Anti aging facial products boast of a bevy of active ingredients like Astaxanthin, niacinamide, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, peptides, retinoids, ceramides, and beta-carotene to name just a few. They make wide-ranging claims from simply hiding the signs of aging to giving you younger, smoother and healthier looking skin by the day.
You are not the only one who is bewildered by the confusing array of choices. Most women and men have no clue about how the scientific compounds or technology will actually help their skin.
Following is a look at what these ingredients actually mean and how they can benefit your skin,
which will help you in separating the wheat from the chaff:
Antioxidants - Free radicals inside the body cause oxidation that destroys the essential collagen which is needed to keep the skin firm and wrinkle-free. Antioxidants (present in Astaxanthin, Vitamin A, C, and E, selenium and beta-carotene) not only disable the free radicals, but also encourage cell growth and reverse collagen damage.
Retinoids - Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and is proved to be immensely beneficial for the skin. This is an antioxidant too, and therefore prevents cellular damage, encourages collagen production and reduces enlarged pores. Retinoid is a more potent form of retinol and is available by prescription-only.
Peptides - These proteins can plump lips, reduce dark circles and lift sagging skin. Copper peptides not only promote production of collagen and elastin, but can also remove damaged collagen from the skin tissue.
Alpha-hydroxy acids - They help treat fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots and should be used with sunscreen. It is advisable to start with low concentration to avoid skin irritation. Glycolic acid is one of the most popular AHAs.
Beta-hydroxy acids (or Salicylic acid) - This works as an exfoliator and can improve skin texture and color as well. The primary benefit is that it prevents breakouts in oily or acne-prone skin.
Hyaluronic acid - This nutrient is present in the body to retain water in the skin's lipid layers. It tends to get destroyed with age. While this cannot be replaced, moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid prove to be very effective on wrinkled skin.
Sustained-release ceramides - This helps to keep the skin moist.
Hexamidine - This is actually a disinfectant which also helps to lock in moisture very effectively.
Hydroquinone and Kojic acid - These are lightening agents for dealing with pigmentation and age spots.
SPF - Exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer. The SPF or sun protection factor defines the extent to which a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays. But remember that SPF can only protect the skin from damage and cannot completely eliminate the signs of aging.
Armed with this knowledge, you can enter a beauty store with the confidence that you know what effect the anti aging facial products will have on your skin and what you need to buy to get visible results!
The author Christina Millss is an eminent skin care specialist and writer of anti aging facial products.
She is well reputed for her writings on skin care products for women
and hydrating skin care. Her contribution to the world of skin care is
immense.
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