Saturday, December 27, 2008

Choosing the Best Anti Aging Product

By Marianna Pells

There are so many different anti aging products in the market today that it is sometimes difficult to determine which ones actually work. One good way to recognize the best anti aging product for you is by familiarizing yourself with the ingredients associated with anti aging.

The top anti aging products in the market today should contain ingredients such as Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA), antioxidants, collagen and Vitamins C, D, E and K.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids or its alternative Beta-Hydroxy Salicylic Acid (BHA) clear the skin of dead skin cells by exfoliating the skin's surface. Lesser accumulation of dead skin cells leaves the skin looking fresh. Although these are widely used in anti aging products, some individuals experience irritation due to the ingredient's exfoliating quality.

Other ingredients like antioxidants work more than just on the surface. The antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 encourages cell turnover by restoring and preventing damaged skin. This also gets rid of dead skin cells that cause discoloration.

Collagen is another essential anti aging property that moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin. It also protects the skin from too much dryness and brittleness. Collagen is also the anti aging property responsible for tighter and plumper skin. Collagen is found mostly in lotions.

Most anti aging products these days already have added vitamins. These are Vitamins C, D, E and K which are essential in protecting the skin from deficiencies, as well as in healing wounds, smoothing scars and strengthening the immune system. Several vitamins are antioxidants which fight against free radicals in the body.

There are some anti aging properties that claim to work but are actually questionable. For one, it is not yet scientifically proven that Vitamin C can penetrate the internal layers of the skin or that it has any function there. This could be the reason why creams that contain only Vitamin C as their main ingredient (Vitamin C creams) might not have any major effect on the skin when used as an anti aging cream.

So far, the best ingredient for anti aging is the antioxidant. Studies have shown that anti aging products that do not contain antioxidants do not work as effectively as those that contain it. This is because its primary function is to fight free radical which are naturally produced by our body. Since free radical's unstable oxygen can damage healthy skin, antioxidants keep free radicals at bay, thus, delaying the aging process.

Popular anti aging supplements which have been found to be in one of the best anti aging products are estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, thyroid and melatonin. These are more commonly used in hormone supplements designed to retard the progression of aging. These hormones have been known to help libido, improve sleeping patterns, prevent cancer and strengthen the immune system.

Other effective anti aging ingredients include Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), oxytocin, erythropoietin (EPO) and insulin and they are known to be effective to some extent. Human chorionic gonadotropin promotes fertility in humans while oxytocin aids and protects the reproductive system. Erythropoietin treats anemia while insulin is used to treat diabetes mellitus type 1.

Supplements can have different effects on different individuals, so consulting a doctor is advisable. - 14130

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