The trends show that the anti-aging market will expand significantly by the year 2021. With over 250 billion dollars spent yearly on skin care products that are aimed to combat the signs of aging, these numbers prove our desire to look on the outside as young as we feel inside. Do these products really work? Here’s the truth about the best anti-aging night cream and why you should use one regularly, regardless your age.
The science of aging
As we are getting older, our life gets written on our face. Fine lines appear near the eyes and mouth, and wrinkles form on the forehead. But what exactly is the science behind aging? Dermatologists explain that as time passes by, a series of biochemical procedures will occur in the body, on the inside and outside, as well. They cause the body to deteriorate over a timeframe, and it will affect the wellness and physical appearance of the individual.
Around the age of 20, the skin will stop producing as much collagen – a protein that makes skin strong, supple, and flexible. Together with elastin – which is a protein that maintains the skin elastic – collagen gives the face the ability to stretch, shrink, and return to its state.
However, time isn’t the only factor that affects the health and texture of the skin. Genes, gravity, sun, and lifestyle choices can accelerate the appearance of the signs of aging. UV light from the sun affects the elastin fibers, triggering the occurrence of microtears, bruises, and sagging skin. The oil glands produce less sebum – natural oils – hence, the moisture of skin is diminished. Though, the preliminary studies suggest that you can preserve a youthful look, combat aging, and prevent wrinkles with several potent ingredients.
The best anti-aging ingredients
Research-backed ingredients are the key to obtaining an effective skin care product. Before actually purchasing the ointment, cream, lotion, or serum that will help you to look younger, take a look at the product’s list of ingredients. Here’s what you should look for:
- Peptides – are small proteins that help the skin to heal and improve the development of new cells in the epidermis. Peptides are often added to the composition of anti-aging creams because they work by stimulating the replacement of elastin and collagen while they also hydrate skin and make wrinkles less visible.
- Retinoids – Vitamin A, basically – functions by improving the elasticity and thickness of skin and reducing the depth of wrinkles. Although the anti-aging ingredient has powerful effects and is well-tolerated by the consumers, retinol – or other retinoids derivates – should not be used by women who are pregnant.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids – namely citric, glycolic, and lactic acid – are extracted from fruit and milk sugars. When applied to the face, in the formula of skincare products, these compounds remove the dead cells, exfoliate the skin, and promote the development of new cells. Glycolic acid (from sugar cane) diminishes the fine lines, lactic acid has a brightening effect, and citric acid unclogs pore and lightens the skin complexion.
- Antioxidants – prevent and reduce the cell damage from free radicals, which are compounds that could harm cells, cause inflammation, and raise the risk of cancer. Antioxidants – Vitamins A, C, E, lycopene, copper, zinc, beta-carotene, selenium, Coenzyme Q10 – are top ingredients that delay the signs of skin aging and reduce the DNA damage that results in wrinkles.
- Hyaluronic Acid – is a potent moisture humectant. In other words, it has the ability to grab and trap moisture to the skin surface, thus providing the hydration our face needs. The moisture helps to plump the skin, fill the wrinkles, and replenish the suppleness of the face.
- Resveratrol – is a plant compound – the same one found in red wine, too – has antioxidant effects, neutralizes free radicals, and maintains proper levels of collagen and elastin in the skin. The natural ingredient enhances the firmness of the face and helps the consumers obtain a youthful looking skin.
When you check the leaflet of the skin care products, pay attention to the ingredients that could harm your health.
Ingredients to avoid in anti-aging night creams
The truth is that a significant percentage of skin care creams and lotions are packed with one or more recognized cosmetic impurities that are linked to numerous health concerns, including cancer. However, since the FDA doesn’t have special rules that apply to the ingredients used in skin care products, the manufacturers of anti-aging creams include all kinds of compounds in their products – and some of them have potential carcinogenic effects.
What are the chemicals that you should avoid using on your skin?
- Parabens – were used for over 20 years as preservatives in cosmetic products. Although they work by preventing the development of potentially harmful microbes, parabens aren’t 100% safe. Recent evidence shows that they might work similarly to estrogen, thus being associated with breast cancer.
