Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Anti Aging Creams versus Anti Wrinkle Creams

By Julie Samtsonn

There are so many products on the market that all seem very similar these days. It's a good idea to read a little bit about what the differences actually are. Some creams are very expensive but don't give good results for everyone. Some products can even out perform there more expensive competitors. Also, anti wrinkle creams and anti aging creams are often completely different products and may not suit the individual using them.

Anti aging creams typically are trying to prevent wrinkles before they appear. Because wrinkles normally appear from surface skin cells losing their moisture and becoming dry and dead, anti aging creams try to prevent wrinkles before they appear. People in their twenties even start looking at these remedies before wrinkles start. Many times, anti aging creams are rich in emollients and oils or moisturizers, making the skin "super moisturized" and less prone to wrinkles. These work on the basis that keeping the skin hydrated will make it appear more youthful and will actually stall off wrinkling.

Anti wrinkle creams, on the other hand, are generally working towards decreasing the appearance of wrinkles that are already occurring whether from natural aging, excessive sun exposure, lack of moisture or repetitive facial expressions caused from squinting and smoking. These may use different tactics to work, by Retinol A, (a vitamin A derivative essential for healthy skin development), or Hydroxy acids which removes the surface dead cells, copper peptides which are involved in wound healing, Kinetin, which helps retain moisture, or antioxidants such as green tea extracts which fight "free radicals" said to attack the skin cells and promote premature aging.

It is a good idea to find out which category you fall into, this may affect your outcome. If you are in the anti-aging cream category, meaning wrinkles have not yet occurred, then your options are quite good. Depending on the type of your skin, the idea is to keep your skin hydrated without creating other problems such as excess oil. If you have dry skin, you need to ensure that natural oils are replenished. Excessively oily skin should make use of astringents as drying agents to prevent acne that can dry your skin. But, you should use a water-based moisturizing anti-aging cream, versus oil based, to lock in the moisture balance before skin starts to dry and the dead, shriveled cells occur as fine lines and wrinkles.

Obviously, the best way to address wrinkles and aging is through prevention. By avoiding activities like smoking, excessive sun exposure, and long hot baths, your skin will remain healthier.

Anti wrinkle creams work in a variety of ways and it's best to start when you first see signs of damage or aging. Antioxidants try to prevent breakdown of elastin and collagen. Retinol A (Vitamin A) is essential for healthy skin. Hydroxy Acids remove dead skin cells to reveal younger looking skin, similar to microdermabrasion treatment.

In looking at the anti aging cream versus anti wrinkle cream solution, know that you will need both to maintain younger looking skin. Once you have determined your skin type, and where you are in the process, you will be better able to determine the method you need at the moment. - 15634

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