Wherever you are in your skincare journey, you’ve probably come across multiple anti-aging products, some of which claim to vanish every single wrinkle and fine line from your face. Anti-aging products are extremely alluring – who doesn’t want to look younger than they really are?
For this reason, many companies take advantage of people’s need to turn back the clock and create products claiming that they do something for the skin, when, in reality, they only mask the existing symptoms (if that).
Choosing an anti-aging product that actually works can seem like an impossible task at first. There are so many to choose from, and finding a method of elimination can be a little tricky at first if you aren’t familiar with the functions of every ingredient. Luckily, this guide is here to help! We’ve created an elaborate list of ingredients which actually work and not only treat wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging but actually reverse them.
Before we delve into how each product functions, let’s see what anti-aging really means in the world of skincare. And, what’s more, whether you really can reverse the signs of aging with the products that are out there.
Although the term anti-aging has many different meanings and interpretations, the textbook definition of an anti-aging product is one that delays, treats, and nips in the bud any symptoms of aging.
Anti-aging products can potentially do many things, some of them even have multiple functions at once. They can protect the skin from free radicals, boost collagen production, offer protection from future signs of aging and tame inflammation. Sounds pretty great, right? The trick is – not every product does so, and you need to be very aware of what product you’re going for so that you get the most bang for your buck.
One of the most commonly asked questions regarding skincare is whether or not you can actually reverse the signs of aging which appear over time. Some people haven’t taken care of their skin as they should, and one day they decide that they want to reverse the damage. For others, genetics might be to blame. Genetics cause some people to age prematurely, so they want to do everything in their power to either stop this process temporarily or, even better, reverse it altogether.
You can physically reverse signs of aging by using plastic surgery and fillers, but in this article, we will focus on the cosmetic and skincare aspect of reversing the aging process
So, what’s the answer to this ever-lasting question? The good news is that some products have the ability to actually reverse signs of aging, while others just mask the symptoms. In addition, there are a couple of non-surgical facial treatments which also have the same effect, so it can definitely be done without injecting your skin with foreign substances or going under the knife.
What’s the trick? The trouble is finding the right product which will do this for you and fit your unique skin and genetic makeup. That’s why we’ll offer a couple of products which you can pick and choose from. Once you’ve found the right product, the problems arise when you’re having trouble sticking to your skincare regimen. If you want to see any noticeable results, you have to stick to using the products for a prolonged period of time in order for them to have the desired effect. Patience is crucial when it comes to seeing results from the products you’re using. If you’re switching your products too often, you won’t really see any improvements in the long run.
Now that we’ve covered the general mechanism behind anti-aging products, let’s delve into how the following products can help your skin become more youthful and healthier than ever!
Vitamin C serums are exactly what they sound like – serums made out of vitamin C derivatives. We all know that vitamins are crucial for our health, but did you know that they can also work wonders for the skin? Vitamin C serums carry many benefits for the skin, most of which have to do with improving the texture of our skin and fighting signs of aging.
Firstly, vitamin C serums have the incredible ability to increase collagen production. Collagen, along with elastin, are two crucial substances for a healthy, firm and smooth skin. However, the amount of collagen in our skin decreases as we grow older, which is why it’s important to either use supplements or topical treatments that will enable us to directly apply the substance to the skin.
Moreover, vitamin C serums can battle hyperpigmentation, which is a common concern in mature skin types. Hyperpigmentation includes sun spots and dark spots, which might be caused by inadequate treatment or unprotected exposure to the sun. Vitamin C impedes melanin production and it helps to even out the skin tone.
Another issue which vitamin C can help with is skin sagging. Lower levels of collagen can lead to less elastic skin which lacks firmness. When your collagen levels are low, your skin will start to sag and look less youthful than before. As we’ve mentioned before, applying a vitamin C serum can increase collagen levels, which will definitely help with any skin sagging you might experience. It’s important to apply vitamin C serums on a regular basis if you want to experience any of these benefits.
Another miraculous ingredient which has the ability to transform the skin is retinol. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative which belongs to the group of retinoids. There are a couple of derivatives, but retinol is the most commonly used out of all, especially in regard to anti-aging. Retinoids firstly started as an acne treatment in the seventies, but over time, they’re used for more purposes such as tacking hyperpigmentation and aging.
Retinol has an endless list of anti-aging benefits, so it’s no surprise that it’s so widely used as a treatment. Retinol slows down the process of aging and speeds up the cell turnover process. The lack of skin regeneration is what makes your skin tone look dull and gray, and your face full of wrinkles and fine lines. When applied to the skin, retinol stimulates the skin to speed up the cell turnover process, resulting in newer and fresher looking skin.
Another way in which retinols reduce fine lines and wrinkles is by increasing the amount of collagen that the body produces. Similarly to vitamin C serums, retinols, with regular use, can stimulate the skin to produce more collagen than before you’ve started the treatment, which is especially useful for those who don’t like taking supplements.
Another benefit of using retinols is that they stimulate the production of new blood vessels, which will result in an improvement in skin color and tone. Since it’s an incredible exfoliating and rejuvenating treatment, you can expect to notice improvements in terms of hyperpigmentation and age spots as well.
There are a couple of side-effects that can come with using retinols, so for a more comprehensive guide which includes unique tips and tricks for getting optimal benefits, click here.
An ingredient you’d probably never think to find on this list is sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen isn’t your typical anti-aging cream which you apply every night after cleansing your face. But that doesn’t make it any less effective in vanishing wrinkles and fine lines. If you want the rest of your skincare products to provide optimal results, you have to apply sunscreen on a daily basis.
