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A Guide to Younger Looking Skin

Wrinkle creams or anti-aging creams can improve the appearance of your skin, depending on how long you use the product and the amount and type of the active ingredient in the wrinkle cream.

Common ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams The effectiveness of anti-wrinkle creams depends in part on the active ingredient or ingredients. Here are some common ingredients that may result in slight to modest improvements in wrinkles.

Retinol. Retinol is a vitamin A compound and is the first antioxidant to be widely used in nonprescription wrinkle creams. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles.  A good example of an antioxidant face cream is Idebenone Facial Cream.

Retinol is less potent than the vitamin A derivative tretinoin, a prescription topical treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating wrinkles. Avoid vitamin A derivatives if you're pregnant or may become pregnant because they increase the risk of birth defects.

Retinoids have been shown in studies to aid in collagen production and cell renewal. Every one over the age of 30 should be using a non prescription retinol cream. I recommend Girly Girl Retinol Day Cream, a super retinol cream that also contains vitamins, sun filters and passion fruit extract used by the body for the synthesis of hormones that aid in a slow down of the aging process.

Two compounds, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, found in Anti-Wrinkle Serum, have been added for their complementary role regarding restoration and protection of the skin.

Alpha Hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids are all synthetic versions of acids derived from sugar-containing fruits. These acids are exfoliants — substances that remove the upper layer of old, dead skin and stimulate the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin. Because hydroxy acids increase your susceptibility to sun damage, wear sunscreen during use and for at least one week afterward.

Alpha hydroxy acids enable older or damaged skin to rejuvenate and resemble younger looking skin. Lucky for us, they're found in edible fruits and vegetables, but if you've been around a while and especially if you've been a sun worshiper, you might benefit from an AHA product applied regularly. AHAs work well combined with Retin-A to prevent precancerous skin lesions. This combination will also reverse brown sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles -- common changes associated with aging. The most common alpha hydroxy acid used for treatment of serious skin problems such as acne are lactic acid and glycolic acid. AHAs, alone or with other substances, can stimulate the natural process of exuviation--a fancy word that means older (or damaged) skin rejuvenates and becomes younger and healthier-looking.

Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that helps regulate energy production in cells. Some studies have shown reduction in fine wrinkles around the eyes with no side effects. Other studies show that application before sun exposure protects against sun damage.

Night Cream that contains Coenzyme Q10 and vitamins C and E. Because of its synergy with the vitamins, Q10 neutralizes free radicals thus reducing wrinkles and their development. Read More About CoQ10 ...

Copper peptides. Copper is a trace element found in every cell. In products applied to the skin, it's combined with small protein fragments called peptides. Copper peptides enhance wound healing. They also stimulate production of collagen and may enhance the action of antioxidants.  

Matrixyl Anti-Aging Lifting Gel contains Pentapeptide-3 which acts like botulinum neurotoxin, it is an efficient cosmetic alternative to muscle relaxing injections. Pentapeptide-3 acts at the post-synaptic membrane where it blocks the release of sodium ions. As a consequence of this, the muscles stay relaxed and mimic wrinkles will disappear, without affecting the natural skin face expression.

Kinetin. A plant growth factor, kinetin improves wrinkles and uneven pigmentation with minimal irritation. It's unclear how it works, but it may help reduce wrinkles by helping skin retain moisture and by stimulating the production of collagen. It may also be a potent antioxidant.

K-Nexyl Cream contains a unique anti-wrinkle formula combining Kinetin and Matrixyl®, along with Vitamins C and E to visibly diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With daily use, your skin will appear smoother and younger. 

An anti-wrinkle cream may lessen the appearance of your wrinkles, depending on how often you use it, the type and amount of active ingredient in the wrinkle cream and the extent of the wrinkles you want to treat.

If you want to take the guesswork out of your skin-care regimen, try the following ways to improve and maintain your skin's youthful appearance.

• Protect your skin from the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the natural aging process of your skin, causing wrinkles and rough, blotchy skin. In fact, sun exposure is the No. 1 reason for aging signs in the skin, including uneven pigmentation. Protect your skin — and prevent future wrinkles — by limiting the time you spend in the sun and always wearing protective clothing and hats. Also, use sunscreen when outdoors, even in winter.
• Choose products with built-in sunscreen. When selecting skin-care products, choose those with a built-in sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Also, be sure to select products that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Use moisturizers. Dry skin turns plump skin cells into shriveled ones, creating fine lines and wrinkles long before you're due. Though moisturizers can't prevent wrinkles, they can temporarily mask tiny lines and creases.
• Don't smoke. Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. It also damages collagen and elastin — fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. As a result, skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

If you're concerned about the appearance of your skin, see a dermatologist. He or she can help you create a personalized skin-care plan by assessing your skin type, evaluating your skin's condition and recommending products likely to be effective. If you're looking for more dramatic results, a dermatologist can recommend medical treatments for wrinkles, including prescription creams, Botox injections or skin resurfacing techniques.

All Articles and most Newsletters are Available For Syndication.  The links as written must stay in the article. CREDIT BYLINE: Article written by Katrina VanDoran, Editor of Makeup My Way / Make-up USA Newsletter.  Ms. VanDoran is a top makeup artist frequently using Bren Cosmetics in her makeup studio.  Make-up USA © All Rights Reserved.