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Skin Care Ingredients; Anti Aging Skin Care
"How Cosmetic Ingredients Can Help Your Skin"
Confused about skin care ingredients? Well if you are, you are not alone. Many of us don't know what these ingredients mean or what they can do for our skin.
Does 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 here in the most well known anti aging skin care ingredients.
Understanding how these skin care ingredients work 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.
However, 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.
It also reduces the loss of water in the skin, protecting our bodies from dehydration. Many skin care companies incorporate lipids to cosmetic formulations. This product
BENEV Essential Lipids .5 oz
is full of essential lipids to moisturize the skin and diminish facial lines and wrinkles. Is has been highly rated by women who used this skin care product. The most well know lipids in cosmetic formulations are
ceramides
and
liposomes
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. This product
MD Skincare HydraPure Intense Moisture Cream 1.7oz
contains humectants to keep the moisture in the skin as well as antioxidants to rejuvenate the skin and skin detoxifier ingredients. It was chosen product of the year in 2005 and has a good average rating. The most popular humectants used in cosmetic products are:
glycerin ,
panthenol
and
hyaluronic acid
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. This product
Peter Thomas Roth UnWrinkle 1 fl oz
has a peptide concentration of 23% and is rated high by consumers. It also has wrinkle relaxing ingredients, vitamins and skin moisturizers to diminish facial wrinkles
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
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.
They have been used by the cosmetic industry for decades, and are widely used as an skin care ingredient and 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. The following product
SkinCeuticals Intense Line Defense 1oz
has an hydroxy acid concentration of 12% that will exfoliate the skin while you sleep. Women who use this product seem to be happy with the results as it has been rated high by them.
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
,malic acid, citric 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 - acne
- psoriasis
- age spots
- sun damage
- freckles
- aging skin...
We can find many cosmetic formulations containing retinoids in pharmacies, beauty counters, supermarkets...and we can get them, as well from the dermatologist and doctor as a prescription.
Retinoids have been proved to be very effective in treating aging skin. They can penetrate deep in the skin, increasing the turnover of cells. As a consequence the epidermis is renew and collagen production is boosted. This product
AFIRM 3X
contains a retinol concentration of 6% but is said to be gentle with the skin. This skin care product has a good average rating.
Retinoids can have some side effects such as - skin irritation
- skin redness
- skin peeling
- itching
- burning feeling
When using these products always wear a sunscreen with a high SPF because retinoids 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 as an skin care ingredient is
tretinoin

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