Anti Wrinkle Skin Creams - Basic Information

Anti wrinkle skin creams generally contain some of the following ingredients: Retinol, hydroxy acids, coenzyme Q10, copper peptides and tea extracts. Research indicates that some of these ingredients do reduce the depth and number of wrinkles although all have not been scientifically tested. They will not be as effective as a face lift but over a period of time should help to reduce the occurrence and depth of wrinkles and lines.

Common Anti Wrinkle Skin Cream Ingredients

Retinol - a very common ingredient in anti wrinkle products. It is a vitamin A derivative and is an effective anti oxidant. Retinol works by entering the lower layers of the skin and repairing damage to elastin, which keeps the skin elastic, and collagen which supports the skin. It is less effective than another vitamin A derivative tretinoin, which is only available on prescription.

Alpha hydroxy acids(AHA) include glycolic acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid. These acids are isolated from fruit or milk and are effective exfoliants that remove the upper layer of dead cells to leave the skin smooth with an improved color. They will make your skin more sensitive to the sun so you should always use a sun screen after using a product containing an AHA.

Coenzyme Q10 helps to regulate the energy production of the cell. Studies have shown that fine lines around the eyes are reduced after using Coenzyme Q10 and that it can also protect against damage by the sun.

Copper peptides are small molecules containing copper bonded to a protein called a peptide. Copper peptides stimulate collagen production which supports the skin and are effective in helping to heal wounds. They are also thought to enhance anti oxidant action.

Tea extracts from green, black and oolong tea are often used in anti wrinkle skin creams. They have antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects. The most common extract is from green tea.

Some things to consider when buying an anti wrinkle skin cream

• Over the counter products have a lower concentration of active ingredients or less effective ingredients than prescription anti wrinkle skin creams.
• Research suggests that some ingredients have an effect on wrinkles and fine lines but many of the anti wrinkle creams have not been extensively tested.
• You will probably need to use an anti wrinkle cream twice a day for a few weeks before you see any benefit. The effect is not permanent so if you stop using the cream the beneficial effects will slowly disappear.
• The price may have no relationship to its effectiveness.
• Some creams may irritate the skin or cause redness or itching. Always follow the instructions and stop using a cream if you experience these side effects.

Anti Wrinkle Home Remedies - Home Made Yogurt Mask

One of the ways women have traditionally treated their wrinkles is by making a facial mask. You can make a natural mask for treating wrinkles from easy to obtain materials that will be cheaper than the masks you can buy and guaranteed not to contain any harmful chemicals. Here is the recipe for one of the more popular anti wrinkle home treatment masks. If you can find organic ingredients so much the better.

Ingredients

• Plain yoghurt


• Honey


• Lemon juice


• 5 Vitamin E capsules


• Essential oils (optional)


• Vitamin A (optional)
  

Open the vitamin E capsules and add to two tablespoons of yoghurt. Add a teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of lemon juice. Blend well and apply to the face in areas where there are wrinkles. Be careful around the eyes. Leave it to dry for about twenty minutes then wash off with water. Repeat three or four times a week.

A larger batch can be made and stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Adding essential oils will make it smell nice but won't have any other effect. Vitamin A can be added to increase the elasticity of the skin.

Tips to Prevent Wrinkles and Lines

Anti wrinkle skin creams are designed to decrease the number and depth of lines and wrinkles. Their effectiveness will depend on how often you use them and for how long. they typically take from a few weeks to months for your skin to show improvement. There are a number of other things you can do to help to reduce or prevent wrinkles from forming.

1. Always use sunscreen to protect your skin from damage by the sun. The ultra violet light from the sun increases the aging processes in the skin and leads to wrinkles, uneven coloring and blotchy rough skin. try to limit time spent in the sun, cover up with hats and protective clothes and always use a sun screen.

2. Always use a moisturiser. Moisturisers prevent skin from drying out and forming lines and wrinkles.

3. When buying anti-wrinkle cream or other skin care products choose ones with sunscreen of at least SPF 15 built in. Make sure you choose products that block UVA and UVB light.

4. Do not smoke. Smoking damages the skin by narrowing the blood vessels in the top layer of the skin and by damaging elastin and collagen, Elastin is responsible for giving your skin elasticity and collagen supports the skin from below. Damage to both can result in lines and wrinkles.