Anti Aging Skin Care IngredientsConfused about skin care ingredients? Well, you are not alone. Many of us don't know what these skincare ingredients mean or what they can do for our skin. Do liposomes, ceramides, peptides...ring a bell? These are some of the many ingredients that we can find today in cosmetic products and because there are far too many, I have concentrated in the most well known antiaging skincare ingredients. 
Understanding how these ingredients work in cosmetic products and what they can do for your skin will be invaluable, and will give a realistic vision when you go in search of cosmetic products. Although skin care products will help with skin problems what you need to remember before buying these products is that cosmetic companies will always exaggerate the benefits of their ingredients. In any case, if you are still unsure of which skin care ingredients will be more suitable for your skin, please consult your dermatologist. Lipids In an easy way to understand lipids are fats that can't be dissolved in water. There are many types of lipids in the human body. Skin lipids constitute 10 to 30% of the top layer (stratum corneum) and form the "skin's barrier", preventing the infiltration of some substances such as drugs, germs, chemicals...through the skin. Lipids also reduce the loss of water in the skin, protecting our bodies from dehydration. Many skin care companies incorporate these skin care ingredients to cosmetic formulations. The most well known lipids in cosmetic formulations are: ceramides and liposomes . Peptides Peptides are organic compounds of great importance. Peptides are small chains of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) which are joined together by peptide bonds. They can be dipeptides, tripeptides...to polypeptides. Cosmetics companies are using peptides as skin care ingredients to help diminish fine lines and wrinkles. 
Peptides stimulate skin regeneration, but in order to be effective, it has to have a high concentration of peptides, without causing any irritation to the skin. Check the labels and ask questions when shopping for cosmetic ingredients. The most well known peptides in cosmetic formulations are: copper peptides, hexapeptide-3 and pentapeptides . Humectants Humectants are substances that have the ability to absorb moisture from the air. They are added to many cosmetic products to keep the skin moisturized. Skin care products with humectants are designed to avoid the loss of water in our skin, and can help us to delay the appearance of premature wrinkles and fine lines. The most popular humectants used in cosmetic products are: glycerin , panthenol and hyaluronic acid . Alpha Hydroxy Acids 
Alpha hydroxy acids, also known as AHA'S are a naturally occurring group of acids, derived from food products such as citrus fruits, apples, grapes, papaya, sugar cane, milk...Their function is to exfoliate the skin, shedding dead skin cells to improve skin texture. As a result the skin is left feeling softer, more supple with an even tone and younger looking. These skin care ingredients have been used by the cosmetic industry for decades and are widely used as a skin care ingredient in facial peelings. In skin care products the concentration of AHA'S varies from 5 to 15% but research shows this is a low concentration to make a great improvement to the skin. Higher concentrations like the ones used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons, up to 70% will give better results, but the skin will be more sensitive to sunlight and may cause irritations. Sensitive skin should not use these products. Don't use alpha hydroxy acids together with products containing retinol. If in doubt, always consult with a dermatologist. The most well known alpha hydroxy acids used in cosmetic formulations are: lactic acid , tartaric acid, glycolic acid , citric acid and malic acid . Retinoids Retinoids are compounds derived from vitamin a and are also known by the name of retinols, see
what is retinol
? and can be found only in foods from animal origin. Retinoids are widely used in treating some diseases such as skin cancer and several skin disorders like:
We can find many retinol skin products and we can get them as well from the dermatologist and doctor as a prescription. Skin care retinol is been proved to be very effective in treating aging skin. Topical retinoids can penetrate deep in the skin, increasing the turnover of cells. As a consequence the epidermis is renew and collagen production is boosted. Retinoids can have some side effects such as:
When using these products always wear sunscreen with a high SPF because retinols increase sun sensitivity. Pregnant woman should avoid their use because is extremely dangerous. As always if you are in any doubt, please consult with a dermatologist or your doctor. There are different types of retinoids, but the most effective ingredient in cosmetic products is tretinoin . Find out what is Isotretinoin and Isotretinoin Side Effects . Another anti aging skin care ingredient that is added to many cosmetics is DMAE which is most used to lift sagging skin. Find out here what is topical DMAE . Thinking about buying a DNA face cream and whether is worth it? Find out if DNA technology works in skin care here skin ingredients . Find out if Matrixyl 3000 is really a wonder skin care ingredient. Niacinamide Cream - What is niacinamide and why this ingredient is effective in treating several skin conditions. Resveratrol Side Effects - Have you heard of Resveratrol? Find out its benefits and side effects for health and skin. Would you like to receive articles and news related to anti aging and skin care? Then, subscribe to the monthly newsletter and I will send you tips to improve your skin appearance.
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