Study Links Internal Source of Aging and Skin Damage

Nu Skin Presents Findings at Asian Societies of Cosmetic Scientists Meeting

PROVO, Utah, March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Additional research on a newly identified internal free radical generator, age-related NOX (arNOX), by scientists working with Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS) links the enzyme to age-related skin damage, such as decreased elasticity and discoloration. The research was presented at the 9th Scientific Conference of the Asian Societies of Cosmetic Scientists (ASCS), March 2-4, in Yokohama, Japan.

“We know that arNOX, which is an internal source of aging, generates damaging superoxide free radicals at a rate that accelerates as we age,” said Joe Chang, chief scientific officer at Nu Skin. “This latest research correlates arNOX activity with an increase in cross links in the skin, leading us to the conclusion that arNOX is indeed a contributor to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which contributes to the appearance of lines and wrinkles and other signs of aging skin.”

“New understanding of skin biology and the internal contributors to skin damage and aging are leading to novel technologies for cosmeceutical products,” said Ashok Pahwa, chief marketing officer at Nu Skin. “Nu Skin invests significant resources in research and development to be able to market exclusive anti-aging products that demonstrate effective results for our consumers who want to look as young as they feel.”

About the Study

The study measured arNOX activity and autofluorescence in punch biopsies of dermis and epidermis and compared that to the age of the sample subject. arNOX activity increased as the age of the subjects increased and correlated well with the autofluorescence of the skin. Autofluoresence is a way of measuring cross-linked molecules in collagen and elastin, two important components of the skin’s extracellular matrix that give structure and elasticity to the skin. When these proteins are damaged, they cross-link and become rigid, contributing to the appearance of lines and wrinkles and discoloration. Cross-links that occur between collagen and elastin can be created by a number of sources, including from superoxide free radicals. Previous studies (Kern, 2008(i); Morre 2003(ii)) show superoxide free radicals are generated by arNOX.

Authors of the study are Dale Kern, senior scientist for Nu Skin; Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D., primary investigator with Dermatology Consulting Services; Dorothy Morre, Ph.D., professor of foods and nutrition, Purdue University; and D. James Morre, Ph.D., Dow distinguished professor of medicinal chemistry, Purdue University. Nu Skin has funded various research projects by the Morres since 1999.

About arNOX

The arNOX enzyme is one in a class of newly-identified ECTO-NOX (external NADH oxidase or ENOX) proteins that are located on external cell membranes. ECTO-NOX proteins become increasingly active to generate additional metabolic energy as cell mitochondria age and produce less energy. arNOX has been identified in all fluids and cells tested, including serum and saliva, as well as the dermis and epidermis. Its unique property is that it generates superoxide at the cell surface that is capable of damaging adjacent cells, lipoproteins, and other structural components of the skin’s extracellular matrix, such as collagen and elastin.

About ASCS

The 9th Scientific Conference on the Asian Societies of Cosmetic Scientists on March 2-4 in Yokohama, Japan, is convened with the aim of enhancing cosmetology in the region and encouraging the further development of the cosmetics industry. Hosted by the Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Japan (SCCJ), the conference is a forum for discussion and debate for cosmetics experts around the world on the latest cosmetics technologies. Nu Skin’s largest market is Japan.

The Company

For 25 years, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. has been demonstrating its tradition of innovation through its comprehensive anti-aging product portfolio, independent business opportunity and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Nu Skin’s scientific leadership in both skin care and nutrition has established Nu Skin as a premier anti-aging company, evidenced in its patent-pending ageLOC(TM) technology and flagship products including the Galvanic Spa(R) System II, Tru Face(R) Essence Ultra, LifePak(R) nano and the g3 nutrition beverage. A global direct selling company, Nu Skin operates in 48 markets throughout Asia, the Americas and Europe and has more than 750,000 independent sales representatives. Nu Skin Enterprises is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NUS.” More information is available at http://www.nuskinenterprises.com .

    (i)  Kern, D., Draelos, Z.D., Morre, D.M., and Morre, D.J. Age-related
         NADH Oxidase (arNOX) Activity of Epidermal Punch Biopsies Correlate
         with Subject Age and arNOX Activities of Serum and Saliva. Supplement
         to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, April 2008; 128(1), S57.

    (ii) Morre DM, Guo F, Morre DJ. An aging-related cell surface NADH oxidase
         (arNOX) generates superoxide and is inhibited by coenzyme Q. Mol Cell
         Biochem. 2003 Dec; 254(1-2):101-9.

SOURCE Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.