You’ve probably come across multiple anti-aging products and wrinkle creams, some of which claim to vanish every 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. This is where it's important to be careful. Many products claim to improve the skin, when, in reality, they only mask existing symptoms of the natural aging process.
Choosing an anti-aging product that actually works can seem like an impossible task. There are so many to choose from, and finding the right one can be a little tricky if you aren’t familiar with the functions of different anti aging ingredients.
Luckily, this guide is here to help! We’ve created an elaborate list of the best anti aging ingredients that actually work. They 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 means in the world of skincare. And, what’s more, whether you really can reverse the signs of aging by using products.
What Does Anti-aging Mean Anyway?
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 reduces symptoms of aging.
Anti-aging products can potentially do many things. Some of them even have multiple functions. They can protect the skin from free radicals, boost collagen production, offer protection from future signs of aging, and tame inflammation and skin irritation. Sounds pretty great, right?
Can You Actually Reverse Signs of Aging?
One of the most commonly asked questions regarding skincare is whether or not you can actually reverse signs of aging. Some people might not have taken care of their skin when they were younger. They might have had too much sun exposure or avoided using a good skincare routine. For others, genetics might be to blame. Genetics cause some people to age prematurely, so they'll want to do everything in their power to either stop this process temporarily or reverse it altogether.
You can physically reverse signs of aging by using plastic surgery and fillers, but this article will focus on the skincare aspect of reversing the aging process
Some products have the ability to reverse signs of aging, while others just mask the symptoms. In addition, using a couple of non-surgical facial treatments also have the same effect, so it can definitely be done without injecting your skin with foreign substances or going under the knife.
The trouble is finding the right product to fit your unique skin and genetic makeup. We’ll offer a couple of products designed for all skin types.
If you want to see any noticeable results, use the products consistently. Patience is crucial when it comes to seeing results from skin care products. If you’re switching your products too often, you won’t see any improvements in the long run.
Anti-Aging Products That Actually Work
Now 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
Vitamin C serums are exactly what they sound like – serums made from 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, 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 healthy, firm, and smooth skin. However, the amount of collagen in our skin decreases as we grow older, so it’s important to use supplements or topical treatments that will enable us to apply the substance to the skin directly. This will improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and help you achieve the skin health you deserve.
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 helps to even out the skin tone.
Another issue that this anti-aging ingredient 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. As we’ve mentioned before, applying a vitamin C serum can increase collagen levels, which will 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.
Retinols
Another miraculous ingredient that can transform the skin is retinol. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that 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 and skin care. Retinoids first started as an acne treatment in the seventies, but over time, they’re used for more purposes - such as tackling hyperpigmentation and aging.
Retinol has an endless list of anti-aging benefits, so it’s no surprise that it’s widely used as a treatment. Retinol slows down the process of aging and speeds up the cell turnover process. The lack of skin regeneration 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 cell turnover, 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 can stimulate the skin to produce more collagen than before you started the treatment, which is especially useful for those who don’t like supplements.
Another benefit of using retinols is that they stimulate the production of new blood vessels, which will improve skin color and tone. Since it’s an incredible exfoliating and rejuvenating treatment, you can expect to see improvements in 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 that includes unique tips and tricks for getting optimal benefits, click here.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t your typical anti-aging cream that 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, apply sunscreen on a daily basis.
So, why is sunscreen so successful at tackling signs of aging? Unsurprisingly, sunscreen can 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. If you want to see the best results, cultivate this habit daily. Opt for at least SPF 30, but definitely go higher if you have sensitive or extremely pale skin.
Some moisturizers, like the Wrinkle-Free All Day Moisturizer, already include SPF protection.
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 be on your priority list.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is one of the best anti-aging ingredients you can put on your face. Technically speaking, it's a molecule containing sugars that have many different bodily functions, 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 moisturization and hyaluronic acid, leading 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 with dry skin will benefit greatly from incorporating hyaluronic acid into their skincare routines. If you’re a fan of anti-aging products, chances are, you’re already using one that contains this ingredient.
If you want a more potent source of hyaluronic acid, invest in a quality serum. Another option is to supplement with hyaluronic acid. Oral supplements are easy to find and provide the same benefits as topically applying the acid - if not more.
Antioxidants
We all know that including 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 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 prevent wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines.
Not only do antioxidants protect you from free radical damage, but they also stimulate collagen production, which is crucial for young-looking skin down the line.
What can you do to increase your antioxidant intake? Start by eating more food that 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, containing 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 that contains antioxidants. Or, if you’re eager to achieve youthful skin, combine these methods for faster results!
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid is a naturally occurring, highly potent antioxidant in the body which fights 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. As well as helping with signs of aging, it can also help with hyperpigmentation and skin texture.
One of the best ways to incorporate this acid into your skin care regimen is by purchasing a pure formula of the ingredient and using it regularly. When you apply alpha-lipoic acid, you’re ensuring your skin stays free of any environmental stressors, free radicals, and 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. It virtually has no side effects, making it a perfect option for those with sensitive skin types.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
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 regularly, which helps to remove dead skin cells. As we age, our body’s ability to shed the damaged layers is impaired and 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 that AHAs are easy to access. If you want a comprehensive skincare routine that involves this type of acid, make sure you visit a dermatologist.
Anti-Aging Tips
Now you know the best anti-aging skin treatments out there. But are these products enough?
The truth is, if you aren’t taking care of your body from the inside, you won’t see any results. If you want younger-looking skin, start by making some changes to your lifestyle and simultaneously use skincare products to speed up the process. Simply making a couple of changes can erase years off your face.
Genetics is something nobody has control over, but we can control how we spend every day and which products we use on our faces. For that reason, here's a list of daily lifestyle habits you should incorporate to see optimal results.
Studies show that smoking contributes to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This is due to the facial movement associated with smoking, which inhibits blood vessel circulation. So if you're 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 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.
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, find a healthy outlet for stress. High stress levels can speed up the aging process, so you'll need to manage it in a healthy way. Include yoga, meditation, reading, or long walks on your daily to-do list.
Final Thoughts
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 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.
References
Defining skin aging and its risk factors
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
Natural Antioxidants from Plant Extracts in Skincare Cosmetics
