Mature skin has its own specific needs. As we age our skin becomes drier, thinner and less elastic than before due to the aging process. Once you reach 40s you may notice that your wrinkles seem more obvious and deeper, you may notice that your complexion is uneven, the fine lines around the mouth and around the eyes are more visible and deeper than before, your pores are larger. As we age the skin renews itself much more slowly than it once did because the collagen, the natural protein that makes the skin firm begins to diminish, leading to skin dehydration and wrinkles. As you reach 30/ 40s just a plain moisturizer or a hydrating cream won’t be enough for your skin, you should begin using an anti-wrinkle (anti-aging) cream in order to slow down the aging signs. Fortunately today there is a wide range of anti-aging products designed specially for every skin type, for every age and for the different needs of the skin. There are anti-wrinkle creams, serums, masks, creams for the eye area, for the neck, hands, face, etc.

What are the benefits of using anti-aging creams?

• give a youthful glow to the skin
• eliminate and reduce wrinkles
• tighten and firm the skin
• reduce the look of fine lines
• control and neutralize free radicals
• moisturize and nourish the skin
• rejuvenate and strengthen the skin
• stimulate collagen and elastin production
• even out skin pigmentation
• boost cellular activity and plump the skin
• prevent new wrinkles
• help rebuild the support structure
• define cheekbones and neck
• help repair any signs of sagging around the neck and chin
• renew skin’s elasticity by stimulating its natural healing process
• fill in crease

How anti-aging creams work?

Most of the anti-aging products contain Retinol, collagen, alpha-hydroxy acids, vitamins and minerals that are known to help stop the sign of aging and to erase fine lines and wrinkles.
When applied to the skin the ingredients that the anti-aging cream contains inhibit muscle movements to soften wrinkles and prevent new wrinkles to form. The ingredients penetrate the outer layer of the skin and work to repair and stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin. Other anti-wrinkle product work by shedding the uppermost layer of the skin, allowing new healthier skin cells to appear (those are usually products containing alpha hydroxy acids). You should know that no anti-aging product can remove your wrinkles or fine lines after the first days of usage. These products gradually smooth the appearance of your skin and the results are usually visible after a month or two.

How to choose the best anti-aging face cream for you?

Today the anti-aging creams are specially designed for the specific skin problems – some creams treat Crow’s feet, dark circles around the eyes, fine lines around the mouth, others are designed to revitalize the skin, to reduce the depth of wrinkles and to firm the neck. There are even anti-aging creams for the hands, neck, neckline. There are anti-wrinkle products for every skin type – for those with oily to dry or sensitive skin.
One of the most important rules when selecting the best anti-aging product for your skin is to look at the ingredients which the product contains. Below is a list of the most commonly used ingredients in anti-wrinkle (anti-ageing) products.
It’s crucial to choose an anti-aging cream that suits your skin type and the needs of your skin. If your skin has many fine lines around the eyes you should consider buying an anti-aging eye cream that treats Crow’s feet, dark circles around the eyes.
When selecting anti-aging cream make sure it isn’t too heavy or very greasy as it may clog your pores and can lead to a problem if the cream is left on overnight.
It’s essential to choose a product that offers sun protection (with SPF at least 15 or higher) in order to protect your skin from the harmful sun’s rays that lead to premature aging of the skin. Today most of the anti-aging cream offer sun protection and contain antioxidants that neutralize free radicals which combined with excessive sun exposure may lead to serious skin problems.

Common ingredients in anti-aging creams:

• Retinol (vitamin A) – a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that usually lead to premature aging (free radicals break down skin cells and collagen in the skin). Retinol is also known as Retin A, Retinoic Acid, Tretinoin. Retin A is probably the most used ingredient in anti-aging creams, serums, tonics. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, it stimulates the production of collagen and reduce skin discolorations. Retin A is also known for its abilities to tighten large pores and minimize sun damage. Retinol is widely used to treat severe acne and acne Rosacea.

• Kinetin – a naturally-occurring compound that helps the skin to retain its natural moisture and stimulates collagen production. Kinetin is a potent antioxidant that can also improve uneven pigmentation. It restores the natural moisture barrier function of the skin to preserve and soften skin without side effects and provides protection for the skin from free radical damage.