- Diethanolamine (DEA) – is a foaming ingredient found in gels and face wash products. DEA can induce cell transformation and inhibit the growth of cells. Although the studies weren’t conclusive and we cannot ban the use of DEA, you are advised to limit the exposure to this element.
- Fragrances – are a known immune system poison. Sometimes, when you read “fragrance” on a product’s description, it could mean that dozens or hundreds of perfumes are combined to give the cream’s beautiful scent. In many cases of allergic reaction, the fragrance is to blame. Additionally, there are proofs that the ingredient could lead to brain or nervous system damage.
- Phthalates – you will not find it in the composition of the best anti-aging night cream. The compound is used in skin moisturizers, as it has flexibility and softening-inducing effects. Though, it can interfere with the hormone production and could be involved in the appearance of breast cancer.
How anti-aging creams work
Can they stop the clock? Since aging means the gradual degradation of a person’s wellness and physical appearance, anti-aging products are aimed to delay, retard, or stop the deterioration of cells and tissues. Numerous manufacturers allure with claims that their treatments will reduce the depth of wrinkles, encourage the skin’s natural collagen production, or slow down premature aging. Unfortunately, there isn’t sufficient evidence to prove that their products really work.
In theory, anti-aging creams for day or night use combat the sagging of skin and replenish its youthfulness. When the skin care product contains antioxidants, peptides, and moisturizing ingredients, it will work by repairing the skin, boosting the development of new cells, and refreshing the face.
If Vitamin C has been proven to reduce wrinkles, retinoids increase the production of collagen – especially when used for months in a row. Glycolic acid lessens the fine lines around the eyes and mouth, while peptides penetrate the deep layers of the skin and alleviate the damage produced by UV rays.
Furthermore, anti-aging treatments get rid of the dead cells, thicken the skin layers, and improve the smoothness of the face. The ongoing use of anti-aging skin care products can decrease the depth of wrinkles and even erase the fine lines off the face. However, there are several types of wrinkles – and you should address them with the right anti-aging solution.
A classification of wrinkles
When your face shows the signs of aging, it’s time to give your skin a boost. But before deciding what creams or ingredients your face needs, learn about the types of wrinkles that could affect your beauty and confidence:
- Atrophic crinkling rhytids – are those fine parallel lines on your face. Yes, they disappear when you stretch the skin transversally. The dermatologists explain that the atrophic crinkling rhytids appear because of the loss of elasticity. So, what can you do? Protect the skin with sunscreen against the harmful sunrays, moisturize your skin with an anti-aging cream, and plump your skin with peptides.
- Permanent elastic creases – are the lines that become permanent over time. Where they appear? On the neck, cheeks, and the upper lid. Because sun exposure and smoking worsen permanent elastic creases, you are advised to wear a cream with solar protection factor (SPF) and smoke less – if you cannot quit. Use a hydrating skin care product with antioxidants and delay aging naturally.
- Dynamic expression lines – are formed through years of repetitive facial contractions, including smiling, frowning, squinting, or puckering of the lips. You might be tempted to opt for Botox treatments or other injectable wrinkle fillers, but you can successfully reduce the depth of wrinkles with a powerful anti-aging night cream. Diminish the crow’s feet safely with a Coenzyme Q10 lotion or Hyaluronic Acid serum.
- Gravitational folds – are the reason why numerous individuals undergo facelifts. The location of the gravitational wrinkles depends on the thickness of the epidermis and how much the skin was exposed to the sun. The lines appear from the effects of gravity on the chin, neck, and jowls. What is the best approach? Moisturize your face daily with a top-notch lotion and apply an anti-aging night cream with Retinoids and Resveratrol.
When is the best age to start using anti-aging products?
Use of Anti-Aging Products at Different Ages
The studies show that fine lines and wrinkles start to develop when we are in our 20s. The UV rays wreak havoc on the skin, causing premature aging and forcing us to take action immediately. But when it the right time to opt for anti-aging skin care products? Should you wait until the crow’s feet around the eyes and fine lines near the mouth are visible? Here are our recommendations:
Anti-aging in your 20s
You can use anti-aging night creams as early as age 21, as long as you apply products that are appropriate for your skin type. In your twenties, use creams and lotions packed with antioxidants, as they are usually milder and help your skin to repair and produce collagen.
