One of the hottest topics in the beauty community today is anti-aging products. In fact, it would be fair to say that “anti-aging” is thrown around in skincare advertisements so much that it has almost lost its true meaning.
Many anti-aging products are simply moisturizers which give the temporary appearance of rejuvenated skin. Potent anti-aging products have active ingredients which work hard to reduce wrinkles, fight free radicals, and a number of other useful benefits!
Here are our picks for ten (10) powerful ingredients that will keep your skin looking and feeling young.
Common Anti-Aging Ingredients in Beauty Products
1. Retinol
Retinol is derived from naturally occuring vitamin A. This compound is commonly used for its antioxidant properties within skincare products. Retinol has been widely used for many years, and is one of the most well-researched anti-aging ingredients. It promotes new, healthy skin cells to replace old, dead skin cells.
Retinol also helps to build collagen in the dermis of the skin, translating into more resilient skin texture and less wrinkle.
New generation retinol molecules are available in the market. One such retinol derivative is retinoic ester. It is more stable and potent. This is one of key anti-aging ingredients in our Radiance Facial Oil.
One of the side effects associated with retinol is it can be irritating. It can lead to dry, peeling, and flaking of the skin. However, formulation of retinol product is crucial. A good formula can mitigate some, if not all, of these unpleasant side effects.
2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are another nearly ubiquitous anti-aging ingredient. AHAs generally work as a chemical exfoliant, eliminating dead skin cells and other irritants from skin. Alpha Hydroxy Acids have been proven effective, but they have also been shown to increase the user’s sensitivity to potentially harmful UV rays.
3. Peptides
Peptides are a type of short chain amino acid which are similar in nature to proteins. Peptides have the ability to aid in the skin’s natural healing process for issues including stretch marks, scar prevention, and reducing wrinkles.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Anti-Aging Ingredients
4. Licorice
Licorice is a key TCM ingredient for dietary and skincare purposes. Licorice root is effective in soothing and hydrating skin, reducing dark spots on skin, and protecting skin from sun damage. This potent, natural ingredient can be used in daily skincare products to promote holistic skin health.
5. Ginseng
A powerful ingredient used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine, Ginseng has many powerful anti-aging properties. Ginseng as a topical can function as an antioxidant, prolong the life of skin cells, and keep skin elastic and healthy. Some have even called Ginseng “coffee for the skin” due to its ability to liven up dull skin!
6. Tea
Dry tea leaves derived from black, green, and oolong teas have long been used as topical ingredients to reduce aging. The key molecule is EGCG which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, that can promote self healing of skin and neutralize free radicals.
More Natural Anti-Aging Compounds
7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is most commonly associated with dietary needs and boosting the immune system. When used as a topical, vitamin C uses those same properties to bring life back to aging skin. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant and works similarly to many of the ingredients we have listed above.
However, vitamin C also promotes your skin’s production of elastin and collagen, which can lead to brighter, more youthful skin. This amazing product has also been shown to protect skin from harmful UV rays and to prevent discoloration which can occur from too much time in the sun.
8. Argan Oil
Another classic ingredient in East Asian Medicine including TCM, argan oil has a litany of benefits for skin health. Argan oil is a gentle, medium oil which is effective for users of all skin types. This active ingredient can be used in youth serums to promote natural sun protection, antioxidant power, and promote smooth, hydrated skin.
9. Grape Seed Oil
Grape seed oil, also known as grape seed extract, is another compound which has healing properties. When used as a topical, grape seed oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant usages, allowing skin to look and feel young.
Sunscreen and Preventing Visible Wrinkles
Reducing the appearance of visible wrinkles and other signs of aging is certainly possible with the help of the ingredients listed above. However, keeping skin youthful and healthy is more than just directly treating wrinkles.
That brings us to our last, but certainly not least compound for youthful skin:
10. Sunscreen
This summer (and all year round), protecting our skin from UVA and UVB rays should be a top priority. Not only is this an essential part of staying healthy, but it will also keep skin youthful.
Look for sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection with a minimum of 30 SPF for any situation where you will be experiencing prolonged sunlight. Your skin will thank you for it!
Achieve Healthy, Beautiful Skin with Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare
Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare is a family business started by Steven Wang, MD and Gui Wang, LAc. Our co-founders have been working together for over two decades to offer holistic, innovative, and effective skincare products.
We are guided by three primary principles: formulate skincare products with proven efficacy to promote skin health, harness the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and utilize the latest modern medical breakthroughs.
To learn more, view our family of products or read what publications like The New York Times and Reader’s Digest have to say about Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare.