Anti-Aging Skin Care Product Facts

Aging, it is happening every minute of every day, no matter what we do, it is a natural process of getting older.

There are many choices to choose from when it comes to picking anti aging skin care products.

Before you choose from the array of lotions, gels,creams, and aging skin care products it is important to understand the different ingredients and what they do for your skin.

What are antioxidants? Anti oxidants are polyphenols, products found in plant naturally. Anti oxidants are known for their ability to fight free radicals, which damage our DNA.

When skin cells are damaged, aging accelerates, wrinkles appear, the skin gets drier, there may be dark circles under the eyes, and skin can get dull.

Free radicals are molecules that oxidize compounds and lead to potentially harmful changes in the cells of the body. Free radicals exist in the air, in food, from sun, and from pollution. When we eat foods high in antioxidants, we can reduce some of the free radicals we are exposed to. Anti oxidants lessen the damage caused by free radicals.Skin products have also included as an ingredient, antioxidants to strengthen skin cells, keep them healthy to slow the aging process and even repair damage.

Common antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene. These special chemicals assist in skin repair and the strengthening of blood vessels.

The best anti oxidant products come in the form of the fresh foods that have flavonoids, we include in our diet. Anti oxidants are in many foods from red wine and chocolate to some fruits, vegetables, nuts, and teas.

Anti aging skin care products are including anti oxidants in many of their products. Many tout that they can eliminate aging and reduce wrinkles

• Acai oil - acai berries grow in Central and South America. Cold pressing these berries extracts its oil - helps reduce ging by healing damage from the sun and smoothing wrinkles on the skin. Studies are not conclusive, but many products from masks, cleansers, creams, serums, exfoliating scrubs, and body butters are including acai oil as an anti oxidant.

• Alpha-lipoic acid - found in every cell and produced by the body naturally. It is an anti oxidant and attacks free radicals. Marketed as an ingredient that can erase fine lines, lessen wrinkles and help skin have a healthy glow. Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from future damage, while repairing past damage. It is also known to boost levels of Vitamin C and other antioxidants.

• Retinol (retinoids)-helps increase production of collagen, which helps to plump out the skin, lessen fine lines and wrinkles. Improves skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and color of the skin. Dermatologists prescribe tretinoin is Retin-A—a retinoic acid , similar and stronger than retinol, got FDA approval in 1971. Over the counter retinol is weaker than prescriptions, but are still effective. Skin may become dry and flaky from use, so use lotions, suncreen, and moisturizers. It is always best to speak to your dermatologist before using any product. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A.Retinol is very effective as an anti aging skin care product because Vitamin A has the ability to build collagen and elastin due to the molecular structure, which is tiny enough to reach the lower levels of skin where collagen and elastin are produced. Some products contain retinyl palmitate. Retinyl palmitate is in the same family of retinol, but you many need to use more of this product to get the same effect.

Sunscreen is the best anti aging skin care product. Vitamin A is the next best anti aging skin care product. Clincal data has strongly backed the facts that retinoids can trigger a change in the skin which makes it look more youthful and clearer by helping the skin be healthier. Retinol may not be as effective as a stand alone product, but may be very effective in a multi vitamin anti aging skin care approach.

• Vitamin C - Antioxidants -are found in vitamin C and may increase the production of collagen, which will reduce the fine lines from wrinkles and visible scars. With age, our body reduces the production of collagen and Vitamin C. Many products are now adding Vitamin C in their lotions and creams marketed as anti aging skin care products. L-Ascorbic Acid is the only form of Vitamin C that you want to look for when you read the ingredient label. Magnesium ascorbyl, phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate may be listed as Vitamin C but L-Ascorbic Acid is the only form of Vitamin C that has proven to stimulate the production of collagen.

