It can be confusing when you are trying to decide which ingredients are best for your skin. With so many different brands out there with various ingredients, it is no wonder the demand for estheticians has increased lately.
Estheticians (licensed skincare therapists) help determine which products are best for your skin. They are knowledgeable about skincare ingredients and different skin types. Today I explain my favorite antiaging ingredients and the benefits of each one.
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Best Anti-aging Ingredients for Skin
*Alpha Hydroxy Acids:
Alpha Hydroxy acids have many benefits:
*Exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin
*Minimize skin discolorations/acne scars
*Reduces fine lines/wrinkles
*Salicylic Acid:
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is typically used to treat whiteheads and blackheads by loosening the plug that holds skin cells together. BHA’s have the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin than alpha-hydroxy acids (or AHA’s). Salicylic acid may be used morning and night, and can be purchased over the counter.
To learn more about salicylic acid benefits and products, read my article by clicking HERE.
*Peptides:
Peptides are used to firm and boost collagen production. Peptides are typically gentler than other anti-aging ingredients. They are commonly found in moisturizers and serums.
*Hyaluronic Acid:
Hyaluronic acid is a (humectant) that adds water (oil-free) moisture to skin. It is a natural substance present in the human body. Therefore, it has the ability to plump up your skin cells.
Benefits of hyaluronic acid:
-Hydrates and soothes skin
-Minimizes the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles
-Reduces redness/dermatitis
-Suitable for all skin types of skin
*Ceramides–
Skin barrier needs to be protected from environmental toxins and pollution. Ceramides are found in many anti-aging products to help maintain skin’s hydration levels and improve skin’s barrier levles. Ceramids are formulated with limids to help add hydration to boost elastin and collagen.
*Retinol-
Retinol is my favorite skincare ingredient for so many reasons. It is used for softening wrinkles, brightening dark spots, and fighting acne (Vitamin A derivative). Retinol is available OTC and require a prescription from a dermatologist/physician.
Other Benefits of retinol:
-Exfoliant that promotes cell turnover
-Treats acne and hyperpigmentation
-Improves the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles
You can read more about the benefits of retinol and products with retinol by clicking HERE.
*Niacinamide-
Niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3. It helps treat sun damage, reduce redness and inflammation, fade age spots and protect against oxidative stress (ex. pollution, and toxins).
*Vitamin C-
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radical damage to the skin. Oxidative stress = sun damage. So while vitamin C can’t protect skin like an SPF can, it can reduce sun damage and dark spots.
Another benefit of vitamin C is that it helps increase collagen production. Who doesn’t want plumper skin? Vitamin C is one best anti-aging ingredients on the market.
*Omega 3 fatty acids-
Omega is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming a diet rich in fish or fatty acids help keep your skin plump and moisturized. According to Healthline.com, “Omega-3s may moisturize the skin and fight red, dry, or itchy skin caused by skin disorders like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.”
*Vitamin E–
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that helps prevent free-radical damage caused from environmental factors such as UV damage or pollution. It also has excellent moisturizing benefits which makes it ideal to use on scars and burns.
*Jojoba Oil–
Jojoba oil is commonly known for boosting collagen production and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a powerful antioxidant that is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. Jojoba oil is generally handled well on all skin types, especially those with psoriasis or eczema.
Apply SPF 30+ Daily
You must apply SPF daily regardless of what topicals you are applying. In its most crucial role, sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which come in two forms – UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are most commonly associated with skin aging.
Hope this article helped educate you about some of the common skincare ingredients. Most of these ingredients can be found in serums, cleansers or moisturizers. They are potent to help target fine lines and wrinkles.
Sources:
https://www.dermstore.com/blog/best-anti-aging-ingredients/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/omega-3-benefits-on-skin-and-hair#3.-May-guard-against-dry,-red,-or-itchy-skin
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/jojoba-oil-for-face#dry-skin
