Choosing the right anti-aging face care product can be tricky. There are so many products containing different ingredients that claim to be effective. Which one should you choose? And what ingredients should you be looking for? These are the 4 most powerful anti-aging ingredients.
Antioxidants
What they are
Antioxidants like amino acids and vitamins are naturally produced within the body and offer many benefits to the skin. The most common antioxidants found in skin care products are vitamin C, vitamin E and Coenzyme Q-10.
What they do
Aging is a natural and irreversible process. As time passes, the cells age and stop function the way they used too. Environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution and bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol result in the form of free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin and lead to signs of aging: fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, discoloration.
Antioxidants fight free radicals, help the cells produce collagen and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Using products with antioxidants, you prevent the signs of aging and help your skin remain smooth and firm.
Our favorite product with antioxidants
Laouta Shiny Serum
Hyaluronic acid
What it is
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar that occurs naturally in your body. It hydrates the skin and keeps tissues lubricated. It is a very common anti-aging ingredient found in skin care products and is suitable for all skin types.
What it does
Hyaluronic acid is a great humectant; it holds up to 1000 times its weight in water and draws moisture into the skin. When the skin is moisturized, fine lines are filled and the skin looks plumper.
Bad news is that time passing and bad habits such as an unhealthy diet and smoking can cause you to make less of it over time and that’s why you need to use skin care products with hyaluronic acid to prevent the signs of aging.
As it is naturally found in your body, it is nearly impossible to cause irritations or allergies and is ideal even for sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acids with small molecule can penetrate deep into your skin and improve it, making it softer and hydrated.
Our favorite product with hyaluronic acid
Bioselect Hyaluronic Booster
Retinol
What it is
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. Vitamin A is famous for supporting the immune system and helping the skin heal faster. It is a great anti-aging ingredient found mostly in night creams and serums.
What it does
Retinol boosts cell turnover and prevents fine lines and wrinkles. It improves skin tone and stimulates collagen production, contributing to healthier skin.
It also exfoliates your pores from the inside, removing dead skin cells and that’s why retinol is widely used in acne products.
Notes:
Retinol based products must be used with caution as they may irritate the skin. It is recommended to start using retinol every 3 days to give your skin time to get used to it.
Retinol is sensitive to sunlight and so it’s preferable to use it at night.
Retinol should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Our favorite product with retinol
Cannalab Organics Night Cream
Peptides
What they are
Peptides are amino acids that form proteins like collagen and elastin. They are in every cell and tissue in the body and act like “messengers” carrying information from one tissue to another. When your skin is damaged, peptides carry the message that the skin must be healed forcing your body to produce more collagen.
What they do
Peptides contained in skin care products imitate the peptides found in your body. When you use a product with peptides, these peptides penetrate the skin and give your body the same signal: there is a wound that needs to be healed. Our body “believes” it and starts to produce more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. This results to a firmer, plumber and more hydrated skin.
Our favorite product with peptides
Herbellis Eye Cream & Serum
A Quick Reminder: Use Sunscreen
Using sunscreen every day helps slow down the skin’s aging process. It is the most important thing you must do to protect your skin from the sun damage and prevent the appearance of wrinkles.
Exposure to the sun is the main cause of aging and there is no point in using products with anti-aging ingredients if you don’t use a sunscreen.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and both UVA and UVB filters. Make sure to apply a thick layer and don’t forget to reapply during the day.
