Healthy skin looks its best at any age. That is the secret behind dermatologist recommendations for anti-aging cosmetic products---which don't always jibe with what manufacturers have to say. Health science professionals understand both the theory and application of skin care. They see what works every day. Doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) endorse a few active product ingredients aimed at aging skin issues. They note that others may work, but people are better off using something proven to help skin look younger.
Moisturizing Soap
Dryness is the biggest threat to aging skin, which loses some of its ability to maintain a surface moisture balance. Moisturizing soaps and facial cleansers assist healthy skin in retaining as much hydration as possible during washing, which dries the skin as it removes excess oil. According to Mayo Clinic skin care experts, a good moisturizing soap, cream or cleanser contains hydrating oils and fats. These may include glycerin, lanolin or olive oil, and should be free of deodorant, antibacterial and fragrance additives.
Moisturizing Cream
Dermatologists at the AAD call facial moisturizer an essential cosmetic product. Its anti-aging properties are proven to erase fine lines and wrinkles temporarily by plumping skin with emollients. Reserve moisturizing lotion for hands, and use a cream, oil or ointment for facial skin care. These heavier--oil-content products remain on the skin surface longer to reinforce the outer moisture barrier. Dermatologists recommend humectant ingredients, such as glycerin and allantoin, which attract moisture to the area. These should be combined with emollient ingredients, such as petrolatum and dimethicone, which slow evaporation.
Vitamin Cream
Vitamins A, C and E are nutrients that the body naturally uses to form an effective barrier to keep moisture in and pollutants out. These ingredients may be present in various formulations of skin care cream. Often, synthetic Vitamin A, called retinol or retinoic acid, is the sole active ingredient. The AAD endorses it as effective in cellular turnover at the epidermis. Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants to combat outside threats to healthy skin. Anti-aging cosmetic products may list these as ascorbic acid and tocopheryl.
Rejuvenating Cream
Because aging slows the exfoliation process, rejuvenating skin creams effectively promote healthy skin by assisting in exfoliation. These cosmetic products are often designated as night creams that do their jobs while skin is resting from the environmental exposure of the day. Most dermatologists agree that alpha and beta hydroxy acids, including lactic and salicylic acids, are ingredients that improve the appearance of aging skin.
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