Consider that most of the anti-aging treatments are targeted to treat drier complexions. Is your skin rather oily? Avoid anti-aging serums and opt for anti-aging night creams that gently peel the dead cells and nourish your face. If your complexion is very dry, apply lipid-rich oils with intensive effects, and prevent the appearance of wrinkles.
Do not use skin care products with peptides in your twenties. Your skin can still repair and restore its firmness, so you do not need to use day creams with ingredients that promote the production of elastin. Use skin care products with solar protection factor instead. This way, you will preserve the youth of your face and delay the signs of aging.
Anti-aging products in your 30s
At this age, Retinol before bedtime is a must. This fountain of youth can irritate the skin if it is applied right before sun exposure. The science behind it? Retinoids replace the older skin with fresh new cells that are more sensible and more prone to sunburns.
If wrinkles are already visible, opt for an anti-aging night cream that contains Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, or Hyaluronic Acid. After several weeks of treatment, the appearance and depth of the lines will diminish, and your complexion will gain a youthful look.
What anti-aging products should you use after the 40s?
The skin lost much of its elasticity, and crow’s feet are visible even when you’re not frowning. Ramp things up a bit and use an anti-aging day cream with moisturizing effects. At night, use an intensive cream with age-defying ingredients, and consider slowing down the aging process, as well.
Consult a professional whenever you are tempted to use a new skin care product. Discuss with your doctor, cosmetician, or skin care professional, learn what your skin type is and what anti-aging ingredients your face needs. Before jumping into Botox injections, treat your skin with serums and ointments that are appropriate for your face and safely reduce the lines around mouth, eyes, and on the forehead.
Combating wrinkles in your 50s
By this time, the signs of aging will naturally start to look more prominent. It might be normal, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot do anything about it! The skin becomes drier, as the sebaceous glands produce less oil. The bright side? You’ll have fewer acne flare-ups. But the downside is that a dry complexion feels uncomfortable and makes wrinkles more visible.
What should you do? Protect your face with an SPF lotion and apply an emollient day cream with ceramides and antioxidants. Stay away from the products and chemicals that could strip the little oil and moisture produced by the skin. Furthermore, include in your nighttime regime an effective anti-aging cream that keeps your complexion both healthy and beautiful.
Anti-aging night creams for the 60s and beyond
Keeping moisture becomes a luxury, a reason why hydration is the best approach for women and men in their 60s or older. The lost elastin and collagen allow telltale grooves to form on the face, and the lines deepen with every year that goes by.
Maybe you consider other treatment options to reduce the signs of aging: laser skin tightening, chemical peels, or laser skin resurfacing. Discuss with your dermatologist whether you are a candidate, what are the costs of the procedure, and what to expect from it. If you are looking for a natural method that reduces wrinkles and smoothens your complexion, keep an anti-aging night cream on your nightstand and use it regularly.
Why should you use a night cream?
Some would consider that life isn’t fair. Immediately after getting rid of zits in our adolescence, our adult face starts showing the signs of aging. Puffy bags, dark under eye circles, and fine lines will wreak havoc with our nerves and make us come back to the dermatologist’s office. Thankfully, the right night cream will provide relief, restore the suppleness of the skin, and reduce the appearance of the small imperfections.
You can use a night cream to prevent the formation of wrinkles. Apply a hydrating skin care product before bedtime and remember to protect your face with sunscreen during the day. Don’t rush into paying a fortune for products that claim to plump up your sagging skin overnight! Age-defying products need time to work and deliver the health benefits expected.
Apply the best anti-aging night creams appropriate for you and get the means to delay aging and keep wrinkles at bay. Keep in mind that aging is inevitable, and you shouldn’t worry about getting older. Use the right skin care products for your complexion and age and head through the years with confidence and grace!
