Anti Aging Treatments - Anti Aging Tips

One of the major development areas for cosmetic companies is antiaging remedies. Baby boomers reaching their middle years are eager for products that make the skin look younger and fresher, banish wrinkles and lines, remove the damage from years of sun exposure, and generally reduce the signs of aging. Though extravagant claims are made for certain products, studies have shown that some of them do work. The results may not be as dramatic as some people would like, but regular use of the following products can make a difference to the way your skin looks and feels.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

These are now everywhere- from expensive, top-of-the-line cosmetics to ownbrand pharmacy products. AHAs are naturally occurring acids, derived from substances such as milk, sugarcane, and apples. Depending on the strength, they have a mild to moderate exfoliating effect that helps to unclog pores and remove accumulated dead cells from the skin's surface. This makes the skin smoother in both appearance and texture. AHAs may also stimulate the renewal of the skin cells, causing the skin to look younger. At higher strengths, usually employed by dermatologists, AHAs can help the skin become more resilient and improve the health of the collagen and elastin fibers. AHAs are generally applied once or twice a day after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Caution

Use AHAs with care, because they can cause redness, stinging, peeling, and itching. Such side effects are generally temporary and disappear with regular use.
AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so always use a highfactor sunscreen outdoors.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

These are slightly different in structure to AHAs but produce similar results. Some studies indicate that BHAs are more effective exfoliators. BHAs are also less irritating to the skin, so they cause less flaking and dryness. They appear less widely in over-the-counter preparations, but are likely to increase their share of the market.

Vitamin Creams

A diet rich in vitamins can help to improve the health of your skin. Skincare companies suggest that you can also benefit by applying them to your face. Dermatologists and cosmetic companies differ about the benefits of these vitamin-based products. The main issue is whether or not the key ingredients can penetrate the skin deeply enough to stimulate production of collagen and elastin. If they cannot, they can have no lasting anti-aging effect. You may want to try one or two of these products to see if you notice any benefit. The two vitamins most often used in anti-aging products are vitamins C and A.

Vitamin C products are claimed to diminish lines around the eyes, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and make your skin more resilient and elastic.
Retinol, a vitamin-A derivative, is said to help repair damaged collagen and strengthen skin. It is also claimed that it can reduce the signs of skin damage and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinoic Acid

Retinoic acid is a derivative of vitamin A and has long been used to treat acne. It can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and signs of premature aging, such as abnormal pigmentation, rough spots, and dry skin. Like AHAs, retinoic acid causes a gradual exfoliation and peeling of the skin. It is considerably stronger than AHAs, and there is some evidence that it penetrates to the deeper layers, helping to promote regeneration of the collagen tissues and so making the skin seem firmer and more elastic.