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Have you ever been wondering what you should look for in an anti aging cream? What are the best anti aging ingredients in skin care that can truly restore and repair your skin and make a noticeable difference?
It can be quite confusing trying to navigate all the new buzzy ingredients that seem to get a lot of hype one season, then completely disappear the next. But through all that, there are time-tested, well researched ingredients that truly can help rejuvenate your skin.
These ingredients are often recommended by skin experts because of their multiple benefits for various skin problems, but especially for reducing and preventing wrinkles, dark spots and other aging signs.
Of course, if you are looking for ways to maintain your skin firm, healthy and youthful, the first thing any dermatologist would tell you is to wear a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every single day. So start there, and then add a product or two that contain one or more of the anti aging ingredients listed down below.
10 Best Anti Aging Ingredients in Skin Care
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants out there. It helps shield the skin against free radicals, which are amongst the main culprits behind the formation of premature aging signs. That way, vitamin C maintains the skin healthy and youthful.
Plus, vitamin C can help inhibit the production of melanin and that way prevent and reduce skin discolorations. And not only that – this amazing vitamin has been proven to help build collagen, preventing sagging and wrinkles.
2. Retinol
Of course, when we are talking about the best anti aging ingredients, we have to mention retinol. This powerful ingredient basically encourages the skin to renew itself by speeding up the cell turnover rate.
Because of that, retinol can help reduce not only fine lines and sun damage, but also adult acne and blemishes. Of course, being so strong, retinol does come with side effects such as skin irritations. That is why it is very important not to overuse it and to slowly introduce it to your skincare routine.
3. AHAs
Alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliating acids that can be safely used on skin. They dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and exfoliate the skin. That way, they improve the texture of the skin and enhance the complexion.
There are several different types of AHAs, all with similar effects to the skin, but each also has its own unique benefits. Glycolic acid, for example, can increase the levels of collagen and elastin, while lactic acid can somewhat help moisturize the skin.
The trick with these acids, though, is not to overuse them because they could potentially irritate the skin.
4. Ceramides
Ceramides are important because they reinforce the skin’s protective barrier. This barrier is in charge of keeping the hydration inside the skin. It also protects the skin against the elements.
The problem is – as we age, the skin barrier can become compromised, which often leads to skin dryness and dehydration. But ceramides can improve the barrier function, soothe the skin and keep it plump and supple.
5. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It is an antioxidant that can soothe the skin and help reduce water loss. Because of all this, it can do a lot for your skin’s general condition and appearance.
Niacinamide is best known as a skin brightening agent, as it can help prevent the formation of brown spots and fade the existing discolorations. All in all, it is a great ingredient for treating many skin types and issues and a great addition to rejuvenating skincare products.
6. Peptides
Peptides are building blocks of proteins and they can help preserve the levels of the most important proteins in our skin – collagen and elastin. That way, peptides maintain the skin firm, supple, bouncy and elastic.
Peptides improve the skin’s texture and appearance, improve the skin’s protective barrier and even have an anti-inflammatory effect. They can be pretty expensive and they are mostly included in the higher end products. But if you can afford them, they are worth the price.
7. Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is an enzyme naturally present in our skin. However, its levels start to decrease as we age and almost everyone over the age of 30 does not have enough of this important enzyme in their skin. This is a problem because Coenzyme Q10 supports the body’s ability to produce collagen and elastin.
CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin and preventing the free radical damage. It is especially popular an ingredient in under eye creams and treatments, as it has been proven Coenzyme Q10 can reduce crow’s feet.
8. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can be very beneficial for practically all skin types, including aging skin. It works by attracting water molecules to the skin and that way maintains the skin well hydrated.
That way, hyaluronic acid temporarily makes your skin look firm and plump, with fine lines noticeably less visible. Especially when paired with antioxidants and other anti aging ingredients, hyaluronic acid is a great ally to have in your skincare arsenal.
9. Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is a skin-friendly acid that can brighten and even out your complexion. It can be found in both prescription strength and over the counter products.
Azelaic acid refines the skin’s surface, reduces bumps, brightens dull skin and helps with all kinds of skin imperfections. It also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even antibacterial properties.
10. Rosehip oil
Some of you may be surprised to see a plant oil on a list of the best anti aging ingredients, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Similarly to ceramides, natural oils can also repair the skin’s lipid barrier and keep the skin well moisturized.
Rosehip oil contains several components important for youthful looking skin. These include nourishing fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9), as well as antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E.
So, these were the best anti aging ingredients to look for in your cream or serum if your main concern is preventing and correcting fine lines, crow’s feet or aging spots. If you want to learn more about the best cosmetic ingredients in general, you can check them out here.
