On the lookout for alternatives

There are a myriad of factors responsible for causing lines and wrinkles: facial expressions, environmental damage, UV rays and cigarette smoking. Additionally, skin naturally loses collagen and moisture as we age, making it appear drier and more fragile.

This is where a great anti-aging product comes in. Look for the following ingredients to combat fine lines and wrinkles:

• Alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate dead skin cells and encourage new skin cells to grow.


• Ceramides protect and shield skin from environmental damage.


• Peptides are proteins that relax facial muscles to prevent new wrinkles from forming and fill in creases.


• Retinol is a type of vitamin A that helps replace damaged cells and encourages collagen growth.


• Antioxidants, including vitamin C, grape seed extract and green tea, defend the skin from free radical damage.

Skincare-News.com product ratings**

StriVectin SD

Rating: 5

Originally designed as a stretch mark cream, StriVectin SD actually does much more — in fact, this topical cream is now hailed as a non-invasive alternative to Botox^® and other fillers. What’s more, StriVectin SD smoothes wrinkles and fine lines that Botox^® treatments often leave behind, providing longer-lasting results that continue to improve over time. With its advanced blend of elasticizers and hydrators, StriVectin also smoothes and tones your overall complexion and fades age spots and under-eye circles. Clinical trials have shown that StriVectin SD can reduce wrinkles by 68 percent and works in just 28 days — even on wrinkles you’ve had for years.

Ingredients include: Striadril Complex, as well as a blend of sesame oil, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, mango butter and peppermint oil.

CosMD-3

Rating: 4

Created by the Cosmedical Aesthetics of Beverly Hills, CosMD-3 works on wrinkles, scars and stretch marks to firm and soften skin. A great choice for delicate skin that’s beginning to show signs of aging, this product is especially effective in preventing new wrinkles by reducing muscle contractions — particularly those around the eyes, mouth and forehead. After just four weeks, this product can also reduce the appearance of old stretch marks and help to prevent new ones.

Ingredients include: Palmitoyl Tertrapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, vitamin E, bearberry extract and linoleic acid.

Bellaplex

Rating: 3

Bellaplex helps to reverse the signs of the aging process, leaving skin soft and hydrated. In only 30 days, you’ll notice a decrease in the depth of wrinkles. You can also use Bellaplex on just about any place where wrinkles are a concern. Unlike your everyday moisturizer, Bellaplex restructures the skin and repairs damage in deep tissues, leaving you with a youthful and vibrant complexion.

Ingredients include: Matrixyl 3000, Argireline, real collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Alterna 7 Minute Lift

Rating: 2

This dermatologist-tested product is natural and hypoallergenic and treats all skin types — even sensitive skin. It works to smooth frown lines, laugh lines, crow’s feet and other signs of aging — without the use of toxins, muscle relaxers or harsh chemicals. In merely seven minutes, this product can reduce the appearance of lines by an average of 83.72 percent. Initially, you’ll notice that the results last about seven to 10 hours; with long-term use, the results will increase by about 27 percent.

Ingredients include: 12 Organic Greek Essential Oils (including jasmine oil, lemon peel oil, orange peel oil and avocado oil).

Hydroderm Age-Defying Wrinkle Serum

Rating: 1

This product works on deep wrinkles, helping to refresh and rejuvenate aging skin. Helping to tone the skin and improve texture, Hydroderm Age-Defying Wrinkle Serum is formulated with proteins and peptides that treat wrinkles and fine lines for vibrant looking skin.

Ingredients include: Whole Marine Collagen molecules, vyo-serum, citric acid and ascorbic acid.

See also:

Peptides

Vitamin A: Retinoids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Botox^® Alternatives for Lines and Wrinkles

LED Light Therapy Treats Aging and More

Botox^® is a registered trademark of Allergan Inc.

**All ratings determined by the Skincare-News Product Research Panel.