Tag Archive > Skin Care Creams

Seven Ingredients That Identify The Best Skin Care Products

lady363 » 12 August 2009 » In Skin Care » No Comments

As we age, our skin (epidermis) loses elasticity and becomes less supple. We develop wrinkles, age spots, our skin becomes drier and in need of additional hydration. Finding the best skin care products becomes increasingly important as we age, particularly the anti-aging skin care variety.

As we get older, our body produces less collagen which is necessary to maintain skin elasticity. This deficit is what causes our skin to wrinkle and sag. The skin discoloration that often accompanies aging skin is due to decreased oil production and increased drying of the skin as a result of sebaceous glands that no longer work well.

The purpose of an anti aging skin care regime is to re-hydrate the skin and keep it as youthful as possible for as long as possible.

The commercial skin care industry abounds with anti-aging skin care products and special formulations to revitalize aging skin. However, there are so many anti-wrinkle skin care creams and lotions for mature skin that it can be difficult to sort through them all to find the best preparations.

An effective way to compare brands is to consider their ingredients. If you know what specific ingredients can do for your skin you can read the labels and get a good idea of the likely effectiveness of particular formulations.

Here are seven of the most effective anti-aging skin care ingredients that can be included in facial skin creams:

1. Idebenone – Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 (also known as ubiquinone) is a powerful antioxidant which has been chemically synthesized into Idebenone which also has strong antioxidant properties. CoQ10 was synthesized because it was found to reduce the risk of heart disease and free radical damage as well as impeding the development of some nervous system and neurological disorders.

This natural enzyme was synthesized in an attempt to increase its effectiveness. Initially, it was taken internally and was found to increase brain function, energy levels, nerve growth factor and serotonin as well as protecting cells and reducing inflammation. There are no known adverse side effects of using this drug.

More recently, skin care manufacturers tested topical versions of Idebenone on damaged skin and found that it was very effective in preventing and even reversing free radical damage caused by sun exposure, diet and lifestyle. As we age, our body has less ability to fight free radicals so the use of this element and other topical antioxidants in skin care preparations can help the skin cells to regenerate and prevent further deterioration.

2. Edelweiss Extract is another powerful antioxidant which neutralizes free radicals caused by exposure to UV sun rays over time, pollution, and the modern western diet which is high in fats and sugars. Furthermore, it prevents the increase of super oxides which actively promote the aging of skin. It also provides a natural protection against harmful ultraviolet rays also making them excellent additives to sun screens.

Edelweiss extract contains bioflavonoids which help to strengthen blood vessel walls. It is therefore an excellent ingredient for wrinkle reduction creams and lotions.

3. Evening Primrose Oil has been used throughout history to treat a variety of ailments. In particular, it reduces inflammation and heals eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Where anti-aging skin care products are concerned, Evening Primrose’s ability to reduce skin inflammation is particularly important. The oil of the evening primrose contains seventy eight percent essential fatty acids and is linoleic and gamma linolenic acids. These components maintain the skin’s water barrier and nurture the membranes of skin cells.

Deficiency in Essential Fatty Acids can hasten the aging process of the epidermis by reducing the activity of the sebaceous glands, increase the likelihood of acne, eczema and psoriasis, cause the skin to become dehydrated and weaken the skin’s surface capillaries. The addition of essential fatty acids in topical preparation and internal medications helps to replace those acids that the body loses and cannot produce on its own.

Consequently, the inclusion of Evening Primrose Oil in antiaging formulas is extremely beneficial as it helps to prevent wrinkles, helps the skin to maintain its shape and texture and slows the effects of time process. The best skin care products are likely to contain it.

4. Shea Butter butter naturally moisturizes and tightens the skin. Like edelweiss extract, it also protects the skin from ultra violet light. It is one of the most effective ingredients found in many age defying skin care products. It is not only a moisturizer that makes wrinkles less noticeable and helps skin to appear smoother, it also improves skin elasticity and suppleness, improves skin tone and removes dry, scaly or rough skin.

This interesting additive contains fatty acids which prevent drying, cracking, wrinkling and burning of the skin in addition to assisting in the regeneration and healing of damaged skin. To be a truly effective ingredient in an anti-wrinkle skin care product, it is recommended that the product contains at least twenty percent of Shea Butter.

5. Vitamin A (Retinol) is another extremely important antioxidant which is particularly beneficial. The small molecular structure of this vitamin allows it to penetrate the skin’s epidermis so that it can act to repair damage in the lower layers of skin as well as stimulate them to produce collagen and elastin. It acts to eliminate age spots and improve the pigmentation of the skin.

Vitamin A also helps to regulate the growth of skin cells. Using it topically helps to improve skin elasticity, and smooth skin that is rough, dry or thicker than normal. Retinol is also important for healthy immune function, digestive health and eyesight. Not only should it be included in anti wrinkle creams, it should be taken internally as a nutritional supplement to ensure that aging skin is fully supported.

6. Vitamin E is an antioxidant enhancer and increases the effects of the other antioxidants in an age fighting formulation. It also promotes healing of damaged skin and has been shown to prevent skin cell damage and inhibits the ability of free radicals to damage skin cells.

7. Vitamin C helps to increase collagen production which smooths the skin out and reduces wrinkles. It also improves blood flow which improves the complexion and can enliven dull skin.

If you read the labels on anti-aging formulations carefully and ensure that these ingredients are included, you will be able to distinguish between products and give yourself the best chance of finding the best skin care products to suit your needs.

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Skin Care Cream Basics

lady363 » 31 July 2009 » In Skin Care » No Comments

As more and more beauty products saturate the market, one of the leading selections gracing the shelves of department stores, pharmacies, and grocery stores is skin care cream. While the face might be the first part of the body one may associate with skin cream, there are numerous options created to take care of a wide range of body parts, from head to toe.

