Anti aging. When nearly every product on the market claims to help reverse the signs of aging, how do we know which ones really work? What ingredients are the most effective to promote younger looking skin?
Although there are a rather large handful, we put it down to 3 hero ingredients which really work hard when it comes to turning back that clock. When these 3 hero ingredients are used as part of your daily skincare routine, your skin will reap the benefits of boosted hydration, increased cell turnover, and most importantly, younger and healthier looking skin!
Here they are…
1. Hyaluronic acid (HA)
What is it? Hyaluronic acid is an acid naturally produced by the body to lubricate joints and form the shape and characteristics of your eye. Its a watery gel like substance, and almost half of your bodies HA is stored in collagen within the body. Its capable of holding over x1000 its own weight in water within the cells of the skin making them plump and supple, giving skin its youthful fullness.
Sounds great you might say, but if our bodies already naturally produces it, then why do we need it in our products? Unfortunately, HA doesn’t stick around too long and as much as it is produced by the body, it is also broken down. Production decreases with age, so when our 40’s kick in, we produce less than half of what we did when we were younger. This leaves the skin less supple and hydrated, in which lines and wrinkles start to develop.
What else you need to know: Hyaluronic acid can be taken orally in supplement form, or be applied direct to skin to help replenish lost stores. It makes an excellent moisturizer and can be applied to skin day and night.
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2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
What is it? Alpha Hydroxy Acids are different types of acids taken from fruit and milk extracts. You might have heard of some of them, or even used them before. Glycolic acid and Lactic acid are both also known as AHAs, which are predominately the most popular ones.
Why it’s great: These ingredients in low concentrates provide an excellent exfoliant to remove any sticky substances off the skin, which hold onto dead skin cells. By removing that dull layer of skin, a brighter, healthier layer of new skin is revealed, which of course appears younger and is more receptacle to skincare products for better penetration.
What else you need to know: AHA’s come in a variety of strengths. The higher the number, the stronger the AHA and caution should always be used. Sun protection should also be implemented if using acid peeling in your skincare routine as your skin is much more sensitive to the sun.
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3. Retinol
What is it? Retinol is otherwise known as it’s pure form – Vitamin A. It doesn’t have the same effects on the skin as AHA’s as these mainly exfoliate, but the two are often confused. Retinol is an antioxidant and helps to restore the skin in many different ways, such as lightening pigmentation, smoothing lines and tackling wrinkles.
Why it’s great: Retinol can be used along side your AHA products, as retinol works on repairing living skin, whilst AHA’s work on removing dead skin. Together they compliment each other extremely well when combined in a suitable skincare routine. Retinol also helps refine pore size and is an essential skin-restoring ingredient.
What else you need to know: Retinol can sensitize skin and should be used sparingly until your skin is more tolerable to the strength. Some people start with lower concentrates of retinol, or others use their products once every other day to begin with. Retinol should also only be used when it is stored properly in an air tight pump or similar. Vitamin A is sensitive to the atmosphere and its effectiveness will disappear if exposed to the air, so make sure lids are kept on tightly!
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