Key Anti-aging Ingredients

By Author: Elissa O’keefe
Total Articles: 9
Comment this article

Preventing the signs of aging is one of the biggest concerns in skincare. The anti-aging category is really broad and for some, it might mean managing fine lines and wrinkles, while for others it could include pigmentation or texture issues. There are well-established ingredients, recommended by skin care experts that help slow down the aging process and keep youthful and healthy-looking skin.

1. Retinoids

Retinoids (Retinol, Retinoic Acid, Liposomal Retinaldehyde, and Retinyl Palmitate) are a form of Vitamin A that occurs naturally and have the best evidence for anti-aging benefits. Topical retinoids speed up the skin’s normal cell turnover process to fight issues like fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, discoloration, and acne. Retinoids also stimulate collagen and elastin production and give a more plump and nourished appearance to the skin. Prescription-strength retinoids often contain retinoic acid while over-the-counter retinoids are less potent and more suitable for sensitive skin because of a lower risk of irritation.

Liposomal Retinaldehyde is well-tolerated by sensitive skin types because ...
... it’s the least irritating and a very powerful retinoid. It acts on the surface and then within the deeper layers of the skin, revealing smoother and more radiant skin, as it gets converted to retinoic acid into the skin by enzymes, which makes it powerful but very gentle on the skin. Liposomal retinaldehyde is in all of our Vitamin A serums, and the in-clinic Signature Vitamin A infusion.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from the damage of free radicals. The richest source of this is Australia’s own Kakadu Plum. It also shows good results in brightening dark spots over time and stimulates collagen production. Vitamin C improves skin tone, fights and protects skin against oxidative stress, boosts skin radiance and luminosity. Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a stable form of Vitamin C that best penetrates the skin to reduce inflammation and heal wounds. It’s one of the ingredients included in the Triple C Serum from Science Skincare to help with collagen synthesis, sun damage protection, and vessel repair and has Kakadu Plum, peptides, and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate in it.

3. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that helps calm irritated and inflamed skin and balance oil. It’s suitable for all skin types and it brightens the skin, fights pigmentation, and repairs barrier function. Science Skincare adds Niacinamide to the formulas of their sunscreens and serums, as it also has anti-inflammatory properties and regulates moisture levels. Niacinamide visibly minimizes enlarged pores and improves uneven skin tone, and is often recommended during acne treatment and managing rosacea.

4. AHAs and BHAs

Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliators that help remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new ones to fight age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles and leave the skin looking smooth and radiant. Key actives in great exfoliating products include salicylic, mandelic, malic, and pyruvic acids.

5. Sunscreen Always, always, always on the list! Sunscreens are proven to slow down the aging process, thanks to the broad protection they provide against the damaging effects of UVA and UVB exposure. There are two major sun protection groups, physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens use Zinc Oxide, Titanium Oxide, or a combination of the two just like the elegant Hydra UV Protect + 45% and our tinted CC creams – Suntint Protect + 35% from Science Skincare which also has lashings of resveratrol. Physical sunscreens are non-comedogenic and non-irritating and are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone.

Author Info-

Adj/Associate Professor Elissa O’keefe

Curate Media Partners / Science Skincare

I am an RN, educator, Adjunct Associate Professor.

I would like to submit my articles and share my knowledge and blogs on skincare and skin health and help decipher the confusing world of skincare, aesthetics. I am an expert on everything aesthetic from adult acne to correct lip filler techniques.
I am the head of a training school, Bravura, a market leader in laser and cosmetic safety education.