A raging war on aging skin appears to be in high gear. Total sales of anti-aging products was projected to top $16 billion in 2010, according to SkinTherapyLetter.com. As skin ages, the collagen and elastin, fibers that maintain skins firmness, gradually deteriorate. This may contribute to wrinkles as skin sags and looses its plumpness of youth. A handful of anti-aging products may help slow down the signs of maturing skin.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be the basis of any skin care program, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen is most important skin care product, because it helps prevent the signs of aging by protecting skin from damaging ultraviolet rays. Sunscreens should provide both UVA and UVB protection and contain a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15 or higher.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers can prevent dryness by retaining water in the outermost layer of skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Substances that guard against water loss include lanolin, mineral oil and petrolatum. Although moisturizers cannot treat wrinkles, they may temporarily minimize their appearance. Moisturizers should be applied to damp skin.
Botanical Antioxidants
Botanical antioxidants contained in lotions, creams and other skin care products may have anti-aging effects, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Common botanical ingredients include pomegranate juice, chamomile flowers, grapeseed extract, ginger, soy extract and green tea.
Pomegranate and soy extracts may help rejuvenate older skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Green tea may help guard against photoaging, or premature aging from exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids are all derivatives of sugar-containing fruits. Hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin by sloughing off the outer layer of old skin and encourage the growth of new, fresher looking skin. More than 200 U.S. manufacturers produce skin care products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that may diminish fine wrinkles and age spots, even out pigmentation and smooth rough skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tretinoin, sold as Retin-A and Renova, is a prescription-only retinoid that diminishes the signs of aging by promoting collagen production. Retin-A may cause skin redness and a burning or stinging sensation.
Retinol may be an optimal alternative for individuals who are sensitive to Retin-A. Retinol is a less potent vitamin A offshoot that's available in numerous over-the-counter wrinkle creams.
Member Comments