There is an extensive variety of anti aging products available in the market nowadays. There are products catering to all skin types and targeting specific skin problems. But how do you choose an anti aging product that's best for you?
When it comes to efficient skin care products, the most expensive need not be the most effective ones. Also, what works for someone else may or may not work for you. Then how do you decide? You need to go through the ingredients' list of the potential products and see if they suit your particular skin type and would be helpful in treating your skin condition. This is how you can key down on the perfect anti aging skin care product for yourself!
Here is an easy A-B-C guide to anti aging skin care products and treatments.
A – Alpha Hydroxy Acids
B – Beta Hydroxy Acids
C – Vitamin C
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHAs are one of the most popular cosmoceuticals in the skin care market. Known for their powerful skin care benefits, they are used extensively in skin care products, both natural as well as chemical ones. They are available in a variety forms and is found in foods, plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, viruses and algae. AHAs penetrate the skin's dermis layer and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers. As a result, the skin becomes more firm and supple. It also boosts the hyaluronic acid present within the skin tissues and helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Some of the common forms of AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid.
Here are some of the anti aging benefits of alpha hydroxy acids.
It improves the appearance of sun damaged skin by reducing hyperpigmentation like age spots and melasma.
It reduces the wrinkles and fine lines on the skin surface and makes the skin texture soft and smooth.
It promotes the skin's natural epidermal cell shedding process and thus ensures regular exfoliation.
AHAs are also known to help with severe skin disorders like psoriasis and hyperkeratosis.
AHAs are highly effective because of their quick response time and the low likeliness of causing any irritation when used in safe dosages, i.e. in concentrations less than 10%. However, they tend to increase the skin's susceptibility to sun damage. Therefore, it is advised to wear sunscreen while using AHA based products in order to prevent sunburns on the newly emerging dermal layer.
Beta Hydroxy Acids
BHAs are natural skin care ingredients that have potent skin care benefits with their use. BHAs penetrate into the skin pores and soften the accumulated sebum and debris. This makes it easier for them to get flushed out. Because of this, the skin pores also appear smaller. They are safely used in concentrations of 2% or less in OTC skin care products and have a quick response time.
Salicylic acid is one of the most common forms of BHAs and is used extensively in anti-aging treatments and acne skin care products.
Vitamin C
Stabilized Vitamin C is very popular skin care ingredient. All other forms of Vitamin C oxidize rapidly and thus lose their ability to be effective. Ascorbic acid is the most commonly used form of stabilized Vitamin C. When applied topically, it has the capacity to increase collagen production.
Here are some of its other benefits.
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin cells from free radical damage.
It also provides a skin lightening effect and helps to reduce the appearance of age pots, freckles and hyperpigmentation.
It has anti-inflammatory properties as well
It boosts the collagen levels within the skin cells.
Anti-aging skin care products should contain at least 19% or more concentration of Vitamin C for it to produce any benefits.
SPF
This is another important aspect of anti aging skin care. In order to prevent premature aging and delay the appearance of aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines, it is important that you protect your skin from the UV rays of the sun. Make sure you use an effective sunscreen of at least SPF 30 whenever you venture out in the sun.
Only if you take good care of your skin now will you be able to delay the appearance of aging signs later in life!
By Marilynn Syertt Physician
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