In our ongoing quest for radiant, flawless, and youthful skin, a certain knowledge of anti-aging ingredients becomes not only helpful, but crucial. Here’s a handy cheat sheet, with all the basic ingredients you could ever want or need in a health-boosting, anti-aging skincare product.

Vitamin A,
Vitamin A is a drug but Retinol which is a derivative of Vitamin A is not. Vitamin A has been suggested to help promote the production of skin strengthening collagen fibers. These plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also believed that retinol reduces the appearance of hyper-pigmentation (mottled colored spots on the skin).

Vitamin C Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant, crucial in the fight against skin-aging environmental free radicals, and essential for the formation of collagen in the skin. One thing to keep in mind is that Vitamin C is not very stable in skincare products, and it isn’t effective in small doses in topical skincare. While the jury concludes that Vitamin C is crucial in the fight against aging, it’s better when ingested in your favorite orange fruit.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs are a group of natural acids that act as powerful chemical exfoliants. These remove dead skin cells, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and deep cleanse the pores. Glycolic, lactic, citric, and tartaric acids are all AHAs, with lactic acids being the most gentle, and most prevalent. AHAs penetrate the epidermal (skin) cells to trigger the formation of new collagen, while reducing the appearance of surface wrinkles.

Peptides

Peptides are small chains of amino acids, and the building blocks of proteins, which make up skin cells. Due to their small molecular size, peptide proteins have the ability to deeply penetrate the layers of the skin to stimulate the skin cell healing process, and to trigger skin repair. In essence, peptides activate the skincare repair and renewal process on the molecular level.

The plethora of anti-aging skincare options need not be confusing. With a basic knowledge of ingredients, youthful skin is a stone’s throw away.

SUBMITTED BY

adinazilberman
Beauty Blogger
In her 20’s from New York City