Anti Aging Skin Care Products
Anti aging skin care products include a wide range of mostly over the counter creams, lotions, serums, masks and oils that are targeted at rejuvenating and repairing mature skin. The best of these skincare products contain active ingredients that have been shown to combat the processes that take place in the skin which cause wrinkles, discoloration and loss of skin tone (elasticity).
Though not as effective as some anti aging skin care treatments that are performed by medical professionals, skincare products targeted at anti aging can help as part of an overall treatment approach for aging skin.
It is important when looking to try any anti-aging skin care solution that you understand what ingredients to look for. Below are compounds that have been shown to be effective in combating the effects of aging on the skin and can be found in most leading anti aging skin care products.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's) - alpha-hydroxy acids are one of the more beneficial treatments in the fight against aging. Commonly used for facial peels and other advanced antiaging approaches, these acids can be found in lower concentrations in antiaging face cream and wrinkle cream. These acids help to exfoliate the upper layers of the skin removing dead skin cells and revealing the smoother skin below.
Vitamin A (Retinol) - Retinol has been shown to reduce the depths of wrinkles (sometimes up to 10%) both through exfoliation and its ability to assist in the repair and creation of collagen. Collagen supports the skin from underneath and can fill in the recessed regions that define skin wrinkles.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C compounds have been shown to be very effective in the absorption of free radicals. These waste products can accumulate in the skin and are constantly present in the air around us. By neutralizing them and preventing their build up, Vitamin C anti aging skin care products can help stop the breakdown of the support structures in the skin responsible for wrinkles.
Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is perhaps the most effective and commonly used of the alphahydroxy acids. This acid stimulates collagen and elastin production in aging skin. This can not only reduce the appearance of wrinkles, it has the additional benefits of clearing pores and even reducing the ridges and pits caused by skin acne. Antiaging treatments such as chemical peels frequently use Glycolic acid to remove the top layers of the skin.
Vitamin E - extracts of this vitamin provide antioxidants which remove toxins from the skin as well as serve as a deep moisturizer. There have been claims that Vitamin E skin treatment is effective in helping to heal wounds and prevent scarring.
Pal-KTTKS - this ingredient is usually found in anti aging skin care products such as serums and creams. Palmitoylpentapeptide 3 as it is formally known is related to collagen and can help facilitate the fading of wrinkles by stimulating the growth of the connective tissue of the skin. Clinical studies have shown its effectiveness on aged and photoaged skin.
Kinetin - Known as an "anti-aging molecule", Kinetin is a type of plant hormone that promotes the division of skin cells. Aging skin can benefit from Kinetin because it reduces the aging of skin cells. Most often sold in Kinerase products, Kinetin can serve as a useful alternative to those sensitive to Retinol or Vitamin based products.
Copper Peptides – these peptides have been used in anti aging skin care products since the 1970's when their effects on the skin were first discovered. These peptides are small fragments of proteins that bind with copper that is already present in the skin. Though mainly used for wound healing, their benefits as a skincare treatment come from their ability to generate collagen and enhance the effects of antioxidants.
Green Tea Extract - this extract is found frequently in wrinkle creams. The main benefits it provides are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This can help prevent the underlying structures of the skin responsible for elasticity and strength in tact. Great for wrinkle skin care.
Coenzyme Q10 - this ingredient helps to regulate energy production in skin and other cells of the body. Some studies have shown it to be effective in treating find wrinkles on the face and may protect the skin against sun damage.
Skin Aging and The Sun
The vast majority of the aging effects on skin (wrinkles, discoloration, sagging skin, etc) can be directly attributed to sun exposure over time. Sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher is a key part of any skin care regimen and should be used regularly along with any anti aging skin care products that you may be using. In the case of aging skin and the sun, prevention is half the battle.
A natural cleanser can be made by combining heavy cream from your local grocery store and 3 drops of rose essential oil. Gently massage in a circular motion and rinse.