The environment and your skin

Even if you’ve been faithfully caring for your skin on a daily basis, the environment is a war zone for your skin. UV rays break down collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping the skin smooth and healthy. Over time, this breakdown leads to characteristic signs of premature aging such as sagging skin, discoloration, dullness and fine lines.

Beyond UV rays, environmental stressors — including pollution, pesticides, radiation and cigarette smoke — also threaten the health and vitality of your skin. These culprits are known as free radicals.

Because of the many stressors you encounter every day, it’s crucial to boost your skin’s defenses by incorporating products that repair free radical damage and protect your skin.

Add antioxidants

Incorporating antioxidants into your skincare regimen is the first line of defense against free radicals that threaten your skin. Antioxidants act as a buffer against environmental damage, helping to stabilize free radicals and prevent skin damage.

You have a large array of antioxidants to choose from, so look for one of these key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, pomegranate, idebenone, grape seed extract and alpha lipoic acid.

When used in conjunction with a broad spectrum sunblock, you can be sure that your skin will be protected from the elements.

Boost collagen and elastin

Does your skin need a boost to get back to a more youthful-looking state? Today, there are a variety of active ingredients that address aging at the root of the problem, encouraging collagen and elastin production.

The following ingredients can be found in creams and serums that will nourish and strengthen aging skin.

• Peptides are advanced proteins that stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis. They have anti-inflammatory properties and assist with healing the skin, making them ideal for use after cosmetic procedures.


• DMAE is an ingredient naturally found in human nerve tissue and fish like salmon and anchovies. It’s incredibly effective in improving facial sagging as well as tightening and toning the skin.


• Retinol is derived from vitamin A and helps to soften wrinkles and firm the skin while fading age spots.


• Natural extracts and minerals from a wide variety of sources can also be helpful in strengthening the skin’s defenses, promoting collagen production and retexturizing the skin.

Skincare-News.com product picks

Product Name

SkinMedical TNS Essential Serum

Comparison Notes

Blends the growth factor formula TNS Recovery Complex with the APS Corrective Complex to strengthen skin and improve the complexion.

Rank*

Nouricel-MD works to help with fine lines,wrinkles, tone and texture. Contains peptides and antioxidants.

Janson Beckett DermaExcel 7

Combines three cutting-edge peptides: 5% PentaPeptide, 10% Acetyl HexaPeptide and 10% HeptaPeptide. Also contains the antioxidant Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE and shea butter.

This spot wrinkle treatment reduces the depth of wrinkles, while smoothing and moisturizing aging skin.

Cle de Peau Intensive Wrinkle Corrective Cream

Contains a collagen promoting complex and retinol to firm the skin and reduce expression lines.

Hydrates and softens fine lines and wrinkles while plumping the skin for a smooth, even complexion.

Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Cream

Contains micronized South Sea Pearls to boost collagen production, natural extracts to soothe skin and an antioxidant complex to protect from future damage.

Restores the lipid barrier and prevents skin from sagging, while fading age spots and reducing skin irritation.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Serum

Marine extract Padina Pavonica and the minerals Quartz and Rhodochrosite boost skin's defenses and smooth lines and wrinkles.

This light serum not only protects skin but also fades the signs of prior damage.

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

See also:

Peptides

Antioxidants: The Power Plants of Youthful Skin

DMAE

Vitamin A: Retinoids