How to Choose YOUR PRODUCT
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Maintaining healthy, youthful is no easy feat. While there’s nothing we can do to halt the aging process, there are plenty of ways you can take care of your skin to keep it looking as fresh and smooth as possible. When it comes to anti-aging products, it can get confusing when it comes down to choosing one. There are just so many out there, promising all kinds of youth-restoring results. But how do you determine which one will actually deliver on those promises?
Let’s break down the primary skin problems we face as we age, and how a product should address them.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Wrinkles are a natural of the aging process. As we get older, we stop producing collagen, the protein that gives skin its elasticity and supple appearance. Our skin becomes fragile and thin. It loses essential moisture. In time, our expressions begin to imprint themselves on our faces. Creases and folds form. Additionally, exposure to sunlight, smoking, alcohol, dehydration, and environmental damage all contribute to the development of wrinkles and fine lines.
In order to effectively reduce their appearance, and further prevent them from forming, you need a product which will:
- Boost collagen production
- Strengthen skin
- Provide superior moisturization
- Fight free radicals
Ingredients such as peptides and even Vitamin C help stimulate the production of collagen. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate. Antioxidants work to fight free radicals and prevent environmental damage which can cause premature aging of skin.
Uneven Skin Tone and Age Spots
Uneven, blotchy skin is often caused by a process called hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is when some parts of the skin become darkened due to excess production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This is commonly due to UV exposure and eventually leads to the development of freckles and age spots. Acne scars and other blemishes also contribute to an uneven complexion, making your skin look less vibrant. In order to get that healthy youthful glow, you want a product which will:
- Brighten skin
- Fade age spots
- Balance complexion
Look out for a product which contains natural lighteners. Some include licorice root and emblica extract. These work to fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and other blemishes to give you glowing skin. Vitamin C is also known for its brightening properties.
Dry, Damaged Skin
As we age, our skin produces less natural oils. Cell renewal decreases with loss of collagen, making the skin dry and rough. Our skin cannot retain moisture as well as it did in our youth. Sun exposure, hormonal changes, cold weather, dehydration, genetics and environmental factors could also contribute to the drying of skin. Dry skin usually develops wrinkles faster than hydrated skin, as it lacks the moisture needed to keep the skin soft and prevent creases from forming. You need a product which will:
- Deeply moisturize
- Improve water retention
- Fight free radicals
- Repair and prevent damage
As mentioned before, hyaluronic is an excellent choice for a moisturizer. It can carry about 1,000 times its own weight in water to provide superior hydration and help the skin retain essential moisture. Other intensive moisturizers include coconut oil, cocoa and mango seed butter, aloe vera, and cetearyl glucoside. In order to prevent and repair damage, you are going to need a product with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radicals. Common antioxidants are vitamins C, E, and A, grapeseed oil, white tea, and pomegranate.
What Else to Look Out For
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It’s always good to choose a product that has actual clinical studies to back its effectiveness, so you’re not just taking shots in the dark. Be on the lookout for “clinically-backed” or “clinically-proven” products.
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ALWAYS read the ingredients on the products you use. Look out for ingredients that don’t need to be there. See if there are any unnecessary fillers, preservatives, parabens, and artificial fragrances like phenoxyethanol. You might want to avoid these, especially if you have sensitive skin as these can be known irritants. Make sure there are more active ingredients than inactive, and that they are high up on the list.
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Go for a multi-purpose product. You don’t want to spend a ton of money on multiple products in order to achieve your desired result. Ideally, you want to get one major power-player which can address all the visible signs of aging in a single product.
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Remember, you can’t always go by the price tag. Some of the most effective products are the least expensive. And some of the most expensive products are the least effective. Don’t be fooled by a product presenting itself as high end just because it costs $120.
