Aging is a fact of life, but that doesn't mean you have to accept all of those fine lines and wrinkles. In fact, many ingredients in anti-aging skin products work well to prevent the dryness and thinning of the skin that comes with age. However, it's important to understand how getting older affects the skin and what you can do about it.
What is Skin Aging?
Skin aging occurs as two substances--collagen and elastin--begin to break down and no longer stay connected. These substances are responsible for making your skin firm and stretchy. As you age, the skin gets thin and dry, causing it to sag and develop wrinkles and lines. That's why a good diet, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of exercise are so important for maintaining a youthful appearance.
Types
There are two types of aging that happens to the skin. The first is called intrinsic aging. This is the natural process the skin goes through of elastin and collagen production slowing down. This type of aging is apparent by thin skin, wrinkles, loss of firmness on the neck, dry skin, gray hair, loss of hair, thickened nails and an inability to sweat sufficiently. The other main type of aging is called extrinsic; it involves all of the external factors that may speed the aging process. A few examples of these factors include sun exposure, smoking, gravity, facial expressions and how you sleep.
Main Anti-Aging Ingredients
When buying a skin cream with the purpose of preventing or slowing the aging process, look for a few key ingredients. The first are alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs, which are made from acids such as glycolic or citric, and are used to speed the rate dead skin cells slough off and speed the rate new cells form. This can get rid of surface wrinkles and pigmentation issues. Another main ingredient is beta hydroxy acids, an example of which is salicylic acid. This works much like AHAs but isn't quite as strong, making it an appropriate choice for those with sensitive skin. Lastly, there's green tea, which helps to ease inflammation, reduce redness and boost the elasticity of the skin--making it beneficial to those concerned about aging skin.
Where to Find Anti-Aging Ingredients
You can find products with anti-aging ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and green tea at a grocery store, drug store or cosmetics shop. If you find your local selection is limited, go online to find the right kinds of products for your skin type (see Resources below). This may be especially beneficial for those with a specific skin type. Don't forget to ask your friends about what products they use. And never fail to read the ingredients labels on products you come across. Although AHAs are great for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, other ingredients such as parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate can cause dry skin and irritation in those with sensitive skin and should be avoided.
Side Effects
Several side effects are possible with anti-aging skin care ingredients. For instance, redness or irritation is common when using AHAs or BHAs since they are exfoliants and work to slough off the top layer of skin. Burning or stinging may also occur upon application. If this sensation becomes too intense, wash off the peel with a mild cleanser and discontinue use for a week. If extreme burning continues, consult with a physician. It's possible that the product is just too strong for your skin type.
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