Skin creams are made for a wide variety of uses. The cream is a base for active ingredients to be mixed with and applied to the skin. According to the Acne Support Team, skin creams are generally recommended to be used for skin classified as normal to oily, while ointments and aqueous solutions are recommended for normal to dry skin types. Skin cream uses vary by ailment, so it's important to know why you want to use a cream before you buy one.
Fine Lines, Irregular Pigmentation & Age Spots
Alpha-hydroxy acids are often the active ingredient in creams to treat fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots. Ingredients such as glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids are all classified as alpha-hydroxy acids. They work by causing the skin to shed skin cells, revealing new, fresh skin underneath. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are more than 200 skin care products in the United States alone that contain alpha-hydroxy acids.
Skin Bleaches for Age Spots & Hyperpigmentation
Many skin creams are used to bleach the skin to treat age spots and hyperpigmentation. The active ingredient most commonly used is hydroquinone, whether the skin cream is purchased over the counter or prescribed. Kojic Acids is another active ingredient with similar effects as that of hydroquinone. Kojic acid is a great alternative to those allergic to hydroquinone, and according to the Cleveland Clinic, has been proved to be an effective lightening ingredient.
Improve Irregular Pigmentation, Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Texture, Skin Tone & Hydration Levels
Some of the most common ingredients found in skin creams are derivatives of vitamin A, such as retinol and its stronger version, tretinoin. The Cleveland Clinic reports that vitamin A has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin to find collagen and elastin. Retinol is proved to improve irregular pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and hydration levels; and is therefore found as the active ingredient in most anti-aging skin creams.
Increase Collagen to Reduce Fine Lines, Wrinkles and Scars
Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant for its ability to boost the body's healing abilities. There are many derivatives of this powerful antioxidant, but L-ascorbic acid is the only derivative proven to be effective. L-ascorbic acid can be found in many skin creams to stimulate the skin's production of collagen to help to keep the skin looking youthful. It has been proven to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and scars.
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