What are anti-aging ingredients?

There are unlimited creams, lotions and serums that promise to improve the appearance of aging skin. Knowing what the ingredients listed on the back of the products do, can help you make the decision on which one to buy. Most of these ingredients moisturise your skin, this can lessen the appearance of aging, others can have a damaging effect on the skin and some protect against damage.

Common skin care ingredients intended to improve the appearance of aging skin:

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Can help skin appear fresher and more youthful by exfoliating dead skin. AHAs also reduce the signs of sun damage and helping skin retain moisture. Glycolic acids are a popular AHA.

Antioxidants

Vitamins E and C and coenzyme Q10 are antioxidants. The can repair aging skin, and protect from further sun damage and the effects of molecules that irritate and inflame your skin.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

Similar to AHAs, BHAs help to exfoliate your skin. They are intended to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and texture abnormalities

Growth factors

These compounds, found in anti-aging products, can stimulate cell division, blood vessel growth, and help produce skin-firming collagen and elastin in your skin.

Lactic acid

This is an AHA derived from milk. It is often added to moisturisers to help get rid of dead skin cells and enhance the moisture content of your skin.

Peptides

These protein components can increase the collagen in your skin, making it appear thicker.

Petrolatum

This is common in lotions and creams that soften skin. It creates a barrier to help seal in moisture.

Retinoic acid

This is a specialised form of vitamin A. After applying retinoic acid every day for several months, you should begin to see the texture of your skin improve and your skin pigmentation will even out. There should also be increases in the amount of skin-firming collagen present.

Sunscreen

Prevention is better than cure. Wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to prevent signs of aging. Many anti-aging skin care products contain sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

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