For decades the beauty market has been flooded with anti-aging products, each one claiming to be better than the last. Each one insists that it has a miracle component that can take years off of your skin. The truth is, youth has yet to come in jars, but there are some products that can improve skin’s appearance.
The most important part of a skin care routine is keeping the skin clean. This removes dirt, pollutants, and oil from the skin. It also prepares your skin for any products (such as sunscreen or anti-aging cream) you will be using, making the products more effective. Facial cleansers should not contain soap or any other harsh ingredients, dyes or perfumes, as these can irritate the skin. Avoid washing the skin too much, as this will dry out the skin and strip it of nutrients.
Moisturizing and exfoliating can also work wonders for skin. Exfoliating helps scrub the skin of dead skin cells, making it appear brighter and younger. Exfoliating scrubs can be harsh, and should only be used once or twice a week. Moisturizers can be used by pretty much everyone, but avoid harsh chemicals or fragrances. An all-natural moisturizer without alcohol usually works for all skin types.
Peptides (protein fragments) can be found in anti-aging products, including copper peptides or pal-KKTS. These peptides work to boost collagen without irritating skin (as other chemicals, such as retinol does).
Niacinamide is a type of B3 vitamin which can also be found in anti-aging products. It has been proven to protect skin, reduce fine lines, and improve texture. Anti-aging creams and oils containing both pal-KKTS and niacinamide have proven to be effective against signs of aging.
The best prevention for aging is sunscreen. Overexposure to the sun not only puts you at risk for cancer, but ages the skin quickly. Without SPF 15 (or higher) sunscreen, you put your skin at risk for sun spots, freckles, and a leather-like appearance that makes everyone look older.
Finally, there are so many anti-aging skin products on the market that the choices are overwhelming. Choose one that contains vitamins, minerals, lanolin, and botanicals. Avoid creams with retinol, as it can be harsh on skin. Copper peptides (or pal-KKTS) help boost collagen as retinol does, but is less irritating to skin. Niacinamide is a B3 vitamin which has been proven to protect skin, improve texture, and reduce fine lines. Look for both pal-KKTS and niacinamide on an ingredient list for the best anti-aging cream.
This was written by a leading dermatologist, who specialises in anti-aging treatments and skin care. Has recently reviewed and recommends the following product: celazome restorative