Top 8 Anti Aging Ingredients
What are the anti aging ingredients you can find in the daily anti aging products you’re using?
Cosmetic companies very often announce breakthroughs in anti aging serums and anti wrinkle face creams. All these products are highly expensive which as we know reflects the cost of advertising, stylish packaging and a perceived value addition in comparison to other products. So, let us delve deep to see what are the anti aging ingredients that used in their products?
Here are the top 8 anti aging ingredients:-
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are also commonly known as glycolic acid, lactic acid and malic acid. They are exfoliating agents made from fruity acids and have been used in skin care products for years. They have the capacity to erase fine lines (microdermabrasion) formed on the skin giving it a smoother appearance after a few applications.
Beta-Hydroxy Acids
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are better known as salicylic acid in the anti aging ingredients. The difference between AHA and BHA is that alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble only while beta hydroxy acids are oil soluble. So they have the capacity to penetrate deep into the skin through the pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells. They are also anti inflammatory agents and are preservatives and hence very commonly used in face care products.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acids are fatty acids found in every cell in the body and it converts glucose into energy. They are also great antioxidants, a substance that neutralizes harmful chemicals called free radicals. It is both water and oil soluble and readily sourced from brewer’s yeast, red meat and potatoes. It has the capacity to recycle antioxidants vitamins C and E and glutathione after they have been used up.
Retin-A or Renova
The active anti aging ingredient in Retin-A and Renova is tretinoin, a very potent chemical derived from Vitamin A. As per FDA, Retin-A and Renova are by-prescription only, drugs. They were initially prescribed for treatment of acne, but soon researchers discovered that they were effective in smoothening of fine wrinkles, blotchy, rough and sun damaged skin.
However pregnant women and would-be mothers are advised against the usage of Retin-A and Renova.
DMAE
DMAE with its chemical name as dimethyl-amino-ethanol are oral supplements and have been available for a long time under the name Deanol. This nutrient is present in fish and it helps in cognitive function. This ingredient is also hailed for reducing facial sag which is different from facial wrinkles.
Vitamin C and C Esters
Vitamin C is an anti inflammatory antioxidant that consumes free radicals which are harmful to the skin. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen which is protein required for proper functioning of cells which maintain the texture of the skin. It also plays a role in regeneration of other antioxidants such as Vitamin E. However, since it is unstable Vitamin C has to be preserved in a protective substance and should be in high enough concentration to be beneficial to the skin.
Tocopherols and Tocotrienols
Tocopherols and Tocotrienols are found in vitamin E in a compound formation of four and four. While both are antioxidants, Tocotrienol is a more potent antioxidant than tocopherol. They are easily absorbed by the skin and thus are well suited for use as a Vitamin E cream which is known to reduce age spots, irritation, stretch marks, fine lines and some scars. These nutrients are found in high concentrations in palm oil.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is an oil soluble vitamin found in all cells in the body especially the mitochondria. Production of this nutrient declines at the age of 40 and above. Exposure to excessive sun light also reduces this nutrient. Research reveals that supplements of CoQ10 in the body improves skin quality and hence are used as an ingredient in anti aging creams. However, more research is being done to discover its various qualities.
Tags: Anti-Aging Treatments, malic acid, wrinkle face creams
