Many anti-ageing creams available in the market contain certain active ingredients that have been proven to be safe and effective. These ingredients work together to combat the signs of ageing.
The pursuit of perpetually youthful skin has spurred the production of numerous anti-ageing creams, all of which claim to reverse the signs of ageing. These products purport to diminish wrinkles and enhance skin elasticity, promising significant results within a brief timeframe. To explore methods of healthy ageing and ascertain the efficacy of these creams, let’s delve into the scientific basis of these formulations to uncover the truth.
What is Skin Ageing?
Before evaluating the effectiveness of an anti-ageing cream, it’s crucial to grasp the ageing process and its impact on the skin. Ageing is a natural biological phenomenon marked by a gradual decline in physiological functions, including those of the skin. With time, the skin undergoes various changes like reduced collagen production, increased dryness, diminished elasticity, and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. The skin ageing process is categorised as intrinsic and extrinsic ageing. Intrinsic ageing occurs when cell renewal slows down and there are alterations in hormone synthesis affecting the skin’s appearance. Conversely, extrinsic ageing is influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. It’s estimated that UV radiation contributes to up to 80% of extrinsic ageing, with other external factors including poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and certain diseases like diabetes.
How Does an Anti-ageing Cream Work?
The effectiveness of an anti-ageing cream is usually dependent on its ingredients. Here is a list of some of the most common ingredients found in an anti-ageing cream and how they work to combat signs of skin ageing.
- Peptides
As you age, your skin naturally thins and loses fat, leading to sagging and the formation of fine lines. The body produces less elastin and collagen, essential substances for maintaining the skin’s plump, smooth, and youthful appearance. Peptides are small proteins that aid in stimulating the growth of new cells and assisting skin cells in healing. Certain peptides, like palmitoyl pentapeptide-3, function by promoting the replenishment of elastin, collagen, and other components that deteriorate with ageing.
- Topical Retinoids
The ageing process can lead to a gradual depletion of vitamin A, specifically retinol, which naturally exists in the skin. This deficiency can be addressed through vitamin A derivatives, referred to as topical retinoids. Over-the-counter options include topical retinoids like adapalene and retinol. Topical retinoids have shown substantial efficacy in reducing fine wrinkles, likely attributed to enhanced skin collagen thickness over extended usage. Additionally, retinoids offer other benefits such as diminishing dark spots and reducing atypical skin cells that may predispose to skin cancer.
- Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
As we age, the outermost layers of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, may thicken, potentially due to a decreased ability of older cells to renew and shed. This can result in skin roughness and a loss of skin luminosity. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, and citric acids, are natural ingredients derived from milk sugars and fruits. They are widely used for their exfoliating properties, which help to slough off dead skin cells, allowing new cells to emerge. This process accelerates the turnover of skin cells, bringing the deeper layers of the skin to the surface more quickly. Each acid offers slightly different effects. Lactic acid, derived from sour milk, aids in the removal of dead skin cells, resulting in a brightening effect on the skin. Glycolic acid, extracted from sugar cane, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, contributing to smoother and tighter-looking skin.
- Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, works to prevent excess pigment formation by impeding the transfer of melanin (the primary skin pigment) between skin cells. Applying niacinamide topically aids in diminishing freckles, sun spots, skin redness, and sallowness. Additionally, niacinamide may enhance acne and fine lines, while also soothing the skin, thereby enabling it to better absorb other ingredients present in your cream.
- Hyaluronic Acid
A significant yet sometimes neglected indication of ageing skin is dryness. With ageing, the skin naturally diminishes its capacity to retain moisture, mainly because of declining levels of hyaluronic acid, a vital component of healthy skin responsible for attracting water. Introducing hyaluronic acid through an anti-ageing cream could potentially enhance overall skin hydration. Additionally, hyaluronic acid may contribute to reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin firmness.
- Antioxidants
Antioxidants are often touted for their ability to combat cell damage caused by free radicals- molecules that can exacerbate inflammation, harm cells, and elevate the risk of cancer. Compounds with antioxidant properties comprise lycopene, selenium, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, C, and E.
All in all, choosing the appropriate anti-ageing cream can offer numerous advantages, including enhancing skin firmness, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, providing hydration, and brightening overall complexion. By opting for creams with the aforementioned ingredients and integrating them into a regular skincare routine, you can revitalise your skin and confidently combat the visible effects of ageing.
