Americans are living longer than ever. The prevalence of anti-aging products on the market is a clear indicator that many older people have a strong desire to keep their skin as healthy and youthful-looking as possible.
When faced with thousands of products on the shelf, all of them in sleek, attractive packaging. Splattered with promises of taking years off of your face, the prospect of trying to choose the right one becomes overwhelming. Add to that ingredient lists a mile long, most of which it’s hard to tell what they are, and you’ve got a recipe for confusion.
A few ingredients are common to some of the best anti-aging skincare products out there, and with good reason – because they produce results. But what are they, and how can they help enhance your skin’s beauty? Following are some of the most effective ingredients found in most anti-aging creams, gels, and serums:
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
ALA is one of the most powerful antioxidants available because it is both water- and oil-soluble. This means it can access every part of a cell, providing maximum protection against free radicals (molecules that rob the skin cells of collagen and accelerate the effects of aging). This super-powered antioxidant is included in anti-aging skin creams because of its ability to both fight skin photo-aging. Not just photoaging that’s currently occurring, but as well as rejuvenate the existing signs of aging.
Hyaluronic Acid
This is another familiar name in the ingredient lists of many beauty products, referred to as a glycosaminoglycan. Hyaluronic acid is revered in the beauty industry. It’s been called the “key to the fountain of youth.” The substance is plentiful in younger skin and tissues and also acts to lubricate and cushion joints. Hyaluronic acid, like ALA, provides defense against free radicals, which increase with age and the stress of lifestyle factors such as inadequate nutrition, sun exposure, and smoking.
DMAE
This substance – dimethylaminoethanol – occurs naturally in the human brain and fish such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies. DMAE enhances mental function. It encourages acetylcholine production. Plus, it is very effective topically in decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids in anti-aging skincare ingredient lists as lactic, glycolic, citric, malic, or tartaric acids. AHAs provide a suite of skin benefits, including reducing fine lines, minimizing age spots and other pigmentation issues, and even shrinking large pores.
The caveat with AHAs is that they can cause sensitivity to sunlight and mild irritation in some people. Sunscreen should be applied every day, and AHA should only be used every other day at first to allow the skin to adjust to using.
Retinol
This vitamin A derivative is an excellent over-the-counter option for those who are sensitive to prescription-strength versions such as Retin-A. Retinol is effective against fine lines, irregular pigmentation, and dehydrated skin because its molecular structure is tiny enough to penetrate deeply. It can reach the elastin and collagen stores.
Copper Peptide
Despite only having been available since the late 1990s, One of the lesser-known anti-aging skincare ingredients, this peptide. It is lauded as one of the most efficient ways to stimulate skin regeneration.
Copper peptide provides antioxidant action, boosts collagen and elastin production, and promotes the body’s tissue building function. Studies show that it can even restore scar tissue components and other skin due to strengthening the skin’s natural mechanisms.
Being armed with knowledge means being prepared to choose the best anti-aging skin care products for you.
Sources:
https://blog.perriconemd.com/discover-the-wrinkle-prevention-power-of-alpha-lipoic-acid-cream/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/healthy_living/hic_An_Overview_ofYour_Skin/hic_Understanding_the_Ingredients_in_Skin_Care_Products