8 ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE INGREDIENTS

Look for these 8 proven anti-aging ingredients in your skin care products

1. RETINOIDS

Forms of vitamin A that speed up cell turnover, retinoids help remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and make skin look dull. They boost collagen & elastin production by stimulating cellular repair, and increase blood-vessel formation.

2. ALPHA-HYDROXY ACIDS

AHAs such as glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids,

remove dead and damaged cells, reduce fine lines, age spots, acne scars, and help even out discoloration.

3. HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that absorbs water  about 1,000 times its weight  and plumps skin.

It aids in the repair and regeneration of skin affected by dryness, environmental stress, or irritation.

4. ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants counteract the effects of harmful free radicals -- molecules that form in the body as a result of damage from UV rays and other environmental irritants and help to preserve DNA, collagen & elastin.

5. PEPTIDES

Also known as "copper peptides", peptides are regarded by some as the most effective skin renewal ingredient. They are small proteins that not only act as antioxidants, but also stimulate collagen & production.

6. CERAMIDES

Ceramides help skin recover from sun damage, dryness & irritation. They also help regulate cell activity and may help prevent the loss of collagen & elastin.

7. DNA-REPAIR INGREDIENTS

Compounds derived from plant sources have been found to restore DNA that has been damaged by free radicals, help reverse sun damage & stimulate collagen production

8. LIGHTENERS

To help even out sun spots, blotches, and mottled skin, a little hydroquinone can work wonders. Alternatives using kojic acid or other non-hydroquinone skin-lighteners are also available.