When it comes to anti-aging products and ingredients, not all products are created equal. In fact, many of such products are actually no help at all. Rather than to depend upon the empty promises of marketing and advertising campaigns, look for specific ingredients and positive online reviews. Also, be sure to avoid a number of chemicals that can make you age more quickly or be harmful to your health.
The Good List
Certain active ingredients have been proven to be highly effective in reducing fine lines, preventing wrinkles, and improving moisture levels. Here is a list of some of the best:
- AHA: This component is known to improve moisture and improve collagen production.
- Ceramides: These components are essential to the structure of skin cells and the protection of the skin. When your ceramides are strong, your look healthier and younger.
- Curcuminoids: This is the component in turmeric, which is one of the best anti-inflammatories in existence. It is considered one of the best ingredients to use in the fight against the aging process both internally and externally.
- Grape Seed: This antioxidant is considered one of the best in fighting wrinkles and to reduce free-radical cell damage.
- Green Tea: Antioxidants in this magical tea reduce cell damage caused by the sun, improve collagen, and minimize inflammation.
- Niacinamide: This powerful element of vitamin B3 will maintain moisture levels, reduce acne, and minimize skin discolorations.
- Resveratrol: Yet another antioxidant that is able to fight sun damage and improve collagen levels.
- Retinol: Used to generate stronger skin cells, collagen production, and improve skin texture.
- Vitamin C: This essential vitamin has been proven to improve collagen production, reduce skin discolorations, reduce inflammation, and reduce wrinkles.
- Vitamin E: Prevents the destruction of collagen.
When you are selecting anti-aging products, look at the ingredient lists for those listed above to increase your chances for selecting an effective product, and be sure to avoid those listed below.
Chemicals and Ingredients to Avoid
While you should not find these chemicals listed in your anti-aging products, if they are, run! It turns out that despite the industry not being regulated very well pertaining to ingredients that may cause more harm than good, a number of top skincare lines are working to make their products as safe as possible for us all. And, many organizations are taking it upon themselves to publish harmful chemicals and ingredients to avoid in your skincare products such as:
- Boric Acid and Sodium Borate: These ingredients have been linked to low sperm counts and infertility in men, as well as having been banned in Canada and Europe.
- Diethyl Phthalate: This component is found in lotions, perfumes, deodorants, moisturizers, and hair spray, and has been linked to increase breast cancer risk and birth defects of reproductive origins.
- Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: These have been labeled as a cancer-causing carcinogen.
- Siloxane: Ingredients ending in “siloxane” are also known to be endocrine and reproductive disruptors to the libido and fertility.
- Triclocarban and triclosan: These are known chemical disruptors of reproductive hormones and the thyroid.
These lists of the good and bad ingredients in anti-aging products, or simply cosmetic products in general, are far from complete. And, these lists are constantly being updated. More studies need to be conducted and published.
Are you worried about potentially harmful ingredients in your skincare products?