Ingredients in Anti-Wrinkle Creams

There are several ingredients that are commonly used in anti-wrinkle creams and have been shown to be effective. It can be extremely difficult to sort out which of the hordes of products on the market are actually effective in reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging or skin damage. The effectiveness of these products largely relies on the active ingredients used.

One common ingredient is retinol, a vitamin A compound, and antioxidant. This ingredient helps to neutralize the effect of free radicals, or unstable oxygen molecules which break down skin over time and contribute to wrinkling. A stronger version of this ingredient is tretinoin, which is only available in prescription-grade skin care products. This as well as another vitamin A derivatives stimulate collagen production and also strengthen skin. One thing to watch out for is the fact that birth defects can be linked to this ingredient if used during or directly before pregnancy on women.

Hydroxy acids are another popular type of ingredient to control skin damage and wrinkling. These are broken up into types, including alpha, beta, and polyhydroxy acids. These acids exfoliate the skin or remove the top layer of skin so that the less damaged underlayer becomes exposed. They also can help to stimulate the growth of new skin, which may be smooth and undamaged as opposed to the top layer currently displayed. They take advantage of the skin’s own natural ability to produce new cells as old ones are sloughed off, and increase this ability to repair skin faster than the body would be able to on its own.

A nutrient that helps to control energy production in the skin cells is Coenzyme Q10. This ingredient can also help to negate skin damage due to sun exposure when applied before exposure to sunlight.

Vitamins C and E are commonly found in anti-wrinkle products. The two are often used together because vitamin C is not very good at being absorbed into the skin topically. Vitamin E can sometimes allow it to penetrate further into the layers of skin, while adding its own healing effects, such as moisturizing skin and helping it to repair itself after damage. Vitamin C encourages collagen production, which helps skin to repair itself as well.

Some ingredients can help other ingredients to repair skin and reduce wrinkles. Elastin and collagen, both central constructs of skin cells, can be added to products in order to enhance the effects that other ingredients have, as the skin absorbs these and other ingredients in creams.