It seems like every time you turn around there is another new anti aging skin care product on the market. How is anyone supposed to wade through all the promises of clearer, younger, more radiant skin, to pick a product that will actually deliver? Well, in this article, I hope to help with lists of things to look for, things to avoid, and why.


So, let's get started.


The Good

First, let's start with a few of the things that you do want in your next anti aging skin care product. Now these are the latest and greatest, best of the best ingredients, but don't let that scare you. Just because they are the best, doesn't necessarily mean they are the most expensive.


Phytoessence Wakame is an ingredient that is derived from a type of kelp found in the seas around Japan. It helps to increase the levels of hyaluronic acid in your skin by inhibiting the enzyme hyaluronidase which breaks down hyaluronic acid. "So what", you say?


Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluranon, is a major element of the skin, and aids in the repair of skin tissue. It also helps keep the collagen and elastin fibers together, maintaining the firmness, smoothness and elasticity of the skin.


Hyaluronic acid can start to decrease with age, but can also decrease from frequent exposure to UV B radiation that leads to a sunburn. The inflammation from the sunburn contributes to declining amounts of hyaluronic acid being produced by the skin cells.


This loss of hyaluronic acid can produce a less youthful appearance, and prompt the development of dark circles under the eyes. Phytoessence Wakame can actually help restore the levels of hyaluronic acid in your skin to that of a somewhat younger person.


Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10 is an amazing new type of nanotechnology for the skin. It is a "nano emulsion" form of Coenzyme Q10 that can penetrate deeply into the layers of the skin, where its antioxidant properties prevent the formation of free radicals.


This is where you can see a significant decrease in fine lines and wrinkles, and an increase in collagen and elastin. Imagine that, younger looking skin from the inside, out!


Now, many anti aging skin care products will include Coenzyme Q10 in their list of ingredients, but it may not be doing the consumer any good. Most products that contain CoQ10 do not have it in a sufficient concentration to actually work.


The Bad

These are only some of the ingredients that you don't want to see in your anti aging skin care product. And I'll explain why.


Mineral Oil

Mineral oil can be found in literally hundreds, if not thousands, of products for the skin for the sole reason that it is cheap! This ingredient can hide behind many different names, such as: petrolatum, liquid paraffin, albolene and paraffin wax, just to name a few.


One would think with "oil" in the name, that surely it must be good for the skin. On the contrary, mineral oil is actually not something that you want to find in your anti aging skin care product. Here's why.


The skin is the largest organ in your body and one of its jobs is to keep body fluids from evaporating, while also eliminating toxins out of the pores through sweat.


When mineral oil is applied to the skin it can clog the pores and keep your body from eliminating toxins. It can also irritate the skin, cause acne flare ups, and even lead to premature aging. Mineral oil can eventually cause your skin to become chapped and dry, over long periods of use.



Fragrance

Everyone wants to smell good, right? But do you really know what is in those fragrances mysteriously listed on the label? Most people don't.

A lot of the ingredients that make up a fragrance can be toxic, or worse, carcinogenic. These are then applied to the skin in a lotion or cream, and the skin subsequently absorbs the potentially deadly compounds.

I prefer my anti aging skin care products free of toxic compounds, thank you!



Paraben

The Parabens: ethyl, methyl, butyl and propyl paraben are commonly used in the cosmetic industry as a preservative. Sounds pretty benign at first, until you look at all the research and see the disastrous effects this group of ingredients can have on your overall health.


Paraben use has been associated with skin rashes, allergic reactions, and can even interfere with the endocrine system, according to some published studies. Other studies go even further, finding that paraben exposure can lead to cancer.


Make no mistake about it, there are many other ingredients that warrant caution, but these are just a few that one needs to look out for when searching for quality anti aging skin care products. Nevertheless, now you are armed with more information on how to find the best ones that will work for you.

Autor: Jennifer J. King

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