Get the Facts; Not Fiction Behind Anti-Aging Products and Their Active
IngredientsThe aging
process begins when we enter the world and the effects of aging are evident in
our bodies through out our lives. Beginning in our 20's, the signs of aging
start to become noticeable. Genetically programmed chronologic aging causes
changes in collagen and elastin, the connective tissues that supply firmness and
elasticity to the skin. The genetic program of individuals is different, so the
loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different
times in one individual as compared to another. As skin becomes less elastic, it
also becomes drier and underlying fat padding begins to disappear. With the loss
of underlying support by fat padding and connective tissues, the skin begins to
sag; it appears less supple and wrinkles form.
Although wrinkles, lines and age
spots are formed by the natural effects of getting older, one way to prevent
them from appearing early on in life is to avoid direct sunlight and use
sunscreens with SPFs 15 or higher. And, although most of us have some form of
sun-damaged skin, there are ways to regain healthy, smooth skin. After many
years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have
discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts
significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These
ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended
anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below.
Vitamin A (Retinol) - Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build
collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating
property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine
wrinkle lines. Vitamin A or Retinol is the main ingredient found in TYK Young
Again, M.D. Forte, DDF and SkinScience products.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is
considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When
applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen
the severity of sunburns. This healing ingredient is found in SkinCeuticals,
Cellex C and Obagi Cffectives skin care products.
Vitamin E - Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have
anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has
been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides
modest photo protection. Vitamin E is found in Cellex C, Exuviance and MD Forte
products.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and
surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse
pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general.
AHAs are the main ingredients found in MD Forte, TYK Young Again, Super Skin and
SkinScience products.
Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the
Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid
triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in
the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin's surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be
very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses. Glycolic
acid is found in products by Gly Derm, MD Forte, Z. Bigatti and Super Skin.
N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) - The nature-identical plant growth
factor, furfuryladenine, retards the aging of plant cells as well as in vitro
human skin fibroblasts. This natural, anti-aging ingredient has been proven to
reduce wrinkles and fine lines and is exclusively found in Kinerase creams and
lotions. This is a proven alternative for people with sensitive skin or people
who are sensitive to products containing Retinol and Vitamin C. Copper Peptides
are the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. Copper has been
found to naturally firm the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and
wrinkles. Copper is the main ingredient in products by Neova and Osmotics.
Pal-KTTKS - Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines
and wrinkles. It's found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly,
without with out expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections.
This patented peptide solution is found in StriVectin-SD.
Green Tea Extract - Green tea's anti-inflammatory and anti-growth
qualities are found in many skin care products designed to reduce the appearance
of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores. Green Tea is found in the
Dr. Brandt skin care line, Z. Bigatti and Gly Derm products.
TNS - The biotechnology of the skin's natural healing process has
arrived with the first tissue repairing complex containing growth factors found
in normal, healthy skin. Unlike anything else currently on the market, TNS is
the next level of skin rejuvenation that delivers dramatic results, for
smoother, softer, younger looking skin. TNS is found in SkinMedica's TNS
Recovery Complex.
Many customers ask which
anti-aging product is best and we always respond by saying that there is no best
product. Since every individuals skin is different, the results of using
anti-aging products will be different as well. We recommend that you consult
with a skin care professional prior to use of any new skin care product to
determine your skin type, skin condition and possible sensitivities to active
ingredients. Your skin care professional may recommend specific products, or you
can try a few on your own based on your consultation. If you are not happy with
the first product you try, try another one. It's important that you choose a
product and skin care regimen that makes you feel 100% comfortable with the look
and feel of your skin.
Customers also inquire about
when they should expect to see results from using anti-aging products. Again, we
respond by saying that results will be different for each individual, generally
due to the condition of ones skin prior to use. However, across the board, we
say not to expect a miracle, as there is no anti-aging product on the market
that provides overnight results. Whether you are trying to reduce the appearance
of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness or age spots, the process is
gradual and takes anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of your
problem areas. After allowing the products time to take effect as well as
following product directions, you can be sure to notice significant improvement
in the appearance of your skin. To see the quickest results, you will have to
undergo professional cosmetics procedures. While procedures such as laser
treatments, injections and dermabrasion produce the fastest, most noticeable
improvements, they are all are somewhat painful or uncomfortable and very
costly. In addition, pre and post treatment plans are required to achieve
maximum results, which consist of using skin care products, that are also proven
to be safe, effective, painless and less expensive alternatives to professional
cosmetic procedures.
Please note that with the use of
any new skin care product, it is highly possible that your skin will react to
the ingredients. You may experience irritation, redness, dryness or a mild
breakout, which should only last for the first 3-5 days of use. If you
experience any of these reactions for a longer period of time, please
discontinue use and consult a skin care professional. It is also recommended
that prior to using any new skin care product to consult with a skin care
professional.