What makes an anti-wrinkle cream work? The ingredients it contains is a big factor in the determination of its effectiveness against wrinkles that line your forehead, run along the sides of your eyes, and mark your cheeks and chin. Ingredients that you’ll commonly find in today’s most popular anti wrinkle creams include retinol, hydroxyl acids, co-enzyme Q-10, and a string of plant extracts. Many studies show that the effectiveness of creams for fighting wrinkles largely depends on the active ingredients they contain. Take a look at what these ingredients can do for your aging skin.
Retinol can be found in nonprescription anti wrinkle creams. This vitamin A compound is a powerful antioxidant; it works to neutralize all sorts of free radicals, successfully protecting the skin from damage. Tretinoin, another vitamin A compound, also offers the same properties, but such ingredient can be found only in prescription medications. Both retinol and tretinoin, however, should be strictly avoided by pregnant and lactating women.
Hydroxy acids come in many forms, namely alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and of course poly hydroxy acids – all of which are exfoliants. They work to remove layers of old and dead skin cells, replacing them with fresh, new ones. Because hydroxy acids increase the skin’s susceptibility to sun damage, it is recommended that you use creams with such acids only if they also come with sunscreen.
Co-enzyme Q-10, which is spelled in many different ways, is a favorite among manufacturers of anti-wrinkle creams that focus on the eyes. This ingredient, a special nutrient that regulates the production of energy in the cells, has proven to be quite helpful in the reduction of fine eye wrinkles, also known as crow’s feet. However, like hydroxy acids, co-enzyme Q-10 works best with sunscreen.
Plant extracts are some of the most wonderful sources of antioxidants, important substances in the maintenance of younger-looking skin. There’s kinetin, a newly discovered plant substance that has been found useful in balancing pigmentation and retaining moisture. There’s also the wide array of tea extracts that seems to get everyone’s attention. Green, black, and oolong tea are known to provide skin rejuvenation as well as anti-inflammatory properties. If you have allergies, it’s best to consult your doctor before using any anti wrinkle creams with any kind of plant extracts.
