Fact: No anti-aging product, potion, or secret ingredient can magically stop (or turn back) the clock. But that doesn’t make them a waste of time.
You must first understand the importance of taking care of your skin from within (think diet and exercise, quitting smoking, drinking moderately, etc.). No matter how hard you try, a diet of processed foods and a partying mentality like 1999 will not be hidden.
There is no such thing as a quick fix.
You can get the best results by choosing the right formula for your skin type.
Here are some insights on the actual workings of anti-aging ingredients to give you more confidence when creating your perfect skincare routine.
Anti-Aging Products: When to Start Using Them
It’s not a one-size fits all solution, but the earlier you start, the better. Anti-aging is more about prevention than correction, and you want to stop the skin concern from getting out of control.
It’s perfectly acceptable to start using skincare products in your 20s as long as they are suitable for your skin and not too aggressive. A 21-year-old doesn’t necessarily need a retinol-based product. However, something with antioxidants would be a great idea, as we are all exposed to stressors, such as alcohol and cigarettes, and the environment.
The Best Natural Ingredients to Use in Anti-Aging Products
Vitamin A
Although retinol stimulates new cell production, its synthetic form can be aggressive.
You can get the same results by using 100 percent natural vitamin A (it helps remove the buildup on the surface of your skin, creates a smoother and brighter appearance, tightens your look, and promotes ageless beautification), but it may take a little longer.
It only takes a few drops; you shouldn’t worry if your skin gets a temporary yellow tint.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are beneficial for all skin types and ages. These powerful antioxidants stop environmental stressors from oxidizing healthy cells and causing premature aging.
Many antioxidants derived from natural sources have other benefits. It is impossible to list them all. Arbutin, vinifera, and licorice roots brighten and lighten the skin (a natural alternative to hydroquinone). Seed oils rich in antioxidants, such as chia, broccoli, and goji berry, firm and tighten while minimizing wrinkles and expression lines.
CoEnzyme Q10, a natural antioxidant that can give your skin a youthful and revitalized appearance, is not created in a test tube.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C derived from natural sources can protect the skin against environmental damage and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Topical antioxidant vitamin C is Ascorbic Acid (aka l ascorbic acid).
Many anti-aging products contain it because of its ability to rejuvenate the appearance of beautiful skin. Exfoliation is essential to achieve optimal results because the stratum corneum can prevent vitamin C from penetrating.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is often found in eye creams that fight wrinkles. It works by removing the calcium deposits in the elastin fibers of the skin, which cause them to harden. Vitamin K is also essential for blood circulation and can reduce dark circles.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is found in almost everything today, including cosmetics. This is not surprising. It is a carbohydrate that occurs naturally in our tissues. One gram of hyaluronic can hold up to six liters of water.
It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines when applied topically. You must choose a naturally-derived form of hyaluronic acid comprised of smaller molecules–often, the molecule is too large to penetrate the skin.