Here are some insights on how to tell a skincare zero from a
hero.
Almost without exception, when you buy a product claiming to
tighten skin, its effects, if any, are due to ingredients such as film-forming
agents.
Film-forming agents form a film on the skin, and can make
the skin "feel" tighter. The effect is temporary and you won't see
noticeable lifting of sagging skin, but the sensation is often enough to
convince women that the product is working.
THE HEROES
Sunscreen
Sunscreen with an SPF 30 or above is the best antiaging
cream you can use. It prevents skin cancer as well as UVA rays that cause
loss of collagen and wrinkles in the skin especially when reapplied every 2
hours. The best sunscreens have titanium or zinc oxide as active
ingredients.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a great antioxidant which reduces free radical
damage, it’s also great for anti-aging and helps brighten the skin. Apply
a serum with Vitamin C in the morning underneath sunscreen.
THE ZEROES
The majority of anti-aging creams are still based
on moisturizers such as mineral oil.
Wrinkles look worse when they are dry, so any kind of moisturizer
helps, but its only temporary and doesn't address the root cause of the
wrinkles such as collagen loss, free radical damage, sun damage and
environmental factors.
Don't be fooled by the antiaging labels.
Unless there is an actual "active ingredient" such
as retinol, the benefit is just moisture but nothing else.
B Vitamins in Skincare Products
Many forms of vitamin B (like B12) can only be absorbed in
the small intestine, so no matter how much is in your moisturizer or serum,
it's not going to make a difference.
Vitamins can have an effect on the skin's texture and color,
but your skin can't absorb them.
If you really want the
power of vitamin B to improve your skin's glow and appearance, stick to eating
leafy greens like spinach, asparagus, beans, and peas.
Caffeine
Caffeine in skin creams can give a boost to your skin until
it wears off…
Caffeine can temporarily reduce puffiness, especially around
your eyes, but don't expect permanent results.
Botanical
Extracts
These are ingredients extracted from plants (flowers, roots,
stems, trees, etc.) used in skin care for everything from healing blemishes to
reducing fine wrinkles.
They have been used for centuries and have anecdotal
purposes in many cultures.
Botanical extracts need to remain on your skin in order to work,
cleansers, for example, do not stay on the skin long enough for any true anti-aging
benefit to take place.
Another issue is that most botanical extracts are water
soluble, which means that the moment you wet your skin and begin to wash your
face, they're watered down losing efficacy.
Stick to using masks or lotions using botanical extracts for
true benefits.
It’s very important to do your research because there’s a
lot of packaging and a lot of hype.
You can also visit your dermatologist and aesthetician who
can develop a skin care regimen that works to address your skin concerns based
on skin type.
Here is a blog post I did a while back on Makeup Label
Myths and key words to look for when purchasing beauty products.
Thanks for supporting my blog 💕
~Jennifer
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