Skin Cream Ingredients Demystified

ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS

AHA'S are mild acids that originate from natural sources such as citrus fruit and milk.

AHA's stimulate cell regeneration and exfoliate the upper layers of skin by dissolving dead surface cells. This in turn improves the skin's texture by  allowing younger cells to come to the surface.

BEST FOR

All skin types apart from sensitive, for brightening and exfoliating.

ANTIOXIDANTS

These are nutrients, such as Vitamins A, C and E and grape seed, newest arrivals include white tea and Co0enzyme Q10.

Antioxidants fight free radical damage - caused by pollution, smoking and UV rays. Free radicals damage collagen fibres causing them to shrink and harden, resulting in wrinkles and a loss of tone.

BEST FOR

Using from your thirties onwards as a preventative measure to combat fine lines and wrinkles.

 

CALCIUM

An essential mineral which helps to maintain skin and other body organs. Studies have shown that people with low calcium content in their skin can experience premature ageing.

As calcium is vital in cell renewal it may help to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and therefore combatting wrinkles.

BEST FOR

Menopausal and post menopausal women.

 

PEPTIDES

They help to boost collagen production which then improves the plumpness of the skin. Ageing causes natural loss of skin plumpness. By plumping out the skin from deep down you will see a reduction in wrinkles. Some peptides claim to firm the skin and smooth wrinkles by boosting collagen production but hexapeptides improve the appearance of fine lines by reducing muscle activity in the skin.

BEST FOR

Plumping and reducing fine lines.

 

RETINOL

Retinol, retinoic acid, or retinyl palmitate are all forms of Vitamin A . Once used to treat acne, now more widely used to fight the visible effects of ageing.

These help to speed up cell renewal and encourage exfoliation which leaves skin feeling brighter. Skin that has been overexposed to sun responds well to these products.

BEST FOR

Reducing pigmentation caused by over exposure to sun or boosting moisture levels in the skin.

 

RYE EXTRACT

This is the new, natural super-ingredient that acts like a shock absorber to boost the skin's defences. Rye extract works to reduce wrinkles by stimulating cell functions responsible for maintaining the skin's natural elasticity and production of collagen.

BEST FOR

Firming and revitalising tired looking skin.

 

STEM-CELL CREAMS

Stem-cell technology, which mimics our body's renewal processes is the future of anti-ageing say the experts. Stem cells become less efficient as we age. It is claimed that creams containing these work by 'resetting' the skin's 'ageing clock' by stimulating stem cells, resulting in more radiant skin. These are still expensive but dermatologists believe this technology could signal an end to Botox.

BEST FOR

Reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

As told to Woman's Own by Sally Penford of the International Dermal Institute.