Anti-Aging Skin Treatments

A big part of that is using what the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes as by far the most beneficial, age-busting product available: sunscreen. Without a daily skin regimen that includes copious amounts of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on all sun-exposed skin, no other anti-aging products matter, Neronha said.

While sunscreen prevents damage, other products can fight the wrinkles, sagging and brown spots that aging skin may already have. Some research-proven ingredients to look for include:

Retinol - Skin care professionals consider this form of Vitamin A the gold standard of effective topical treatments. Also available as prescription strength Retin-A, retinol is an ingredient in myriad over-the-counter products. It ramps up cell turnover in the top layers of the skin, decreasing wrinkles and improving skin tone, according to Neronha.

Retinol is the whole vitamin A molecule. In order to be active on skin cells, retinol must be broken down into retinoic acid in order to exert its action. Retinoic acid is also called tretinoin. Tretinoin is the active ingredient in prescription products such as Renova and Retin A.
Collectively, retinol and retinoic acid are referred to as retinoids. Retinoids are used in skin care to help slow down skin aging by increasing the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. They may be used to treat photoaging, acne, pigmentation disorders such as melasma and solar lentigos, as well as rosacea. The result for users is a younger looking, smoother and more luminous skin.
Retinol does need to be available in decent concentrations in order to be effective. If a product doesn’t reveal how much retinol it contains, chances are that it’s negligible and may not deliver any significant benefit to your skin.
Retinol is very light and air sensitive, breaking down down quickly if exposed. When looking for a retinol cream, it’s extremely important to select products with packaging that will maintain the potency of the active ingredient. Jars, tubes and transparent containers are no-nos. Instead, opt for retinol products packaged in opaque, airless pumps. Because the product is protected from air and light, you can be assured that your product is active from the moment it’s opened until it’s finished.

How does Retinol Work?
Retinol breaks down into retinoic acid upon application to skin. Once absorbed, it encourages skin cells to communicate and function normally, a process that is often disrupted during the natural aging process. When skin cells communicate and function correctly, there are several benefits to skin:
· Increase in cell turnover in the top layer of skin (epidermis). The production of new skin cells causes skin to look brighter and smoother
· Stimulation of collagen production which leads to the appearance of smoother and plumper skin
· Reduces pigmentation associated with sun damage
In addition, retinol has been shown to help shrink oil glands which can reduce pore size and diminish scars. It may be helpful in the treatment of acne. Retinol also possesses antioxidant ability to help in the fight against free radicals, which can age skin.

Retinol Benefits
Retinol is an important part of any anti-aging skin care regimen. It offers the following benefits to skin:
· Tighten skin, diminish wrinkles and make your skin feel and look younger.
· Help skin look smoother with a luminescent glow.
· Help pores appear smaller, even out skin tones, and lighten discolorations.
· Cleanse pores and eliminate blemishes.