• Hyaluronic Acid also known as a glycosaminoglycan, is commonly used in conjunction with Vitamin C to help Vitamin C penetrate the skin better. Hyaluronic acid helps lubricate and cushion the connective tissue and joints throughout the body. It naturally occurs in all humans and animals in large amounts. As we start to age, our levels of production drop. Dieting and smoking also reduce the levels we have over time. The addition of this ingredient, with Vitamin C may help to smooth out the skinand treat wrinkles.

• CoEnzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) is something our body produces naturally and it helps to neutralize free radicals in the body. Aging, again, lowers the levels of CoEnzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10). Anti aging skin care products use CoQ-10 in gels, lotions, creams, moisturizers and toners, to protect skin cells against the damage free radicals cause. Co-Q-10 may help reduce crows feet, the wrinkles around the eyes. You will easily recognize products that have CoQ-10 because of its orange color.

• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) - are glycolic, tartarucm, citric acids, lactic - are becoming more and more popular in over the counter anti aging skin care products. Over 200 manufacturers produce products that include AHAs. These products also attempt to reduce fine lines, age spots, and decrease ths size of large pores. Sometimes people have mild irritation when using AHAs. Use products that contain no more than 10-15% of AHAs, to protect against product sensitivity. It is best to gradually increase use, starting every other day, and building up to everyday use. It is advisable to use AHAs with sunscreen or moisturizers. AHAs are natural based acids and include glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids.. Glycolic acid seems to have the ability to help the skin appear smoother, and softer, and with a radiant glow. AHAs are commonly used as exfoliants. They can reduce fine lines, acne scars and age spots. Dermatologists and estheticians (licensed beauty specialists) can administer peels that have a higher concentration of AHAs.

• Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) - used by many over the counter products as well as prescription ones for acne. It exfoliates the skin and reduces the signs of aging. Salicylic acid is found in aspirin, so if you are allergic to aspirin, avoid products with this ingredient. Salicylic acid can improve the color and texture of the skin and has been studied for the beneficial effects it can hve on skin that has aged prematurely after exposure to the uv rays from the sun. Salicyclic acid can provide many of the same benefits as AHAs without the irritating side effects.

• Hydroquinone are bleaching creams, also known as lightening agents. People with ages spots may benefit from the products that have this as an ingredient. Over the counter have a lower concentration of hydroquinone, so if you are not responding you may want to talk to your doctor about a prescription to lighten the spots.

• Kojic Acid was discovered in 1989 and is similar to hydroquinone and is used to treat age spots also. It comes from a fungus and has shown to be effective for people who have sensitivities from using hydroquinone.

• Copper Peptide is known to regenerate, firm, soften and smooth skin. It has only been on the market since 1997, but studies have shown that it helps to promote the production of elastin and collagen. It is an antioxidant and helps promote hyaluronic acid production in the body, which naturally lubricates joints and connective tissue in the body. (see hyauronic acid above). In addition, copper dependent enzymes help stimulate the body’s natural ability to build tissue. It is one of the faster acting anti aging skin care products available. Copper peptides have also shown in studies to be able to remove collagen and elastin that has been damaged, even by scarring.

• DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is produced naturally in the brain, but is also found in anchovies, sardines, and salmon. Products that have DMAE as an ingredient have shown to be very effective to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, when it is applied topically.

• Caffeine is often added to creams and lotions and may inhibit cancerous skin growths when applied directly to the skin. It also may reduce wrinkles and crows feet around the eyes. But its ability to reverse the effects of aging are questionable, even though caffeine is a very powerful antioxidant.

• Botanical extracts come form flowers, stems, roots, trees, and so on and are used in toners, creams, and serums. They may be effective as anti aging skin products in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. But they need to stay on your skin for a long period of time in order to work effictively. Each time you wash your face, the botanicals may also lose their anti aging benefit.

The results you end up getting from the plethora of anti aging skin care products available has a lot to do with the skin you are starting with.

There are differences in the effectiveness of all of these. They vary per individual and may not deliver all they promise. Most importantly, it is wise to be educated about the ingredients included in the anti aging skin care products you use.