With skin care products, various ingredients are added to treat, improve, or control specific parts of the body, as well as the skin conditions that may arise.

The aim of skin care cream is to find a brand name or merchandise item that both satisfies your needs and makes you feel good after using it. Below, you will find a brief description regarding some of the most popular kinds of skin care cream:

Face Care Cream: there are several occurrences that can take place on the skin that affect individuals of all ages. The most common concerns regarding the face include dry skin, wrinkles, and acne. For instance, the unsightly outbreak of pimples that comes with an acne flare-up is part of an inflammatory disease that attacks the sebaceous glands and hair follicles in the skin.

In response to this irritating condition, there are plenty of skin care creams available that help unclog pores and tighten the skin, as well as clarify its appearance. Today, an increasingly popular approach to acne skin care cream involves the use of herbal, all-natural ingredients.

In this day, it is also the hope of many to achieve a more youthful appearance by eliminating the signs of age that develop on the face. Excessive sun exposure or improper skin care will show in time, causing many to turn to an anti-wrinkle skin care cream or one that helps ease the look of aging.

Numerous products from Oil of Olay to Neutrogena provide skin care creams for the face that accommodate many different skin types, including dry, oily, and sensitive.

Before purchasing skin care cream for the face, you should know that not every ingredient or product will provide the desired results you seek. In fact, some creams have the potential to make matters worse by causing allergic reactions or skin irritations.

This is why it is important to test a small amount of product on an indiscreet part of the face before slathering on a full application.

Hand Cream: skin care cream for the hands is important to keep handy because there is nothing worse than displaying a pair of dry, scaly, or cracked hands. To avoid this unattractive sight, using cream on a daily basis is required to keep hands hydrated and looking youthful. Signs of age can also appear on the hands in the form of age spots and wrinkles. The more moisture they have, the less susceptible they will be to the wear and tear of everyday use.

Some individuals find that their hands demand moisture and hydration because of a skin condition they may have developed. Skin eczema creates redness, as well as a cracked or chapped appearance.

Aside from finding a soothing hand skin care cream, you must also get to the bottom of the source of your skin irritation. Often, it could be the kind of soap or detergent you use, as well as frequent sessions of hand washing. Hand creams are the best way to keep this part of the body hydrated.

Usually, decent skin care cream products for the hands will offer some sort of rejuvenating oil, as well as coconut, almond, or honey ingredients, which are known to not only moisturize the skin, but also act as protection from the elements.

Skin Care Cream for the Feet: when it comes to the feet, taking care of this part of the body is just as important as paying attention to the face and hands. Some skin care creams are especially made to tend to the tops of the feet, as well as the heel, which has the potential to become extremely cracked and irritated.

Itchiness may also accompany a foot that is in need of serious moisturizing. Using a skin care cream for the feet is also highly recommended for during the winter season, when damage is most likely to happen. When looking for a good skin care cream for the feet, seek out products that contain peppermint, vitamin E, rosemary or other essential oils that help to restore softness and smoothness to the skin.

As you scan the shelves of the local supermarket or order a few products from the Internet, there is an assortment of skin care cream options to consider for nearly every part of the body.

For instance, stretch marks that develop during a pregnancy or rapid weight gain can be treated with the use of skin care creams. Some skin creams are made to combat the appearance of cellulite.

In any case, just remember that for whatever reason you use cream, there is always a better and newer product waiting in the wings to satisfy your skin care needs.

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Skin Care Myths And Your Beauty Regime

lady363 » 28 July 2009 » In Skin Care » No Comments

There are lots of skin care myths out there. Some of them are based upon fact, while others are just plain comical. Have you ever wondered about skin care myths? Below, you will find some of the most outlandish myths out there…and you may even come across one or two that aren’t myths at all.

Let’s begin with beloved chocolate. Many people believe that chocolate makes the skin break out. Not only is this a cruel way to think about chocolate, it is also…you guessed it…a myth. The truth is that food doesn’t make your skin break out in any manner. While some people believe that the skin will absorb food, this simply isn’t true.

Some things that will make your face break out include: stress, steroids, poor quality skin care creams; or creams that block pores. Now, on to that next myth: tanning. A lot of people believe that tanning will help to clear up acne. This just isn’t the case. In fact, tanning is so bad for your skin…it actually damages your skin more than it helps your skin.

The only way that a tan will help to hide your acne is if you burn your skin. Then, the red color from that burn may actually hide any acne scarring. Of course, this will lead to skin cancer, so it’s really not recommended. Speaking of tanning…another great myth is the one that goes something like this: “if I use a stronger sunscreen, I can stay in the sun for a longer period of time.”

This, of course, isn’t true. You shouldn’t spend any lengthy amount of time in the sun if you want to avoid skin damage. The best course of action is to use a sunscreen with an ingredient called Parsol. The most important thing is to make sure that the sunscreen you do use has UVB protection included in it. Otherwise, your skin will simply burn.

Let’s talk about lips for a moment. There is a rumour floating around out there that it is possible to become addicted to lip balm if you use it too often. Once again, this isn’t true. If you find that you have dry lips often, think about the number of times that you lick them. Licking your lips will cause them to dry out…but lip balm does not cause any kind of lip addiction.

See how silly some of these skin myths can be? So, the next time that someone tells you not to eat spicy food because…it will make you break out, tell them that you know better than to believe skin myths. The truth is that knowing all you can about your skin is the only way to protect it. If you aren’t sure about something you heard about skin, make sure to do your research.

The good news is that there are lots of great skin resources out there to choose from. When you want to know something about your skin, all you have to do is look for the answer. Skin may seem hard to understand with all of that false information floating around out there, but it’s actually easy to handle if you just pay attention to it.

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