Insights from Dr. Xi Huang: The Journey Behind i-On By Dr. Xi (Series #3)
NYU Women’s Health Study
As I transitioned my research from black lung disease to women’s health, I aimed to apply my knowledge of iron gained from occupational medicine. Menopause became my focus due to its profound impact on women's health. Being a faculty member at the NYU School of Medicine provided me with access to the NYU Women’s Health cohort's blood samples, which were instrumental in my research.
Most women’s health studies focus on the decline of estrogen, a hormone known to impact health significantly. However, the most telling sign of menopause is the cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, leading to a sudden increase in iron levels. Using these blood samples, I identified several reliable iron biomarkers, such as ferritin, which increase as a result of menopause.
The Iron and Skin Connection
Aging affects our skin visibly, impacting our confidence and overall well-being. This is especially true for postmenopausal women. While estrogen decline is often blamed for these changes, clinical trials have shown that hormone replacement therapy has minimal effects on improving skin appearance.
Could there be another, less obvious culprit at work: iron, particularly in postmenopausal skin? Although we found that serum ferritin levels double during menopause, this doesn’t necessarily mean that excess iron in the skin increases proportionally. Estée Lauder sponsored basic research at NYU to investigate skin ferritin levels. My lab discovered that skin ferritin levels increase by 42% during menopause and are 400 times higher than serum ferritin levels, indicating that skin acts as a reservoir for iron.
This finding led me to explore past studies on skin and iron metabolism. Iron is the most abundant transition metal in the human body and cannot be synthesized; it must come from our diet. Remarkably, about two-thirds of the iron in our body is excreted through the skin. While this excretion is natural and necessary, excess iron on the skin’s surface can lead to the production of harmful oxygen free radicals.
Excess Iron: The Silent Ager via Oxygen Free Radicals
Oxygen free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause significant cellular damage. Although a byproduct of normal cellular processes, they become harmful in excess. On the skin, these free radicals break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep our skin firm and youthful, leading to accelerated aging characterized by wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. Iron is the culprit behind these oxygen free radicals through a reaction known as the “Fenton reaction,” discovered in 1894. Yet, few discuss the impact of excess iron because there have been no viable natural solutions to remove it from the skin.
The Antioxidant Approach: A Common But Limited Solution
Since removing iron from the skin has been a challenge, the beauty and skincare industry has long promoted antioxidants to combat free radicals. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E neutralize free radicals, minimizing their damage. While beneficial, this approach addresses the symptoms rather than the root cause. Antioxidants can only go so far in protecting the skin from the continuous onslaught of free radicals generated by excess iron.
A Proactive Solution
Understanding iron’s role in skin aging opens the door to more effective skincare solutions. By targeting the source of free radical production, we can develop treatments that go beyond traditional antioxidant approaches. This is where i-On by Dr. Xi comes in. Our innovative skincare line is designed to reduce, release, and remove excess iron from the skin, addressing the problem at its core.
Our De-Ironizing Inducer (DII®) technology is a groundbreaking development in the fight against skin aging. By focusing on iron reduction, we aim to prevent the formation of oxygen free radicals, preserving the skin’s natural integrity and youthfulness.
Building a Future of Radiant Skin
The hidden impact of iron on aging skin is a complex issue but also presents an exciting opportunity for innovation. At i-On, we are committed to advancing skincare science and providing solutions that are both effective and transformative. By addressing the root cause of free radical production, we believe we can help everyone achieve healthier, more radiant skin.
Stay tuned as I continue to share how I discovered nature’s secret in West Coast coal mines to invent the DII® technology. Together, let's unlock the secrets to ageless beauty and embrace a future where radiant skin is within everyone's reach.