• AHAs (alpha hydroxyl acids) – widely used in the cosmetic industry as they remove the upper layer of the dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new, healthier cells. As AHAs work as an exfoliating agent they provide a freshening effect on the skin and improve its overall appearance. Commonly used AHAs include: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid. AHAs also act deep in the dermis and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibres that are essential for a healthy-looking skin. You should know that all types of hydroxy acids increase the susceptibility to sun damage and it’s crucial to use sunscreen every day in order to avoid sun damage. Alpha hydroxy acids are found in a variety of skin care products including moisturizers, cleansers, eye cream, sunscreen, and foundations.

• Coenzyme Q10 – a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance found in every human cell that neutralizes free radicals (acts as an antioxidant) and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It prevents sun damage and skin discolorations. Coenzyme Q10 is commonly used in anti-wrinkles serums and creams as it prevents damage to collagen and elastin production process and helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines.

• Copper peptides – also widely used in anti-aging creams as it stimulates collagen production. Copper peptides also enhance the action of antioxidants and enhance wound healing. Copper peptides are effective against various forms of skin irritation, mainly due to their anti-inflammatory effects. Copper peptides also stimulate elastin formation, cutting down on sagging and fine lines.

• Vitamin A – a powerful antioxidant that helps diminish the look and the depth of wrinkles. It stimulates skin cell renewal. There are different forms of vitamin A – retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetene, retinyl linoleate. Lack of vitamin A can cause skin to become dry and hardened.

• Vitamin C – antioxidant with brightening effect. Vitamin C is a common ingredient in skincare products as well as in makeup products as it makes the skin younger-looking and boosts blood circulation. Vitamin C also keeps skin more elastic and prevents premature aging of the skin. When combined with vitamin E it can reduce the signs of aging – fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, age spots. Known also as ascorbic acid.

• Vitamin E – provides natural protection from the harmful UV rays. Vitamin E creates a moisture barrier and prevents skin discoloration. It helps the skin repair itself.

• Antioxidants – the most common antioxidants are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E. The antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent premature aging of the skin. Many skincare products – facial cleansers, moisturizers, toners, lotions claim to contain antioxidants. Antioxidant preservatives are also added to fat-based cosmetics such as lipstick and moisturizers to prevent rancidity.

• Tea extracts – tea extracts (green tea, black tea, white tea) are commonly found in anti-aging products – creams, serums, masks, lotions. Tea extracts act as antioxidants as they fight free radicals. They have anti-inflammatory properties and help repair damage.

• Retinoids – chemical compounds that are related chemically to vitamin A. They make the skin finer and smoother and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoids are widely used in the treatment of many diverse diseases and are effective in the treatment of a number of dermatological conditions such as inflammatory skin disorders, skin cancers, disorders of increased cell turnover and photoaging. Retinoids reduce fine wrinkles, freckles, comedones (whiteheads and blackheads), and sun-spots. Topical retinoids are also effective treatments for mild to moderately severe acne. It takes approximately 3 months for the skin to become acclimated to a retinoid.

• Hyaluronic acid – a component of connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate. Found in a natural state in the skin it is capable of retaining water.

Useful Beauty Tips:

• Apply your anti-aging cream with upward motions from the base of the throat and up to the forehead.
• Remember: you may need to use an anti-wrinkle product for many weeks before noticing any improvements.
• Ask for samples before you buy face cream to see whether it works well for you.
• Look for a facial cleanser containing glycolic acid.
• Exfoliate your skin regularly (at least twice a week) with a mild exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells and to speed up the cell turnover.
• Always wear sunscreen with SPF at least 15 to protect your skin from the harmful sun’s rays that cause premature aging of the skin and lead to discolorations.
• Consult a dermatologist or a beautician to see which product will be best for you.
• It’s essential to get the right amount of sleep every night.
• Look for an anti-wrinkle cream that contains more natural ingredients, vitamins, essential oils, Aloe Vera, natural emollients.
• You can wear sunscreen over your cream.
• Choose makeup products – foundations, face powders, concealers, lipsticks, lip glosses that offer sun protection.
• It’s crucial to follow a strict skin care regimen every day to keep your skin clear and healthy-looking.
• Always remove your makeup in the evening with a mild makeup remover that suits your skin type.
• Do firming or hydrating face masks twice a keep to keep your mature skin glowing.
• Drink plenty of mineral water at least 1.5 liter per day to keep your body and skin hydrated.
• Maybe now is the perfect time to quit smoking – smoking seriously damage the skin by destroying the elastin and collagen in your skin.
• Compare different anti-wrinkle creams and find out what works best for you.

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