Friday, March 12, 2010

Anti-Aging; Which Ingredients work and why


Peptides can fool your skin into looking younger. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can fool skin cells into generating more collagen. But not all peptides are equal, in fact, some don't work at all.
Look for a good quality set, like metrixyl (a procollagen pentapeptide, meaning it contains five amino acids that mimic the precursor of collagen), attached to fatty acids (ingredients like glycerin) help deliver the peptides into your skin versus just sitting on the surface (of the skin).
Retinols are like kryptonite to wrinkles. Retinols or retinoids are powerful derivatives of vitamin A that work extremely well, even in over-the-counter products to promote collagen production, thicken skin, improve elasticity and skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It's always best to start with a small dose and work up to a higher level to reduce chances of redness and irritation.
Vitamin B3, aka Niacin, is your skin's multi-purpose solution. Vitamin B3 can increase energy levels in aged skin cells and have a variety of effects on aging skin, increasing collagen production and increasing skin barrier strength. It also increases surface skin renewal and improves both circulation and the moisture barrier to help revers the appearance of past skin damage. Low doses of niacin used in OTC products can treat fine lines, acne, brown spots and signs of aging.
Glycerine, a humectant that forms the base of many skin care items, assists with the natural production of collagen. While some experts recommend that acne-prone skin types steer clear of humectants due to their potentially comedogenic (pore clogging) properties, for those in their 50's, this thicker emollient substance is like a super power that seals in moisture and plumps very dry skin. This also means fewer lines and wrinkles.


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