How To: Choosing an Anti - Wrinkle Cream

"It's better to start prevention of wrinkles rather then to treat severe wrinkles later!"

It is never too early to start searching for a wrinkle cream.

As we get older, our face begins to lose its elasticity. Fat cells in the face begin to loosen and pull apart, causing the skin to lose its ability to bounce back and prompting the appearance of sags and lines that 

deepen into furrows. Scary right?! Wrinkle creams are part of my daily routine. I place mine under my makeup as a base and at night before sleep.

The effectiveness of anti-wrinkle creams depends in part on the active ingredient or ingredients. Here are some common ingredients that may result in slight to modest improvement in the appearance of wrinkles.

Retinol. Retinol is a vitamin A compound, the first antioxidant to be widely used in nonprescription wrinkle creams. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles. Retinol is less potent than the vitamin A derivative tretinoin, a topical treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating wrinkles. Tretinoin is available only by prescription. Avoid vitamin A derivatives if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, because they may increase the risk of birth defects.

Hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids are synthetic versions of acids derived from sugar-containing fruits. These acids are exfoliants — substances that remove the upper layer of old, dead skin and stimulate the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin. Because hydroxy acids increase your susceptibility to sun damage, always wear sunscreen during use and for at least one week afterward.

Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that helps regulate energy production in cells. Some studies have shown reduction in fine wrinkles around the eyes with no side effects. Other studies show that application before sun exposure protects against sun damage.

Copper peptides. Copper is a trace element found in every cell. In products applied to the skin, it's combined with small protein fragments called peptides. Copper peptides enhance wound healing. They also stimulate production of collagen and may enhance the action of antioxidants.

Kinetin. As a plant growth factor, kinetin may improve the appearance of wrinkles and uneven pigmentation with minimal irritation. It's unclear how it works, but it may help reduce wrinkles by helping skin retain moisture and by stimulating the production of collagen. It may also be a potent antioxidant.

Tea extracts. Green, black and oolong tea contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea extracts are the ones most commonly found in wrinkle creams.

How To Choose The Best Face Creams For Your Skin

There are many different types of face creams that will help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles, those for oily skin, those for extremely dry and inflamed skin or those that simply moisturize. How can you determine the best cream available with such a  wide range? When choosing the best anti wrinkle cream, just take a look at your particular needs. If you are thinking that one aspect needs attention, then choose a product with that specific treatment. 

I'ts important that you read the package and see what ingredients have been used  in the product so you know what to look out for and what ingredients to stay away from. Alcohol for instance can irritate your skin by drying your skin layer and taking off the acid needed to protect your skin layer from viruses and bacteria. Mineral oil is also present as a key ingredient in many creams and cosmetics. Mineral oil also known as paraffin, paraffin wax or even petroleum and it is often used to wax surfboards and cars. This ingredient can clog up your pores and slows skin's ability to eliminate toxins, thus preventing your skin from breathing and leading to acne outbreaks.

Natural face creams might contain a range of different vitamins:  Vitamin A for example can exfoliate the top layer of your skin and gradually smooth out the  appearance of fine lines so look out for anti-wrinkle creams containing this ingredient.Another powerful ingredient is Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and can penetrate up to seven layers deep down into the skin to prevent radical skin damage before it occurs and Vitamin E which can help repair skin damage and its great for dry, inflamed and burned skin. Vitamin E is often present in creams that offer sunscreen protection, so look out for creams that offer at least SPF 15 to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. The best face creams will contain natural ingredients and these will guarantee to work better in your skin.

Do your research, watch reviews and be sure to stay clear of harmful products that will damage your skin rather then help it! Good luck ladies! If you have any questions please ask :)