What ingredients should anti-ageing creams contain?
You’ve probably often asked yourself if anti-ageing creams really work. There is no secret to the answer to your question; it is very simple: they are as effective as the ingredients they contain.
The formation of wrinkles is related to ageing but it is also attributed to independent aspects such as genetic factors and also dependent aspects such as nutrition and environmental factors. UV rays are the main cause of premature ageing. There are certain ingredients in anti-ageing creams that stop the ageing process which, providing suitable levels are used, achieve the intended purpose: to mitigate and moderate the signs of ageing. Some of these ingredients are the coenzyme Q10, retinoic acid, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and alpha-hydroxy acids.
In fact, topical treatments are effective for fine lines and are beneficial in preventing deeper lines. They therefore improve the appearance of ageing skin and reverse cell degeneration related to the ageing process.
However….beware of certain ingredients
Anti-ageing creams should not contain parabens (preservatives). These chemical compounds are very common in existing formulas; they act as preservatives and are designed to prevent microbial proliferation arising, but they can cause hormonal imbalances and intolerances, allergic reactions or dermatitis.
What are their main ingredients?
- Coenzyme Q10: is an antioxidant that increases cell rejuvenation, minimises wrinkles and increases the tensile strength of skin tissue.
- Vitamin A (retinol or retinoic acid): is an antioxidant that acts on the skin surface, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin fibres. It can cause photosensitivity, therefore it should only be used at night.
- Vitamin E: has a cell membrane repair action.
- Vitamin C: is an antioxidant and prevents the skin ageing process as it plays an important role in the production of collagen.
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3): aids the regeneration of skin cells; it also acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor (enzyme required for the synthesis of melanin) and it protects against sun spots.
- Ceramides: inhibit elastase and collagenase activities, which are enzymes that degrade collagen and other skin proteins, such as elastane.
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA): stimulate cell regeneration and increase skin thickness through the activity of fibroblasts. They increase the synthesis of collagen and elastin, improving skin wrinkles through greater skin elasticity. These peptides include:
- Glycolic acid: provides ultimate skin rejuvenation and benefits skin hydration.
- Salicylic acid: eliminates dead skin cells and provides luminosity. It provides a physical and natural exfoliation.
- Hyaluronic acid: this is naturally found in the body and concentrations reduce with age and degradation increases. It has a hydrating effect and can indirectly help to treat wrinkles, since it is a molecule capable of absorbing 1000 times its weight in water.
Our advice is…
Choose formulas that contain high sun protection, that have a nourishing effect with antioxidants and, above all, that hydrate your skin type. It is wise to always choose emollients that are easy to apply and comfortable once absorbed; and, of course, ones that do not generate unwanted side effects. Simple and easy.