So, why is sunscreen so successful at tackling signs of aging? Unsurprisingly so, sunscreen has the ability to prevent skin aging and, in some cases, even reverse the existing signs of aging! It’s never too late to start shielding your face from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. There are several types of sunscreen such as sprays, sticks, lotions, and gels. Make sure you use a type that suits your skin type and lifestyle best. If you want to see the best results, you have to cultivate this habit daily. Opt for at least SPF 30, but you should definitely go higher if you have sensitive or extremely pale skin.
Sunscreen will not only keep your skin healthy and youthful, but it will also protect your skin from cancer. So if you’re not using it already, it should definitely be on the top of your priority list.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the best anti-aging ingredients you can put on your face. It’s a molecule containing sugars that have many different functions in the body such as joint lubrication and moisturizing the skin. Hyaluronic acid provides many benefits, such as improving skin texture and overall appearance.
The body produces hyaluronic acid naturally. It binds to water and it helps to attract and retain moisture. However, as we age, our skin loses moisturize and hyaluronic acid, which leads to dull-looking skin and noticeable signs of aging.
Hyaluronic acid is suitable for every skin tone, even for people with oily and acne-prone skin. Those who have dry skin will benefit greatly from incorporating hyaluronic acid in their skincare routines. If you’re a fan of anti-aging products, chances are, you’re already using a product that contains this ingredient. If you want a more potent source of hyaluronic acid, then it’d be a good idea to invest in a quality serum. Another option is, to supplement with hyaluronic acid. Oral supplements are rather easy to find, and they provide the same benefits as topically applying the acid, if not more.
We all know that including a lot of antioxidants in our diet is good for us. But did you know that antioxidants are amazing for the skin too?
Antioxidants prevent the skin cells from any external damage and oxidative stress. They penetrate deeply into the skin and convert free radicals into compounds that aren’t harmful to the body. By including antioxidants in your diet and skincare products, you’re preventing wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
Not only do antioxidants protect you from free radical damage, but they also stimulate the production of collagen, which is crucial for a young-looking skin down the line.
What can you do to increase your antioxidant intake? One way to do so is by eating more food which contains a high number of antioxidants such as leeks, onion, garlic, red wine, tea, berries, pumpkin, fruits, leafy greens, tofu, lentils, cruciferous vegetables, spices, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and many more! No, you don’t have to remember all of these, just make sure your diet is healthy and it contains a large number of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Another option is to supplement with antioxidants. These supplements are easily accessible and can be found in most pharmacies and drugstores. If you’re not a fan of supplementation, you can always purchase a skincare product which contains antioxidants inside. Or, if you’re eager to get youthful skin, you can combine these methods for faster results!
Alpha lipoic acid is a naturally occurring, highly potent antioxidant in the body which fights the harmful free radicals, helping with wrinkles and fine lines. It’s involved in many body functions such as skin rejuvenation, reduction of inflammation and energy production. It not only helps with signs of aging, but it can also help with hyperpigmentation and skin texture.
One of the best ways to incorporate this acid in your skincare routine is by purchasing a pure formula of the ingredient and using it regularly. When you apply alpha-lipoic acid on the skin, you’re ensuring that your skin stays free of any environmental stressors, free radicals, and even harmful sun rays.
What’s the best part about it? You can find it everywhere and you won’t need to spend a fortune on the product. What’s more, it virtually has no side-effects, making it a perfect option for those who have more sensitive skin types.
Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, can appear in many different forms. The best ones to use if you want to reverse and tackle signs of aging are glycolic acid and lactic acid.
They work by stimulating exfoliation on a regular basis, which helps to shed off dead skin cells. As we age, our body’s ability to shed the damaged layers is impaired and it slows down.
If you start incorporating AHAs in your skincare routine, you can expect results in a short amount of time. You should see improvements in terms of exfoliation and signs of aging in as little as a couple of weeks. The best part is – AHAs are quite easy to get a hold of. If you want a comprehensive skincare routine which involves this type of acid, make sure you visit a dermatologist.
Now you know which the best anti-aging skin treatments out there are. But are these products enough?
The truth is – no matter how many products you put on your face regularly if you aren’t taking care of your body from the inside you won’t see any results. If you want younger looking skin, you should start by making some changes in your lifestyle, and simultaneously use skincare products which will speed up the process. Simply making a couple of changes can erase years off your face.
Genetics is something nobody has control over, but what we do have control over is how we spend each and every day and which products we use on our face. For that reason, here is a list of daily lifestyle habits you should incorporate in order to see optimal results.
Smoking contributes to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines due to the facial movement associated with smoking, which inhibits blood vessel circulation. So if you are an avid smoker, consider this a sign to lower the number of cigarettes you smoke.
A healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals should be on top of your priority list, and not just for your appearance. As discussed before, a diet full of antioxidants helps protect the skin against free radical damage, which has a negative effect on collagen and elastin.
Including daily exercise is also crucial. By exercising on a regular basis, the blood circulation on your face will improve, which has a positive impact on fine lines and wrinkles. Not only that, but regular exercise can actually slow down the aging process.
If you want youthful skin, you should find a healthy outlet for stress. High stress levels can speed up the aging process, so managing it in a healthy way is necessary. Include yoga, meditation, reading or long walks in your daily to-do list.
It’s never too late or too early to start when it comes to dealing with signs of aging. Using the right skincare products will help you in the process immensely. Making small changes and improvements in your day-to-day habits, in addition to a quality skincare routine, will provide exceptional results in no time.