Skincare: Anti-Aging Super Ingredient Beauty Products

As we age, we all need to take the best care that we can of our skin.  The good news is that new anti-aging  products are effective, widely available and affordable. The days of sneaking off to expensive spas are over.  There are a number of over the counter beauty products that can help skin stay firm, moisturized and almost wrinkle free.  But which ones skincare products are worth the money and contain key ingredient anti-aging ingredients?   I asked Australian beauty expert Mary Zavaglia to share her knowledge with my readers.   Below are her recommendations (and some of my own)  on the key anti-aging ingredients in skincare products you should look for along with a review of their benefits.

The Wrinkle Smoother – Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel, $45 USD

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) 

Alpha Hydroxy Acids smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, unblock and cleanse pores. AHA’s also improve oily skin or acne, and improve skin condition in general. They’re not new to skin care but they have been refined so they don’t cause redness or irritation. However they are best used in moderation.

The Youth Restorer – Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution, $85 USD

Retinol 

Retinol is a skin-pros favorite. Also known as Vitamin A this wonder ingredient is perfect for evening-out sun damage, stimulating collagen (meaning plumper younger looking skin) and brightening the complexion by speeding up cell turn over.  Because of its super-strength it’s best to apply in the evening as skin repairs itself while you sleep. You may notice skin appear red and flaking due to a natural exfoliation process. It is highly recommended that you wear a high-level sunscreen ( SPF)  at all times when using Retinol.

Volume Booster – Dermadoctor Wrinkle Revenge Lift + Replenish Serum, $68 USD

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a substance that is normally produced by the body. Hyaluronic acid is what gives skin its volume and fullness.  A topical version of this formulated with sodium hyaluronate holds around a 1000 times its own molecular weight in water making the surface of skin feel and look youthful, plump and well hydrated. It’s important to drink plenty of water as Hyaluronic Acid draws water from the lower levels of the skin to the surface.  Hyaluronic Acid is a key ingredient in Pixi Beauty’s Hydrating Milky Mist product which retails for just $15.00 US.  Intraceuticals also offers a great line of serums loaded with hyaluronic acid.

Anti-Oxidants

Antioxidants in skin care are a critical component to any anti-aging routine.  By including antioxidants in your rejuvenation program the skin’s ability to protect and heal increases significantly.  Topical applications of antioxidants are also important to give the skin cells ample protection against the destructiveness of free radicals.  Free radical activity creates skin damage evident by the formation of wrinkles, age spots, loss of elasticity and other assorted aging skin care issues including the potential for skin cancer.

Peptides

There is a new generation of active peptides such as, Palmitoyl Tetra peptides, a combo of amino acids. These amino acids (building blocks of protein) help slow down the ageing process and the development of wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Then there’s Oligopeptide 68 that helps skin look lighter and brighter. It acts as a skin tone equalizer, brightening the skin for a more uniform complexion and visible reduction of hyper pigmentation and photo ageing. HydroPeptide from Azure Cosmeceutical is light serum I have used that deeply mosturizes and replenishes.

Stem Cells

Skin care companies are creating products with specialized plant stem cells which, when applied topically on the surface, help protect the human skin stem cells from damage and deterioration while stimulating the skin’s own stem cells.  One cream  I have used and enjoyed great results from is ELEMIS’s Pro-Intense Lift Effect Cream.  This rich cream is loaded with plant stem cells and tingles just a bit when you apply it. I use it at night time for best results.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide significantly decreases age spots as well as reducing blemishes and fading of scars. The consensus also seems to be that niacinamide performs all of these skin care miracles without leaving the common drying and irritation of most skin-lightening products.

The active ingredients in Reservatol by SkinCeuticals

Reservratol

Reservratol is a favorite at The Recessionista! I’ve been using this revitalizing anti-aging  skincare product from Skinceuticals since 2014.  Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant found in grapes,  berries, red wine, nuts and many other plant sources.  The property has been shown to have anti-aging properties. I use the SkinCeuticals  Resveratrol serum which has three active ingredients:  Resveratrol, baicalin and Vitamin E  for a power punch to boost your skin’s natural healing. Sadly, as we age, many of us get inflammation or red blotches on our faces, arms or other areas. I seem to have an increasing amount of red spots or inflammation on my fair skin.  The Baicalin in the  Resveratrol B E serum helps to reduce inflammation. The Vitamin E helps to replenish the skin and may even help to reduce dark spots.

Readers do you have any favorites?