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Get the Facts; Not Fiction Behind Anti-Aging Products and Their
Active Ingredients
Activate the Anti-Aging Process
The 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.
Idebenone
-Idebenone is the synthetic variant of the natural compund ubiquinone. Both
powerful antioxidants, idebenone and ubiquinone shield skin from environmental
damge, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dryness and
smoothe skin texture.
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
- 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 individual's 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 one's 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.
For more on Cosmetic Procedures,
click here.
For more topics, click here.
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