Skin Care Facts!

In years past, skin care consisted of a good moisturizer, a good diet, and plenty of rest, and only those blessed with good genes could boast clear, wrinkle-free skin. Fortunately, science has caught up with demand, and today, there is a topical cream to prevent, reduce, or cure almost any common skin ailment.

Of course, wrinkles seem to be the most common skin care concern. Whether due to genetics, sun damage or other environmental factors, more and more men and women are looking for ways to prevent and treat wrinkles.

Antioxidants

Free Radicals can contribute to many types of skin damage. Free radicals can occur through one's own metabolism, or can be the result of environmental factors such as pollution and cigarette smoke. Regardless of how they are formed, free radicals can ultimately damage skin cells, leading to wrinkles.

Vitamins C and E are antioxidants, which can protect the skin from free radical damage. Vitamins C and E are commonly used in anti-aging serums and creams to protect against the free-radical damage that can cause premature aging of the skin.

Peptides

Perhaps the most talked-about ingredients in skin care today are peptides. Pentapeptides, hexapeptides and/or heptapeptides can be found in most of the anti-aging treatments on the market. From the drugstores to department store cosmetic counters to exclusive high-end retailers, you'll find anti-aging/anti-wrinkle treatments using these cutting-edge ingredients in varying concentrations, and at various price points.

Peptides are used in anti-aging products to mimic the effects of treatments such as BOTOX®. By interrupting the skin's natural muscle contractions (especially in certain facial areas), repetitive motion wrinkles can be reduced.

Sun Protection

Any skin care expert will tell you that one of the most important steps to keeping skin healthy is to use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher every time you go outside. Many anti-aging and/or moisturizing products offer UVA/UVB protection.

Firming Ingredients

DMAE, Collagen, and Elastin are just a few of the ingredients that claim to help firm the skin. Both elastin and collagen occur naturally in the skin, but diminish in quality and quantity as we age.

Collagen is part of the vital support structure of the skin, and must be replenished to help skin remain healthy. Elastin is also vital to the skin, as it allows skin to remain pliable, meaning it can stretch without damaging the skin and leaving marks. Perhaps one of the most highly regarded firming agents is DMAE, which is known to firm and tighten the skin.

Moisturizers

Almost every skin care treatment, from wrinkle creams to sunscreens, contains some type of moisturizer, and the list of moisturizing ingredients is almost endless. Some of the more popular ingredients include lysine, petrolatum and shea butter. Also popular in moisturizers are hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate. These components "plump" the skin by helping the skin retain moisture.

Know your skin type!

Regardless of what any product may claim, or what cutting-edge science is behind a formulation, no one product will work for everyone. When researching any type of skin treatment, it is important to take into consideration what special concerns you may have for your skin.

Sensitive skin often requires a lighter moisturizer or a gentler wrinkle treatment, while someone with excessive sun damage may require a heavier moisturizer. Always be sure to follow product instructions carefully, and read any warnings that may accompany the product. Most products will recommend that you patch-test on an inconspicuous area before any full applications.

Keep in mind that, if you are pregnant or nursing, or on any type of medication, it is always wise to discuss the safety of the products you are using with your physician.