Anti Aging Creams

 

Aging skin, characterized by the emergence of wrinkles and age spots is an inevitable part of life that all of us experience over time. With age, certain components of the skin lose their ability to replenish leaving the skin exposed to sensitivity, irritation and more noticeably, a loss of elasticity and collagen break down resulting in wrinkles.

 

Anti aging creams have been formulated with ingredients that can help to support and rejuvenate the underlying structures and provide some degree of skin firming. These skin creams can also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles as part of an overall antiaging treatment.

 

What to Look For in Anti Aging Creams

 

AHA's (Alpha-hydroxy Acids) - this is perhaps one of the key ingredients to look for in anti aging creams. These are found most commonly in skin cream in the form of Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Citric Acid. AHA's are exfoliants that work by loosening up the substance that binds skin cells together allowing the top layer of skin, which includes dead skin cells, to be removed. This acts as a mild wrinkle reducer by helping the skin create collagen and elastin, key elements in promoting wrinkle removal.

 

Tretinoin - This is a derivative of Vitamin A, commonly sold as Retin-A, Tretinoin has been proven to partially reduce the changes that are brought on by both sun damage and skin aging. This compound works by repairing the structures that connect the upper layer of the skin to the lower. This is effective as an anti-wrinkle agent because damage to these structures is a key cause of wrinkling. Tretinoin also helps to promote skin repair through cell regeneration which, over time, can reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.

 

Antioxidants - Antioxidants play a key role in protecting the skin. Anti aging creams that contain an antioxidant such as those found in Vitamin E or Vitamin C help to remove free radicals, a byproduct of UV sun rays which can damage the actual DNA contained in skin and result in age spots, wrinkles and other conditions associated with aging skin. Vitamin C has been shown to be the most effective of the vitamin based antioxidants is absorbing and eliminating free radicals.

 

Moisturizers - by themselves, moisturizers are perhaps the least effective antiaging formula. Hydration of the skin with moisturizers can be beneficial with dry skin but dry skin has been shown to be unrelated to the creation of wrinkles and has little to no effect in reversing the symptoms of aging skin. Jojoba, Shea Butter and Aloe Gel should be the moisturizers of choice when considering an anti aging cream.

 

Sun Damage

 

The sun is widely recognized as the leading cause of skin aging, wrinkles and skin discoloration. Effective anti aging creams and anti aging treatments should include some form of skin protection (A skin protection factor of at least 15 - 30 is preferred). Ultraviolet light from the sun breaks down the skin's underlying structures and ability to produce key substances that are crucial to skin health such as collagen, elastin, regulation of melanin (skin pigment) and hyperkeratinization (trapping of dead skin cells).Severe forms of this can require skin resurfacing to correct.

 

Add a cup of plain yogurt to 1/2 cup of red wine and 3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Rub gently on to the face or other areas of the skin and leave for 20 mins. Rinse for an excellent natural anti aging fomula.