One day it happens…you’re looking in the mirror, washing your face or applying moisturizer and you notice lines around your eyes and on your forehead. Maybe a change in skin tone or some dark spots? Or suddenly, your skin seems to have lost some of its firmness and is dry? 

Almost everything that affects us internally (and externally) affects our skin and contributes to its aging process.

Where we live and how we live are major factors. Climate, pollution, sun exposure, diet, stress, and smoking will affect us and how quickly we and our skin ages. A poor diet, excess sun exposure and lack of sleep are just some factors that affect skin condition and can hasten premature aging. Fine lines and wrinkles become more apparent, the skin suffers loss of elastin and starts to thin. This combined with gravity, makes sagging more obvious. Discoloration and dark circles, as well as uneven tone, become more pronounced. The skin barrier can only take so much. Hyperpigmentation can appear from over exposure to UVA and UVB rays and gravity.

Genetics play a role as well. Members of the family seem to have similar aging characteristics, which may be noticeable in family photos. However, no matter if the skin is aging prematurely or progressing “normally” as it matures, each individual will have different needs and concerns. All of these factors are also known as Photoaging – changes the skin experiences as it ages. 

To help reverse some of these signs of aging, and prevent them from getting worse, you should be using skincare with anti-aging ingredients and benefits.

Here are 5 of of the most affective ingredients in skin care today to help keep your skin glowing, healthy and youthful today…

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to work well with sunscreen to protect the skin from UV and free-radical damage. Vitamin C also helps build collagen, and can help the superficial skin cells deal with hyperpigmentation. Collagen occurs naturally in the human body and it’s an important substance for maintaining the skin’s firm, bouncy appearance—but it decreases as you age. So using a daily vitamin C serum is a great way to not only protect your skin from UV-related collagen loss, but also to help stimulate collagen production.

2. Feurilic Acid

For an even more powerful vitamin C formula, look for vitamin C serums that are formulated with ferulic acid. The presence of ferulic acid not only helps to stabilize vitamin C formulas, but it’s also a powerful antioxidant in its own right.

Ferulic acid works by neutralizing free radicals that eat away at our existing collagen production. This comes from UV damage, blue light damage, etc. Thus, it helps to preserve our existing collagen production and maintain a more youthful appearance.

3. Peptides

Peptides are building blocks of protein and send signals to help build collagen. And depending on the peptide, they can also send signals to improve moisturization in the skin. While less-often discussed than ingredients like SPF and retinols, studies have shown peptides to be fairly effective when it comes to anti-aging. A 2019 study conducted on a group of 22 women over the age of 40 found that the topical application of peptides created “significant improvements in skin wrinkles” in just two weeks!

4. Hyuralonic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best anti-aging ingredients. It will help hydrate the skin and is pleasing for dry skin and wrinkles. For dry skin in particular, hyaluronic acid can deliver an immediate plumping effect as well as improve the skin over time. 

5. Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is an antioxidant found in the seeds and leaves of the plant Psoralea Corylifolia. Studies have shown that bakuchiol helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and helps with pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness.

It works through the same receptors that retinol uses, which is why many refer to it as a natural retinol alternative. These similar results are why it’s giving retinol a run for its money.

But what really gives bakuchiol its edge? Bakuchiol is not a vitamin A derivative, it’s a natural alternative, meaning not only is it not as irritating, it’s a great option for those who shop vegan, clean, and in consideration of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis.

If you are looking for a system that includes all of these ingredients, check out the DermResults 3-Step Starter Regimen. This month only, get the AgeWell Enriching Eyecream with Bakuchiol FREE with ​the regimen!

Please reach out with any questions!