Check Ingredients When Choosing Anti-Aging Skin Care Products

In a society that places a high value on a youthful appearance, the fine lines, crow’s feet, age spots, and wrinkles on your face may reveal more about your age than you’d like. Looking younger is obviously a priority for millions of women, who spend billions of dollars on skin care products designed to minimize the signs of aging.

But how do you choose from the hundreds of skin care products vying for consumer dollars? Here’s a guide that can help.

Fight Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The two ingredients that work best on wrinkles and fine lines are retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids.

“Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, are most effective in minimizing wrinkles and fine lines. They do so by preventing breakdown of collagen and increasing collagen synthesis,” explains Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, associate professor of clinical dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Retinoids also give the skin a brighter, firmer appearance. Retinoids in over-the-counter (OTC) products include retinol and retinyl palmitate. A prescription-strength product, tretinoin (Retin-A), is up to 20 times stronger than the OTC products.

Alpha-hydroxy acids are organic compounds such as glycolic acid, which is derived from sugar cane, and lactic acid, which is derived from milk. They are key ingredients in skin products that target skin rejuvenation.

“As we get older, turnover of the outer layer of skin cells slows, and there is a surface layer of dead skin cells that contributes to skin aging,” says Dr. Lipner. “Alphahydroxy acids help shed these surface skin cells and give the skin a healthy, glowing appearance. With dermatologistapplied alpha-hydroxy acid treatments, the deeper layers of the skin can be targeted, improving the appearance of fine lines.”

Protection: A Must at Any Age

You may have heard that sun damage in your younger years is the most common cause of skin cancer, but that doesn’t mean older women don’t need to protect their skin.

“It is important to protect your skin at all ages by seeking shade, applying sunscreen, and wearing sun-protective clothing,” advises Dr. Lipner.

In addition to reducing your risk of skin cancer, using sunscreen will help prevent new age spots and keep your skin hydrated.

To get the most out of your sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology advises the following:

  • Choose a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and has an SPF of 30 or higher.
  • Apply enough sunscreen; most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill a shot glass.
  • Always apply sunscreen before going outside. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate your skin.
  • Reapply every two hours or after sweating or swimming.
  • Check the expiration date. If it’s expired, or there’s no expiration date but it’s more than three years old, toss it and get a new product.

Product Pointers

Keep these tips in mind when selecting skin care products.

Be realistic. Don’t fall for outrageous claims; no product will make you look 10 years younger in a week. You cannot get the look of a surgical facelift from a cream, lotion, or serum.

Don’t expect overnight results. A moisturizer may reduce the appearance of fine lines in a few days, but most products take at least six weeks to work, and it may take as long as three to six months to get the best results possible.

Cost does not equal quality. A product that’s $18 may be just as effective as one that’s $200.

Finally, avoid do-it-yourself cosmetic procedures.

“Using these products can be very dangerous to your skin and may cause permanent scarring. Also avoid cosmetic treatments at medi-spas to prevent serious complications,” says Dr. Lipner.

The post Check Ingredients When Choosing Anti-Aging Skin Care Products appeared first on University Health News.

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