DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol):

Although anti-aging treatment studies on DMAE have not been extensive, the results demonstrate positive rejuvenating effects in skin firming properties, the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, improving moisture content, and in improving sagging skin.

Good results with DMAE are found when used in combination with vitamin ingredients such as Reviva Lab's Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C and DMAE Cream.

Estrogen (Estradiol .o1% or Estriol .3%):

Preliminary study results show promise in improving wrinkles, its firming properties, increasing collagen production, and improving the skin's moisture content. Topical use of estrogen is still in the study process.

The proven effects on improving aging skin currently occur when taken as a hormone replacement treatment for menopausal women, i.e., the birth control pill. Follow instructions carefully as there are warnings that accompany the use of estrogen. Consult with your physician prior to use or request a prescription specifically formulated for topical facial skin care use.

Green Tea:

Preliminary results are promising, indicating reduction in puffiness, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing large pores, decreasing inflammation, an aid in healing, and as an antioxidant. Achieiving sufficient concentrations of green tea are questionable in topical creams. Found as an active ingredient in many combination moisturizing products.

Hyaluronic Acid:

Clinically proven effective for diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is often used in conjunction with Vitamin C to assist in maximizing absorption into the skin. Youth Complex by Is Clinical is one of the few products with a significant concentration of HA as a primary ingredient.

Hydroquinone:

Clinically proven to effectively bleach age and dark spots as a skin lightening ingredient for hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Look for concentrations of 1% to 2% such as Derma E Skin Natural Fade and Age Spot Creme.

Kinerase and Kinetin (N6-Furfurladenine):

Preliminary anti-aging treatment studies are promising - decreases wrinkles and fine lines, improves skin tone, and retards cell aging. Although Kinerase Cream can be quite pricey!

Not as potentially irritating as Retinol or Vitamin C. A potential alternative for sensitive skin or for an intensive skin rejuvenation treatment around the eye area. Look for concentrations of .1%. Not readily available in retail stores as yet, with the exception of the Almay Kinetin product line.

Kojic Acid:

Clinically proven effective as a lightening treatment for skin pigmentation problems as it inhibits melanin (brown skin pigment) production. Often used as an alternative to hydroquinone.

Liposomes:

Preliminary studies indicate effective skin rejuvenation by improving skin hydration, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, while improving skin texture. Typically referred to and utilized as an agent to convey nutrients and such directly to the skin cells.

Liposomes are found as a component of many anti-aging treatments to facilitate the delivery of the active anti-aging ingredient through the skin layers and directly to the cells.

Lycopene:

Only preliminary studies completed for topical anti-aging effects as an antioxidant that can improve skin texture. Most commonly used in diets to build antioxidant protection.

Pal-KTTKS:

There have been no independent clinical studies to demonstrate the claims that Strivectin dramatically reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Pal-KTTKS is the active ingredient in StriVectin-SD.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide:

Only preliminary studies have been conducted for the effects that stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity, repairing sun damaged skin and diminishing wrinkles. Sufficient concentration is necessary to produce results, although non-irritating.

Progesterone:

Not clinically proven as a topical skin rejuvenation cream but preliminary studies suggest effects that include diminishing wrinkles and fine lines and improving overall skin texture. Look for concentrations of 400 to 500 milligrams per ounce. Consult with your physician prior to use as this is a hormone with potential side effects similar to estrogen.

Tretinoin (Retinoic acid- Retin A / Renova):

Tretinoin is a form of Vitamin A that is clinically proven to have significant effective results for anti-aging treatment and skin care issues. Although available by prescription only results range from the reduction of both wrinkles and fine lines, increasing collagen production, smoothing skin texture, increasing skin thickness, improving elasticity, improving acne, exfoliation, improving overall skin tone, diminishing mottled pigmentation and increasing skin hydration. This is the strongest of the Vitamin A's and can be very irritating to the skin.

Retinol (a form of Vitamin A):

Retinol is clinically proven to have similar yet less significant effects as Tretinoin due to less efficient absorption into the skin. Effective skin rejuvenation treatments require a concentration of .3% to .6% of retinol. Can cause skin irritation so follow application directions carefully. The Afirm Product Line is a particularly popular option because it offers Retinol in strengths of 1X, 2X, and 3X.

Starting with the lower 1X strength to give your skin a chance to adapt, then gradually increasing the retinol strength can be an excellent strategy, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A derivative):

Promising preliminary anti-aging treatment research indicates that retinyl palmitate has similar skin rejuvenation effects to that of Tretinoin. A product such as Derma E's Vitamin A Retinol Palmitate Complex is non-irritating and considered a milder, more viable alternative to tretinoin.

Spin Traps:

Promising preliminary research on anti-aging treatment suggests significant rejuvenating results by trapping free radicals, detoxifying free radicals and as for skin protective properties. Described as an intelligent antioxidant that turns skin damaging free radical activity into productive regenerative activity. Touted as the next generation of anti-aging treatments, though it is rather difficult to locate specific products other than PCA Skin's Phaze 5 Nutrient Toner with an active spin trap ingredient.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):

Clinically proven in stable versions, Vitamin C increases collagen production, has powerful antioxidant properties, healing properties, reduces fine lines and wrinkles while minimizes scars. Look for Vitamin C Ester (ascorbyl palmitate) like Jason's Perfect Solutions Ester C+ as it is a stable, absorbable version of vitamin C. L-Ascorbic Acid is also widely considered to be an effective form of vitamin C which the skin can absorb in a stable version of 5% concentration.

L-Ascorbic Acid is often used in conjunction with hyaluronic acid to assist in effective absorption. Do not layer with Copper Peptides as the combination will nullify the effect of both products. Simply use each anti-aging treatment at a different time of day.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol):

Clinically proven effective as an antioxidant, improving the skin's moisture content, skin protection properties, smoothing, and healing properties. A product's ingredient description should state high-potency E.

Vitamin K:

Clinically proven as an effective treatment for broken capillaries and bruising. An alternative to treating dark circles under the eyes and spider veins. Look for "Super K" products such as Vita K's Super Vitamin K for Blotchy Skin.

Need help choosing the most effective anti-aging treatment products so you can begin your own skin rejuvenation regime?

The Skin Care e-Learning and Resource Center has prepared an anti-aging treatment shopping list for you that includes the most effective skin rejuvenation products at the best possible price!

Shopping Lists: Facial Skin Rejuvenation