Anti-Aging Creams and Serums: How They Protect Your Skin
Anti-aging has historically been a buzzword for those in the 35-and-over age group. These days, skincare enthusiasts in a younger age bracket have realized that prevention is better than cure and are taking anti-aging into their own hands before the fact. So the ever-present question is: what do anti-aging creams and serums actually do for your skin? What science is at work in these products that can help your skin appear refreshed and rejuvenated and hold off the visible effects of aging? Do these creams do what they promise, and if they do, how do they do it? We’ll unravel how anti-aging serums and creams can help your skin appear younger and fresher and also how preventative measures can help you avoid some skin damage.
Image by Cottonbro Studio via Pexels
Anti-Aging Creams and Serums: An Overview
The term anti-aging covers a wide range of lotions and other skincare products. From super hydrating eye lift cream and lip treatment to complexion smoothing products and serums, anti-aging skin creams are created with the sole purpose of helping to improve the quality of age-damaged skin or avoid age damage as much as possible. The question has been asked by many over the years: can anti-aging products really work? Is it possible to turn back the clock? The answers are simple. No — you can’t turn back the clock — but yes, anti-aging products really can work. If you have a reasonably sound understanding of what your age-related issues are and what kind of skin you have, you’re in an excellent position to choose anti-aging products that will actively improve your skin's visible appearance and work to lessen the visible signs of aging that come naturally as time passes.
The other side of the anti-aging coin is the products one can begin using before the signs of aging begin to take hold. If you have an understanding of your skin’s conditions and needs from a relatively young age and maintain an effective and consistent skincare routine as you grow older, you’ll already be well on your way to ensuring that your skin has the best chance of staying visibly fresh and smooth for as long as possible.
Image by Ron Larch via Pexels
The Ingredients
The reason anti-aging serums and creams work the way they do is the right high-quality ingredients in the right combinations. The science that goes into unearthing, understanding, and further developing these ingredients is proven and accepted worldwide. If you’re looking for anti-aging creams packed with effective ingredients, these are some of the names you should keep a lookout for.
SPF
First and foremost, in both the corrective and preventative categories, is SPF. Though sunscreen is not technically considered an anti-aging cream in and of itself, it's an invaluable tool in the fight against the visible signs of aging and a way to protect your skin from severe and potentially lasting damage. This is definitely a step you should take every day — come rain or shine — from as early an age as possible.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that works exceptionally well with SPF. This ingredient fights against both UV and free-radical damage, protects against hyperpigmentation (dark spots), and helps the skin produce collagen. Collagen — which keeps the skin supple and bouncy — is naturally occurring but can always do with a helping hand as its production decreases with age.
Organic Harungana
This healing ingredient has been found in traditional medicines for many years and is now being employed in skincare as well. Natural, organic, and healing, Harungana’s bright red/ orange sap helps soothe irritated skin. It also returns a youthful glow to mature skin that looks tired.
Retinoids
This ingredient is derived from Vitamin A and helps with collagen and the turnover of surface skin cells to maintain a visibly and physically smooth complexion. Retinoids are a group, not just one ingredient. This umbrella term covers several ingredients, some requiring a prescription and others available over the counter.
Image by Roman Odintsov via Pexels
Peptides
Here again, we have a group of hard-working ingredients, similar but not exactly the same in nature. Some peptides help build that all-important collagen, while others help the skin remain moisturized. Peptides are scientifically proven to minimize signs of aging, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Ferulic Acid
This powerhouse works particularly well when paired with Vitamin C. Ferulic acid acts as a stabilizing agent for Vitamin C products but is also a high-quality, potent antioxidant in its own right. It neutralizes free radicals, which can chip away at our skin’s ability to produce collagen.
Cassie Flower Wax
If your skin needs a little restorative love and healing, then search for products that contain Cassie Flower wax. Not only does this ingredient have a delicious aroma, but it soothes irritated skin and helps to moisturize it too.
Hyaluronic Acid
If you’re a skincare fan, you probably know little about this incredibly powerful ingredient. One of the main factors in age-related skin damage is a loss of moisture and the ability to retain hydration. Hyaluronic acid can retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, so a little of this ingredient goes a long way to keeping your skin healthy, happy, and youthfully radiant.
Organic Guarana
Another excellent antioxidant comes in the form of Guarana. Protect your skin against free radicals and make use of the antimicrobial aspects of the plant at the same time. Guarana’s caffeine content helps with blood flow in the skin and helps to reduce puffiness, shadows, and dark circles.
Wrap Up
Anti-aging creams and serums work if you know how to work them. If you choose anti-aging creams packed full of the best ingredients — like the ones we’ve listed here — you’ll be looking after your skin in a way that ensures you keep the visible signs of aging at bay for as long as possible.
