It can be an overwhelming to buy anti-aging skin care products these days what with so many of them promising to be an elixir youth. Being a label-wise shopper is a must. Below, we break down the best anti-aging ingredients without the geekspeak.
Retinol
What it does: It’s a form of vitamin A that makes fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark spots disappear.
How to use: It’s best to apply retinol products at night. Spot treat the corner of the eye (where crow’s feet form), smile lines, forehead, and areas with sun spots. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen during the daytime to avoid red, flaky skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
What it does: Korean girls go crazy over any product that has hyaluronic acid because it does a great job of trapping moisture, which creates that baby-soft, glowing complexion.
How to use: Regularly use serums and moisturizers with hyaluronic acid in the evening to see results. There are also bases that are loaded with this magic ingredient. It’s in almost everything now—BB creams, CC creams, and foundations.
Peptides
What it does: Peptides are moisture-binding ingredients that help your skin remain supple and firm. These are forms of protein or amino acids that instruct the cells to heal themselves.
How to use: Skin care products containing this collagen-building ingredient can be used day or night. Massage on the skin to improve its effects.
AHA/BHA
What it does: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are types of naturally-derived acids that renew skin. AHAs improve skin hydration; they're made from fruits (citric, malic acid), milk (lactic acid), and sugars (glycolic acid). BHAs are more suitable for acne-prone skin because they can get through the oil that clogs pores. A generally known type of BHA is salycylic acid, an ingredient famous for zapping zits, whiteheads, and blackheads.
How to use it: You may use products with these exfoliating agents twice a day on a clean, dry face. Refrain from applying it on the eye area as the skin in that region is thin and sensitive. Always use sunscreen when your regimen calls for these ingredients to avoid redness.
PHOTO: Pixabay
