Everyone loves younger, smoother, glowing skin. For women over thirty, it’s a race against the clock for wrinkle-free skin. And so we go in search of a face-lift in a bottle. But do you know what you’re looking for? What distinguishes a good anti-aging cream from a bad one? The ingredients!

Here’s a list of ingredients that must feature in a good anti-aging cream.

1. Retinol: Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. It boosts collagen which helps reduce wrinkles, promotes skin renewal and evens out skin tone thus reversing sun damage. It’s a hero ingredient that dermatologists swear by. Retinol products are also commonly used to treat cystic acne. Most skin creams containing retinol, when used over time dramatically smooth out and renew mature skin.
2. Vitamin C: There’s a reason why citrus fruits are part of so many masks and packs, recommended by makeup experts. It’s the Vitamin C. Its antioxidant properties result in firmer skin. Studies have proven that Vitamin C is highly efficient as a rejuvenation therapy as it induces collagen synthesis among all age groups without any side effects. Look for this ingredient in your anti-wrinkle cream as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid.
3. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA): Alpha hydroxy acid acts as an exfoliant which removes the superficial, dull and dead skin to reveal smooth and wrinkle-free skin beneath. They are responsible for giving your skin a healthy glow and reducing skin pores. Today, day creams, moisturizers, cleansers, gels, lightening treatments, all contain AHA’s that result in fresh, dewy skin.
4. Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant made in our bodies, abundantly present in our skin. It serves to protect the deeper layers of our skin from ultraviolet light and is responsible for the skin’s elasticity. However, after 30, its production gradually diminishes and so must be supplemented either orally or topically to keep the skin supple. It has been proven that women who took 60 mg a day of Coenzyme Q supplementation reduced wrinkle area by 33%.
5. Tea Extracts: There’s a ton of benefits to tea. Green, black, Darjeeling or Oolong, irrespective of the tea, its extracts are known to erase sun damage. This is due to the polyphenols in them which fight free radicals. Polyphenols slow signs of aging and tighten sagging skin.
6. Peptides: Peptides are basically amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. The National Institute of Health-backed research which showed that certain peptides had the ability to stimulate collagen growth within two weeks. Peptides significantly reduce fine lines and have a similar action to Botox, resulting in less muscle movement.
7. Niacinamide: This form of Vitamin B3 takes the center stage in many heavy-hitting antiaging creams. Naturally available in eggs, poultry, tuna, and vegetables, it is converted into niacinamide within the body. Niacinamide also reduces inflammation and silences the “aging gene” thus slowing down the aging curve of the human body as a whole.
8. Grape Seed Extract: Like tea, the grape seed contains polyphenols, including one of the most powerful antioxidants, proanthocyanidin. This compound helps protect the skin from ultraviolet light, promotes wound healing and reduces skin pigmentation.

As you begin your search for that perfect anti-wrinkle cream, spare a glance at the ingredients. Does it have one or more of the above? Do they have other dangerous compounds like hydroquinone? Try and read the labels before you pick up an antiaging cream. Most anti-aging products can be quite expensive. You might want to do your homework before you make a final choice.

In addition to this, you may also want to consider your own skin routine and take measures to reduce the incidence of fine lines and wrinkles. No, you don’t have to take Victoria Beckham’s lead in never smiling or crinkling her eyes. But you can take certain additional steps to prevent them. This includes protecting your skin from UV rays, using a moisturizer, stop smoking, applying sunscreen and limiting junk food.

Lastly, don’t expect to see results overnight. Even if you have the perfect elixir for turning back old age, it’s going to take time. It takes four weeks for skin cell turnover, longer in older people, so give your skin time before you dismiss a product. You may also check out for proactive reviews to look for solutions as well.

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