between 61% and 100%.

 Topical Estrogens may increase the quantity of Type III Collagen in the Skin and may increase the quantity of Collagen Fibers in the Skin.

 Melatonin (applied topically) may retard the Aging Process in the Skin, may stimulate the proliferation of Skin Cells and may quench Hydroxyl Free Radicals in the Skin.  ^[7]

 Pregnenolone (cream applied topically) may help to retard the Aging Process in the Skin (by counteracting the toxic effects of excessive Cortisol in the Skin). 

 Progesterone (cream applied topically) may help to remove fine Wrinkles from aged Skin and may increase the firmness and elasticity of the Skin.  ^[8]

 Thymosin Beta 4 (applied topically) may retard the Aging Process of the Skin:  ^[9]

 Thymosin Beta 4 may counteract Ultra-Violet Radiation exposure-induced damage to the Skin.

 Thymosin Beta 4 may facilitate the repair of damaged Actin in the Skin.

Lipids

 Ceramide 3 (applied topically) may improve the visual appearance of the Skin by reducing Skin roughness and by increasing Water retention in the Skin. 

 Ceramide 6 (applied topically) may improve the visual appearance of the Skin (due to its ability to smooth rough Skin via modulation of desquamation).