Antiaging Skin Care Basics

When it comes to youthful appearance, our skin is the focus for many of us. We may get to the point where we check our faces daily for any signs of crow’s feet or laugh lines. Many of us turn to expensive creams and concoctions to improve the appearance of skin, but that is not always necessary. There are many easy steps to improve the appearance of one’s skin. Having a simple skin care regimen can make one look younger.

The most important part of a skin care routine is keeping the skin clean. This removes dirt, pollutants, and oil from the skin. It also prepares your skin for any products (such as sunscreen or anti-aging cream) you will be using, making the products more effective. Facial cleansers should not contain soap or any other harsh ingredients, dyes or perfumes, as these can irritate the skin. Avoid washing the skin too much, as this will dry out the skin and strip it of nutrients.

All moisturizers, including anti-aging creams, contain two basic ingredients: humectants and emollients. Humectants help skin absorb and retain moisture. Emollients fill in the space between skill cells, making skin appear firmer and smoother. Everyone should use moisturizers, as dry skin can make fine lines appear much worse. The best time to apply moisturizer is immediately after a shower, while skin is still moist.

Peptides (protein fragments) can be found in anti-aging products, including copper peptides or pal-KKTS. These peptides work to boost collagen without irritating skin (as other chemicals, such as retinol does).

Lifestyle changes can also improve your skin. Diets rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids are known to improve skin. Smoking and consuming alcohol can not only damage the skin, but the rest of your body as well. It is also important to stay hydrated, as water is necessary to flush toxins from the body and regenerate cells.

Aside from products, there are many things you can do to improve the look of your skin. The most important way to protect your skin is with sunscreen. Over time, skin that has been exposed to sun develops freckles, sun spots, and the skin becomes tougher and can add years to your appearance. It is important to wear sunscreen with an SPF level of at least 15 and reapply it often. Sunscreen may actually be one of the top anti-aging products available.

Finally, there are so many anti-aging skin products on the market that the choices are overwhelming. Choose one that contains vitamins, minerals, lanolin, and botanicals. Avoid creams with retinol, as it can be harsh on skin. Copper peptides (or pal-KKTS) help boost collagen as retinol does, but is less irritating to skin. Niacinamide is a B3 vitamin which has been proven to protect skin, improve texture, and reduce fine lines. Look for both pal-KKTS and niacinamide on an ingredient list for the best anti-aging cream.

This was written by a leading dermatologist, who specialises in anti-aging treatments and skin care. Has recently reviewed and recommends the following product: skinstitut rejuvenate