To a large extent, skin aging is due to deteriorating collagen and elastin fibers that help keep skin full and firm, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Long-term exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can also accelerate skin aging. With so many creams, lotions, gels and serums promising to turn back the clock, it can difficult to know what is true and what is mere hype. Certain skin products may effectively reduce some of the common signs of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, roughness, thinning and sagging.
Hydryoxy Acids
Skin care products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acids, may help diminish the appearance of fine lines, uneven pigmentation and age or sun spots, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Since AHAs encourage the shedding of dead skin cells, they can improve skin texture and cause a smoothing effect. Mild skin irritation and sun sensitivity may occur with AHAs.
Beta hydroxyl acids, or BHAs, like salicylic acid, may also exfoliate the skin and give it a healthy glow. BHAs may be less irritating than AHAs, while providing comparable smoothing and pigmentation effects, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, has anti-inflammatory properties and helps exfoliate skin, according to SkinTherapyLetter.com. ALA may also reduce fine lines and give skin a fresher appearance. A Swedish study published in the British Journal of Dermatology in October 2003 found that the topical application of a cream containing ALA decreased skin roughness and softened fine lines. Researcher Harry Beitner lead the study at the Department of Dermatology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm.
Tretinoin
Prescription-only tretinoin, sold as Retin-A, Avita and Differin, has been approved by the FDA to treat photoaging, or skin aging caused by sun exposure, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tretinoin revives collagen production and can help improve age spots, fine lines and deeper wrinkles.
Retinol
Retinol is basically a watered-down verison of tretinoin. It's available without a doctor's prescription. Retinol may be a good choice for people who find tretinoin too irritating. Retinol may decrease fine lines and wrinkles while improving texture and tone, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Copper Peptides
Copper-containing compounds may protect and repair damaged skin, according to the UMMC. Creams that contain copper peptides may retard the normal skin aging process by fueling collagen and elastin production. Copper peptides may help soften, smooth and even tighten sagging skin.
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