What Are the Best Anti Aging Cream Ingredients?
An anti aging cream is typically a moisturizer-based skin care product with ingredients intended to reduce, mask or prevent signs of aging. Anti-aging products are not to be confused with acne treatments, basic moisturizers and most cleansers.
Bakuchiol, an ingredient derived from the ayurvedic medicine tradition, brightens dark spots and skin discoloration. Apply two times daily, along with a sunscreen.
Retinol
A derivative of vitamin A, this ingredient is a powerful wrinkle reducer. It promotes cell turnover, fades pigmentation spots, and can reduce signs of aging by smoothing lines and plumping the skin. Initially, it was used to treat acne and psoriasis but later it was discovered that it could also reverse signs of aging. It works by targeting the underlying tissue and stimulating collagen production, according to Mount Sinai. Retinol can cause redness, dryness and flaking when it’s first introduced to the skin, but that typically subsides as the body gets used to it.
It’s best to use retinols and retinoids at night, after cleansing the face and applying any moisturizers you may be using. That’s because sunlight can deactivate some types of retinol and cause them to work less effectively, says Saedi. She recommends starting with a weaker retinol product like an over-the-counter one and working your way up to prescription strength as your skin becomes more resilient to it.
Retinol isn’t suitable for everyone, however. It can exacerbate eczema and rosacea, so it’s best to avoid it if you have those conditions. Additionally, it’s a good idea to wear an SPF 30 or higher when using a retinol, as it can make your skin sensitive to the sun.
In addition to retinol, other products to look for in an anti-aging cream include bakuchiol and tranexamic acid. These are gentler than retinol and safe to use while pregnant, says Saedi. She suggests looking for a formula with these ingredients that’s also free of fragrance, parabens and other irritating additives.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in many popular face moisturizers and has also become increasingly popular as an oral supplement to increase skin hydration. However, not all hyaluronic acid products are created equal. It’s important to read the ingredients list and look for one with a lower molecular weight, which indicates that it will be better able to penetrate skin cells, according to one study.
Essentially, hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge by filling the space between cells with water. This hydrates the skin and plumps it up, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It can also reduce the appearance of dark spots, sun damage, and rosacea.
Hyaluronic Acid can be found in over-the-counter skin care products, injectable dermal fillers, and even eyedrops. The most popular form of it is a serum, since it can be applied directly to the skin. The other option is taking a hyaluronic acid supplement, which may take a little longer to see results.
If you’re interested in injectable hyaluronic acid, a dermatologist can help you determine whether it’s right for you. It can take a few injections before you begin to see results. It may also take a few weeks to a month before you begin to feel the benefit.
Hyaluronic acid can also be used as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis, which is caused by the breakdown of cartilage. The hyaluronic acid helps the joint retain its elasticity and cushioning, which alleviates pain from inflammation. The procedure is fairly simple, and your doctor will inject the hyaluronic acid into the area of your knee with a needle attached to a syringe. After the injection, he or she will apply a small bandage to the site.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a science-backed and dermatologist-favorite ingredient that can brighten the complexion, improve skin texture and firm it up. This antioxidant fights harmful free radicals that can damage your skin and contribute to early aging. It’s also been shown to help improve the look of dark spots and even out skin tone, as well as protect against sun damage and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
While there are plenty of DIY vitamin C serum recipes out there, it’s best to go with a formula that has been properly formulated. “The most effective form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid,” says Dr. Jennifer Herrmann, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills. She suggests looking for a serum with this form of vitamin C and choosing one that also contains a stabilizer like vitamin E to prevent it from oxidizing, which can diminish its benefits.
She also recommends starting with a lower concentration of vitamin C, such as 10% to 20%, and working your way up to the recommended amount. Higher doses can irritate your skin, so it’s important to find the right balance.
As a bonus, she says, adding other antioxidants to your routine can enhance the benefits of vitamin C. Ferulic acid and vitamin E, for example, can help prevent oxidation of the vitamin and boost its anti-aging effects. Vitamin C can also be combined with zinc oxide to help protect against environmental aggressors and promote healthy skin.
Peptides
Peptides are the latest skincare ingredient to hit the spotlight, but they may not live up to the hype. We turned to Grove expert Celeste Lutrario to find out what exactly are peptides, and how can they benefit your skin?
Essentially, peptides are the building blocks of proteins—the very foundation of your skin. These short chains of amino acids can be produced by the body or obtained through food and supplements.
In skincare, peptides can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production and improving skin’s elasticity. They can also brighten skin tone and even out texture, helping it look smoother and more youthful.
They can work alone or in tandem with other powerful skincare ingredients. For example, they can be used in conjunction with retinol, another anti-aging superstar, to enhance the results. They also work well with other popular ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and AHAs.
Peptides are small enough to penetrate the outer layer of your skin, where they interact with cells and trigger the production of proteins. Because of their teeny size, they’re less likely to cause irritation and can be used in skincare formulas for all skin types. They’re also a great option for pregnant women, since they have no adverse effects on pregnancy.
The best peptides are ones that target specific concerns, such as fine lines and wrinkles or blemishes. Anti-aging peptides boost collagen production, while antimicrobial peptides can help prevent breakouts by killing bacteria that can clog pores. Other types of peptides, such as enzyme-inhibitor peptides and carrier peptides, can improve hydration, control pigmentation, and reduce skin inflammation.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are one of the most important and powerful skin care ingredients on the market. They help prevent and slow aging by counteracting free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells, DNA, and proteins).
Free radicals are produced in the body as part of normal endogenous metabolic processes and can also be exposed to the environment via pollution, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure. Antioxidants are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and supplemental vitamins and minerals. They are a group of organic compounds that protect against cell damage by stabilizing free radicals, allowing the body to heal itself, and reducing oxidative stress.
As the most popular and effective antioxidant, Vitamin C is a must-have ingredient in any skincare routine. It’s known for brightening, fading dark spots, and even boosting collagen production for firmer skin. It’s often paired with Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) in skincare to fade hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Another powerful antioxidant is Resveratrol, which is found in the skin of grapes, berries, and dark chocolate. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.
Another benefit of antioxidants is their ability to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, so that it can keep its natural hydration intact and stay plump and healthy. This is especially crucial during the colder months, as environmental pollutants and free radicals are at their strongest.
