5 of the best anti-ageing ingredients
When it comes to tackling ageing skin efficiently, you need to get your hands on some clock-stopping ingredients. Anything that packs less than a powerful punch is just not good enough. So, meet some of the power players of the anti-ageing skin care world. There are five that we’re showcasing today, and they’ve all got superb talents when it comes to making you look – and feel – a whole lot younger.
RELATED: 5 of the best toners for oily skin
RELATED: Why you should try goat's milk in your skin care
Peptides
In a nutshell, peptides are chains of amino acids that contribute to the creation of protein within the skin. They also have the ability to penetrate the top layer of the skin and send ‘signals’ to your cells that tell them how to function. This enables peptides to stimulate collagen production and regulate the breaking down of collagen, which inturn promotes smoother, more youthful skin. They also enhance wound and cell repair – and act as an anti-inflammatory – making them not only a wonder ingredient for those with mature skin, but those with troublesome skin, too.
bh recommends: Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster , Hunter Lab Peptide Anti-Ageing Elixir and endota spa new age™ Peptide 8 Hyaluronic Serum .
Sunscreen
As far as anti-ageing products go, sunscreen is known as the number one preventer. Wearing it daily will help block UV rays from penetrating into the skin, effectively minimising the risk of premature wrinkles, skin sagging and blotchy pigmentation. It’ll also help to prevent the destruction of collagen and elastin fibres, which means smoother, more youthful skin for longer. Always aim to wear a broad-spectrum variety, as these will protect the skin from both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. Don’t scrimp on your application either – you need at least a teaspoon just for your face. If you’re really keen to make most of this anti-ageing cream, look for one that also contains anti-oxidants to boost skin health and counteract the damaging effects of the sun.
bh recommends: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Lotion SPF50 , La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light SPF50+ and I nvisible Zinc Facial Moisturiser SPF30 UVA-UVB .
Retinol
Retinol is the do-it-all ingredient of the skin care world. It is a derivative of vitamin A that treats fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, dullness, loss of firmness and any other skin ageing issue you can think of. It works by speeding up your cell turnover, helping to sweep away dull skin-causing dead cells, while also boosting collagen and elastin production by stimulating cell repair. When purchasing, always pay attention to the packaging. Light and air can degrade the retinol, so look for aluminium tubes or solid pump packs. Don’t slather a whole heap on your face at once, either. You need to build-up your skin’s tolerance to the product, so start with a small amount every two days before moving to a daily application. Always use retinol at night, too, as it this is when it’s most effective. And come daytime, do make sure you apply sunscreen as retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which could result in unexpected sunburn.
bh recommends: Indeed Labs Retinol Reface , Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum and Mary Kay TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm® Night Treatment with Retinol .
Antioxidants
Antioxidants have the unique ability to prevent environmental elements from ruining your skin. As they penetrate into the skin, they turn any nasty free radicals lurking around into harmless compounds, preventing them from destroying collagen and elastin. This is turn means less wrinkles, less pigmentation, and less skin sagging. As an added bonus, antioxidants (read: vitamin C, acai, green tea and pomegranate) also help stimulate cell repair and collagen production. Look for potent serums that contain a number of different antioxidants, because the more they contain, the more powerful the product will be.
bh recommends: Dermalogica Age Smart Antioxidant HydraMist , Ultraceuticals Ultra Protective Antioxidant Complex and Planet Eve Organics Rose Hydration Mist .
Alpha hydroxy acids
If you’ve got dull skin – but crave radiant, glowy skin – adding alpha hydroxy acids to your skin care routine is a wise idea. They gently exfoliate the skin by dissolving dead skin cells, leaving behind soft, refreshed skin – all without the need of harsh abrasives. Other than the ability to add radiance, smooth fine lines and help fade patches of pigmentation, alpha hydroxy acids also allow other topically-applied ingredients to penetrate deeply and quickly into the skin. The key is to not overuse them, though. If you do, you’ll only weaken your skin’s natural protective barrier, causing redness and premature ageing. Start with a glycolic-based cleanser, which is a type of alpha hydroxy acid, and then move onto peels and treatment products as your skin builds-up its toleration for the ingredient.
bh recommends: Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ AHA-Complex Peel Creme , Alpha-H Liquid Laser Cleansing Oil and Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer™ . Are you concerned with skin ageing? Do you use any of these amazing anti-ageing ingredients? Which one does your skin need the most?
Write a Comment