Sales of cosmetics are a $2 billion industry in the United States and anti-aging face creams make up a considerable piece of the market, according to a May 1, 2009, report published by ABC News. According to Information Resources, a Chicago-based research firm, some $655 million worth of anti-aging face creams were sold in 2008 alone. New ingredients provide promising results in the quest to eliminate facial lines and wrinkles.
Prevention
Prevention is the best way to delay the onset of fine lines and wrinkles. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says long-term overexposure to the sun causes wrinkles, age spots and changes the skin's texture, making it look prematurely older. The AAD recommends using products with sunscreen with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, harmful light rays from the sun. This is especially important for the face, neck and hands, skin that is almost always exposed.
While many moisturizers with sunscreen only contain an SPF 15, Olay's Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer contains SPF 30 and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Users give the product 4 stars at the Amazon website.
Vitamin A Derivatives
The Mayo Clinic says that retinol is a compound of Vitamin A. It is the first antioxidant to be widely used in non-prescription wrinkle creams. This ingredient helps stabilize free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles. While most non-prescription creams won't erase wrinkles completely, those with retinol can improve the look of skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
Tretinoin is a potent Vitamin A derivative approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat wrinkles. It is commonly known as Retin-A and is available by prescription only.
The best wrinkle skin care products contain retinol and other hydrating ingredients to plump cells and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The "British Journal of Dermatology" published the results of a study conducted in the United Kingdom by Boots, the manufacturer. In that study, the No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum, now sold in the United States, significantly helped reduce wrinkles and sun damage in volunteers. The serum contains retinyl palmitate, a retinoid.
Other Anti-Aging Products
Other ingredients that may help reduce the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles are hydroxy acids, co-enzyme Q10, copper peptides, kinetin and tea extracts, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Hydroxy acids like alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid and poly hydroxy acid, are exfoliants, which help remove the dead cells from the top layer of the skin. Hydroxy acids help stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin. Paula's Choice Exfoliating 2 Percent BHA Lotion, recommended by Paula Begoun, often referred to as the "Cosmetics Cop," gets 4 1/2 stars from users on the Paula's Choice website.
Co-Q10 is a nutrient that helps regulate energy production in cells. A study published in the April 7, 2009, issue of "BioFactors" found that Co-Q10 helped to reduce wrinkles and led to the rejuvenation of wrinkled skin.
Copper peptides enhance wound healing and stimulate production of collagen, fibers under the skin that keep it looking taut. Kinetin may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.
Tea extracts, such as green tea extract, act as antioxidants and help repair damaged skin.
Several products contain a combination of these ingredients. One product, Night Repair Cream with Co-Enzyme Q10 & Resveratrol, manufactured by ViriLife Naturals, contains Co-Q10, polypeptides, Vitamin A, green tea extract and several other anti-aging ingredients.
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