Do you know what makes your anti-aging cream work? To slow the effects of time on your skin, you need to look for these proven ingredients. Top dermatologists say the following anti-agers are the most potent wrinkle fighters on the market. B Vitamins These essential vitamins appear in multiple forms and complexes in skin care products. Yet the function of all vitamin B derivatives is the same: to convert food into energy to fuel vital body processes — including those responsible for healthy, firm skin. Vitamin B and all its derivatives are essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails, says Joel Schlessinger, MD, a dermatologist in Omaha, Nebraska. B vitamins can be especially potent in moisturizers, Dr. Schlessinger says. When these vitamins are among the ingredients in your skin care, any damaged cells will heal and regenerate more quickly. And if youre looking to supplement your anti-aging cream, one of the best natural sources of vitamin B is bananas. Coenzyme Q10 Another strong antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 (which is actually vitamin Q) can help build the foundation needed for younger-looking skin. Coenzyme Q10 helps protect the elastic tissue and collagen that shape your skin, explains Jessica Wu, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California medical school. As we get older, our natural coenzyme Q10 levels diminish, slowing the skins ability to rejuvenate and protect itself from damage. To build levels of the coenzyme, many find that taking a dietary supplement in addition to using topical creams yields optimal results. Theres a bonus to coenzyme Q10 supplements, too — some researchers believe they aid in preventing heart disease. Copper Youre probably imagining pennies, but the copper were talking about is found in trace amounts in skin cells, where it binds proteins together. Essential for collagen formation, the anti-aging ingredient helps support the skin to prevent sagging and to fill in wrinkles. Clinical studies have shown that copper contributes to the clearing and renewal of fractured collagen, making it an excellent ingredient for those who wish to improve the look of sun-damaged skin and scars. Copper is nonirritating, explains Dr. Wu, so its a good alternative for those with sensitive skin who may not be able to tolerate retinoids. Green Tea You may sip a cup of warm green tea to relax, but the ancient plant from which the tea is brewed is replete with nutrients that recharge your skin. While the healing medicinal properties of the leaf redound to phytochemicals known as polyphenols, its the stimulant qualities that can have an energizing effect on aging skin. Green tea has a wonderful effect on dark circles — which is especially striking when combined with caffeine in eye cream, says Schlessinger. Green tea is also an antioxidant, meaning that it aids in preventing and repairing the damage done by oxidation, which breaks down skin cells. Peptides Because of the successful results of much clinical research, peptides are becoming increasingly popular as anti-aging skin care ingredients. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. They signal the skin to create collagen, which is essential for firm, healthy skin. When included in anti-aging treatments, peptides are believed to stimulate the production of collagen. Retinoids and Retinols Over-the-counter retinols and prescription retinoids like Retin-A are derivatives of vitamin A. Retinoids and retinols speed up and stimulate cell turnover and collagen production for smoother and younger-looking skin, says Wu. No other ingredient, she adds, has been more tested and proven by the medical community as an anti-aging antidote than retinoids. Vitamin E Rounding out the group of top anti-aging antioxidants, vitamin E is a powerhouse when it comes to reversing the type of skin damage that leads to dryness, collagen destruction, and fine lines and wrinkles. The vitamin neutralizes free radicals — agents that damage cells — by environmental factors like sun exposure. Vitamin E is a great antioxidant to look for in rejuvenating skin creams, and it can assist with wound healing as well, by strengthening the skin barrier, says Schlessinger. This is why pure vitamin E oil remains a popular (and inexpensive) salve for cracked cuticles and scars from cuts, burns, and surgery.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 02:30:00 +0000
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