The desire to look and feel younger has been common throughout history. Now, science has come up with ways to slow and even reverse some of the signs of aging that all people encounter as they get older. Anti-aging products have appeared on the market that reduce wrinkles, halt cellular damage and repair some of the day-to-day decay that occurs as a result of aging.
Types
Anti-aging products come in a variety of forms. Topicals include products designed to be applied to the skin, where they soak in and fight damage caused by aging. Supplements work inside the body. Some affect the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Others work on internal systems, extending lifespan by improving the health of individual cells. Some supplements come in the form of vitamin pills or tinctures. Other anti-aging supplements are available as juices or other food products fortified with ingredients that fight aging.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are specific vitamins, minerals and other compounds, particularly vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, the B vitamins, zinc, selenium, alpha lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10, which all act against compounds called free radicals. Free radicals are naturally created in the body by cells as those cells make and use energy, but after their creation, these byproducts of cellular activity can run amok and destroy DNA and other cell components. By destroying free radicals, antioxidants protect cells from damage that leads to many of the problems of aging. Antioxidants can be found in topical products as well as in supplement form.
Technological Ingredients
One of the latest trends in anti-aging products has been the use of cosmeceuticals, products that combine cosmetics and powerful chemicals that treat the problems of aging. Compounds called peptides are one type of anti-aging cosmeceutical. Peptides are small protein fragments that penetrate into the dermis layer of the skin to stimulate cells to repair and rebuild structural compounds such as hyaluronic acid and collagen, which are typically lost as people age.
Considerations
Anti-aging products can help reduce and repair the signs of aging, but they are not a cure-all. Having realistic expectations about what a face cream or supplement can do is key to being satisfied with their effects. Some people who want more dramatic results may have to try more aggressive tactics, including cosmetic treatments like laser therapy, injectables or microdermabrasion. Plastic surgery is another option for those looking for a total overhaul of their looks.
Warnings
Because the FDA does not regulate claims made by cosmetic companies or supplement manufacturers, there are plenty of products out there that say they target aging, but have no scientific evidence to back it up. In some cases, these are products that do contain anti-aging ingredients but at a concentration too low to have any effect. In other cases, the claimed anti-aging ingredients might be useless or even dangerous for some individuals. You should always talk to a doctor and research ingredients thoroughly before starting to use anti-aging products.
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