Allantoin:

Allantoin is clinically proven to be effective and found as a common ingredient in many skin rejuvenation products. Its major benefits are found to be healing properties, skin repair, regeneration of skin cells, anti-inflammatory characteristics, and the ability to smooth the surface of the skin.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA):

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA) are among the few anti-aging treatments that have been repeatedly clinically proven highly effective. The AHA's include glycolic acid found in products like Abkit's AHA/BHA 12% Glycolic Treatment, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, and citric acid.

AHA's are primarily exfoliants, but they also stimulate skin repair, increase collagen production, increase skin thickness, improve elasticity, are an effective acne treatment, improve skin texture, improve skin tone and decrease enlarged pores.

Alpha Lipoic Acid:

Preliminary anti-aging treatment studies on alpha lipoic acid indicate a great deal of promise as an effective antioxidant which can repair sun damaged skin, provide protection to the skin, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, and decrease large pores. Included as an active ingredient in many combination moisturizing products.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (Salicylic Acid):

Proven clinically as effective as the AHA's, beta hydroxy salicylic acid or BHA is an exfoliant that also improves skin texture, tone and acne. It is generally considered to be an alternative to AHA, and particularly beneficial for oily skin types. For an effective product, look for concentrations of 1 % to 2 % like Reviva Labs Beta-Hydroxy Acid 2%.

Coenzyme Q-10 (Ubiquinone):

Promising preliminary research indicates Co-Q10 is an effective antioxidant that repairs sun damaged skin, energizes new cell growth, possess firming properties, and smooths skin. CoQ-10 is extremely reasonably priced and recommended products such as from the Nivea line are readily available at most larger retail stores.

Collagen:

Promising preliminary research on collagen indicates increased skin hydration, firming and plumping properties while improving fine lines and wrinkles. A word of caution, formulations need to be very specific in order to allow for adequate absorption into the skin.

Copper Peptides:

DHEA:

Not clinically proven effective as a topical cream although it is believed to improve skin texture. This is a growth hormone which is typically taken as a nutritional supplement.
However, plant stem cell hormones are gaining in popularity with scientific and technological advances.

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 enriched anti-aging skin care 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. Achieving sufficient concentrations of green tea are questionable in topical creams. A variety of tea based active anti-aging skin care ingredients are used in many combination moisturizing products.

Hyaluronic Acid:

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%.

Kinerase and Kinetin (N6-Furfurladenine):

Preliminary anti-aging treatment studies are promising - Kinerase and Kinetin decreases wrinkles and fine lines, improves skin tone, and retards cell aging. 

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 active anti-aging skin care ingredients 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 (Matrixyl):

Only preliminary studies have been conducted for rejuvenating results that stimulate collagen production at the DNA level, improve skin elasticity, repair sun damaged skin and diminish wrinkles but Matrixyl 3000 is quickly becoming a "must have" rejuvenating ingredient!  

Quick Note: As with other anti-aging skin care ingredients, a sufficient concentration is necessary to produce results.  As a non-irritating skin rejuvenation treatment, palmitoyl pentapeptide is an excellent alternative to potentially irritating retinol treatments.

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.

Stem Cell:

While placenta skin care using the science of stem cell therapy to rapidly promote facial rejuvenation continues to be controversial, many aren't aware that the stem cells used in formulating many placenta skin care treatments originate from plants; aptly referred to as Vegetal Placenta.

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 Spin Traps as an 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 effective anti-aging skin care ingredients, 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 Natural Cosmetics Perfect Solutions Ester-C Creme 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.

These prepared a shopping lists include the most effective products at the best possible price!

• Anti-Aging Skin Rejuvenation Products for a BASIC Regimen 
• The Best Anti Aging Treatments for INTENSIVE Skin Rejuvenation Regimens
• All Anti-Aging Skin Care Treatments

Or visit the skin care shop to view all anti-aging skin care treatments for the best skin products grouped in categories for specific aging skin conditions or by active facial rejuvenation ingredient.

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