Shopping for anti-aging skincare products can be a little overwhelming. Between day creams, night creams, serums and masks, there are many to choose from. And, while each product should be used for different aging concerns, it’s still hard to decipher as to which is the best.
So, how do you choose the right one? The answer is actually in the ingredients. Knowing which ingredient to look for is imperative in achieving your own anti-aging goals. That’s why we’ve outlined for you the five best anti-aging ingredients to look for, so that your next skincare purchase won’t be a confusing one.
1. Hyaluronic Acid
As we age, our collagen production declines and the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration becomes more visible. Maximizing collagen levels will help to keep the skin supple, and hyaluronic acid will aid in restoring this volume, moisture and firmness. That’s why it’s great to invest in products containing hyaluronic acid, as they reverse the signs of aging by plumping and firming skin.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that keeps the skin safe from the free radicals it comes in contact with. By shielding the skin from free radicals, you can slow down skin damage and reverse the signs of aging. Vitamin C also speeds up the production of collagen, lightens the look of dark spots and uneven pigmentation, proving once again it’s one of the most versatile, not to mention, beneficial ingredients to have in a skincare product.
It’s also important to mention that in order to get 100% pure Vitamin C ﾖ which is what you need for visible results ﾖ you must look for a product that contains Vitamin C in a UV bottle. Why? The UV bottle packaging will protect the integrity of the ingredient, ensuring maximized potency.
3. Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) act as an exfoliant, which in turn help loosen and eliminate dead cells from the skin’s surface. AHA’s are also beneficial in increasing both oxygen and blood flow to the skin’s surface, which helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Other skincare benefits AHA’s provide include:
lightening of brown spots
reducing the appearance of blackheads, acne and acne scarring
reducing dryness on the skin’s surface
4. Retinoids
Retinols are a Vitamin A derivative that unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce the look of fine lines, and speed up cellular turnover. In fact, consistent use of retinol creams will show noticeable improvement in skin clarity in as little as three weeks.
While retinols can cause dryness, redness and flaking, this will only happen if you don’t ease in. It is very possible to avoid this rough transition by, for the first two weeks, applying retinol every second or third night until your skin gradually becomes accustom to its active ingredients.
Why do retinols cause dryness?
The reason why retinols can be harsh is partly due to excessive exposure to the skin (which is why we want to ease into it) but also because most products are not properly formulated. That’s why we took the time to figure out what the best nourishing vitamins and hydrating botanicals were, so that we can add them into our retinol creams to counteract some of the retinol’s drying effects.
5. Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal the skin to create collagen, which, as mentioned, is essential for firm, healthy skin. When included in skincare, peptides will work to stimulate the production of collagen, erasing the signs of aging and renewing skin for a more youthful appearance.
Like this post? Share on your favourite social media below, or sign up to receive exclusive access to our skincare savings.