Good Face Cream Ingredients For Aging Skin

The cosmetics aisles are full of products claiming to erase wrinkles, return elasticity and bring back that youthful glow to your skin. Miracle creams do not exist, but products are on the market that contain ingredients proven to help reduce the signs of aging. According to the Mayo Clinic website, the effectiveness of anti-aging creams depends upon the active ingredients.

Benefits

Good face cream ingredients help you look your best and as young as possible. Anti-aging ingredients target subtle signs of aging such as dark undereye circles, helping to brighten and minimize a tired look and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Anti-aging ingredients also even out skin tone and repair sun-damaged skin. A vast array of over-the-counter products are available that may provide noticeable results, but for more dramatic results, prescription strength ingredients might be necessary to achieve your desired results, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Types

Anti-aging ingredients may include antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles and exfoliators that remove the upper layer of dead skin cells, stimulating cell turnover and revealing smoother skin. Other types of anti-aging ingredients include skin-lightening agents and moisturizers with hydrating complexes.

Over-the-Counter Ingredients

A variety of over-the-counter age-fighting topicals may be effective at helping to reduce signs of skin aging. Vitamin C stimulates collagen biosynthesis, which helps to plump skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C also helps protect the skin against damage from the sun. A study headed by N. Boyera published in the June 1998 issue of the "International Journal of Cosmetic Science" found that vitamin C increased collagen biosynthesis and strengthened the collagen network. Researchers concluded that vitamin C was an effective pro vitamin for skin. Retinol, which is a vitamin A compound, is an antioxidant. Coenzyme Q10, copper peptides and kinetin are other face cream ingredients that help minimize fine lines and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Alpha hydroxy acid is an exfoliator. Lemon extract, mulberry, licorice, bearberry, niacinamide, kojic acid and arbutin are natural whitening agents.

Prescription Ingredients

Prescription face cream ingredients include topical tretinoin, which is a vitamin A derivative used for treating wrinkles; hydroquinone, used as a bleaching agent; and azelaic acid, which is used as a natural whitening agent. Tretinoin causes sun sensitivity, and a broad-spectrum sunblock should be worn while using this product. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not use tretinoin, advises MedlinePlus.

Prevention

An ounce of prevention goes a long way toward preserving your skin. Sunscreen is a wrinkle preventive. It is one of the best anti-aging face cream ingredients because it prevents photodamage that can cause wrinkles and pigmentation changes. Damage from sun exposure is the largest contributor to wrinkles and other signs of aging, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The AAD recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even in the winter months.