Proven to produce noticeable improvements in all signs of aging
Have you looked in the mirror lately and wondered, “What happened to my skin?” or “Where did this line come from?” or better yet, “Did this just pop up overnight?” Changes in your skin are inevitable as we mature, and we surely can’t stop the process; and hey, we have earned some of those lines, right? But we can slow down the process by some awesome skin care ingredients. Next time you’re researching the right products for your skin type and condition, look for some of these wonderful anti-aging ingredients.
AHA’s & BHA’s
AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) like glycolic acid derived from sugar cane, lactic acid derived from milk, malic acid derived from apples and pears, citric acid derived from lemons and oranges, and tartaric acid derived from grapes, are water-soluble natural exfoliating acids that bind moisture, improve collagen production and smooth uneven skin texture. These are great for combination to drier skin types.
BHA’s (beta hydroxy acids) like salicylic acid derived from aspirin are oil-soluble acids and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin roughness and is extremely useful in the treatment of breakouts and helpful in the management of keratosis pilaris, conditions that involve blocked or clogged pores and is great for oily skin types.
Retinol
Retinol is the #1 anti-aging skin care ingredient on the market today and is often touted as the gold standard for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, large pores and pigmentation issues. It speeds up cell turnover and boosts collagen and elastin. It also pumps up our circulation by increasing your blood vessel formation so your skin looks healthier. And isn’t that what we all want? One thing about retinol that I always recommend is to go slow in the beginning…. twice a week the first week; three times a week the second week; and build up from there. If you start to use retinol every single night right off the bat, you could possibly experience dry, flaky, irritated skin. And remember – only use your retinol products at night as it is very sun sensitive.
Vitamin C
One of the best antioxidants to help fight off environmental damage (namely, free radicals) and make your skin have a healthy glow is Vitamin C. It increases collagen production, reduces the appearance of skin discoloration, strengthens your skin’s barrier response and reduces inflammation. All skin types can use Vitamin C and most types of Vitamin C are even safe for sensitive and rosacea prone skin. Because Vitamin C has a very short period of activity, it must be replenished daily. I recommend using a Vitamin C serum under your daytime moisturizer and SPF every morning. Bye-bye free radicals!
L-Ascorbic Acid is the most common form of Vitamin C and is water-soluble. Other names you will find Vitamin C listed as are: ASCORBIC ACID POLYPEPTIDE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSAMINE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, ASCORBYL PALMITATE MAGNESIUM, ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE SODIUM, ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, and the newest form of Vitamin C on the market, TETRAHEXYLDECYL ASCORBATE, which penetrates skin deeper and faster than any other form of Vitamin C.
Green Tea Extract
There have been a number of encouraging studies of skin benefits of green tea and many have found it to slow down the development of some signs of aging. It usually can be found in many natural and organic skin care products. Green tea is an antioxidant, it reduces inflammation, cell damage to the skin and sun damage.
It is best to combine green tea with zinc oxide-based sunscreens because zinc oxide is chemically inert and should not react with green tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight).
One little tip is make freshly brewed green tea, freeze it in ice cub trays and then use it as a refreshing toner. Just please don’t put the frozen ice cube directly on the skin. No one wants freezer burn!
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a stable and potent antioxidant and a protective benefit for your skin. It can be found in grape skin, peanuts, berries, and even dark chocolate. In skincare, however, it works on a cellular level to fight aging. It also protects against sun damage, improves collagen synthesis and reduces cell damage.
Hyaluronic Acid
Now, don’t freak out when you hear the word “acid.” Our bodies produce hyaluronic acid, but as we age, the production slows down. It keeps our tissues lubricated and it has two main functions. 1. It acts like a plumper. Hydrated skin reduces the appearance of wrinkles, which may explain why several studies show that supplementing with it can make skin appear smoother. And 2. It’s a humectant. It actually takes the moisture from the air and binds it to your skin. It promotes healthier and supple skin and can speed wound healing. It is excellent for dry or dehydrated skin.
Peptides
Peptides is one of the most promising discoveries in the last few years. Peptides are chains of amino acids that are building blocks of proteins in the skin. They penetrate the top layer of the skin and send signals to our cells to let them know how to function. This is a brilliant process. Peptides are channeling into the skin telling our cells what to do with the products. One important protein in our skin is collagen. When collagen breaks down in our skin, wrinkles form. Peptides, applied topically to the skin, send a signal to the collagen to prompt formation of new collagen – and – VOILA! – you have the appearance of more youthful supple skin.
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