With the aging of the baby boomer population comes an increased demand for anti-aging skin care products. The anti-aging skin care industry is a multibillion dollar industry that is growing daily. Prescription skin care products are available only through dermatologists. Over-the-counter products are also available; these are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Cost does not determine quality, states the Mayo Clinic.
Moisturizers
According to skincarephysicians.com, moisturizers are one of the best types of skin care products. They can repair skin during the night, which is a recommended dermatological protocol. Moisturizers keep the skin hydrated by maintaining its water content. Increased hydration serves two purposes. It can make your complexion look younger and brighter by improving its tone. Hydration may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines. The Mayo Clinic says even though moisturizers cannot prevent wrinkles, "they can temporarily mask tiny lines and creases." A moisturizer with vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) may help stimulate collagen production, which agenotes.com says will improve your skin's elasticity and tone.
Sunscreens
A sunscreen can be one of the best skin care products for anti-aging, state skincarephysicians.com and the Mayo Clinic. A sunscreen should contain an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30. Sunscreens can be applied to cleansed, bare skin or applied under daily makeup. Sunscreens should also be applied to the hands or other areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun for any length of time, states the Mayo Clinic. Sunscreens can be found in anti-aging skin care products such as gels, moisturizers, day or night creams, serums and foundations.
Wrinkle Creams
Wrinkle creams were one of the first anti-aging skin care products sold. The active ingredient is what is most important in determining how well a cream will work. The first ingredient found in the original anti-aging creams was retinol, a vitamin A compound. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin A is an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in the skin. Free radicals are what cause skin cells to break down, which can result in fine wrinkles, "age spots" and rough skin. A more potent version of retinol is a topical treatment known as tretinoin, a vitamin A derivative. Tretinoin is available only by prescription and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating wrinkles.
Other wrinkle ingredients besides retinol have been found to have anti-aging properties. These include black, green and oolong tea extracts. Green tea, for instance, is a common ingredient of wrinkle creams since it has been found to improve skin health.
Other anti-aging skin care ingredients that are scientifically proven include alpha hydroxy acids, coenzyme Q10 and copper peptides, says the Mayo Clinic. These may all help diminish the appearance of wrinkles.
Member Comments