1. Peptides

   • What they do: Peptides are one of the hottest advances in skincare today — and with good reason. Composed of long-chain amino acids, peptides are the building blocks of proteins. When applied to the skin, they’re believed to support collagen production. Other benefits include reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing of tissue. Some trade names include: Matrixyl or Argireline.

   • How and when to use them: You’ll find peptides in a variety of face and eye creams, like the Perricone MD Facial Conformer. It delivers a hefty dose of antioxidants and peptides, resulting in firmer, smoother, more radiant skin. Apply a small amount to your face two to three times a week morning and night.
2. CoffeeBerry
   • What it does: CoffeeBerry is the antioxidant-rich fruit or berry of the coffee tree. Early studies suggest that this bright red berry might be more powerful than blueberries and green tea. Because of its anti-inflammatory effect, CoffeeBerry reduces skin irritation, and “may also help with pigmentation problems, such as dark and red spots and rosacea,” writes Brooke Le Poer Trench in Allure.

   • How and when to use it: Check out REVALESKIN CoffeeBerry Day Cream. With 1 percent CoffeeBerry and SPF 15, this powerful formula has dual benefits to prevent and correct fine lines and wrinkles. Every morning, apply it to your face after cleansing for protection against harsh elements like UV rays and pollution.

3. Vitamins

   • What they do: Vitamin C is another superior antioxidant that protects your skin against UV damage and other environmental factors that cause aging. It’s often combined with vitamin E for even better results. In fact, adding vitamin E helps to prevent vitamin C breakdown in skincare products, which occurs with exposure to air or light, according to Allure.

   • How and when to use them: You have many skincare options containing these vitamins. For instance, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic helps to absorb harmful UV rays. Apply it daily in the morning before heading out.

     Murad Lighten and Brighten Eye Treatment contains peptides, vitamin C and olive extract to brighten skin and reduce wrinkles. Use a dab under your eyes every morning and evening.

     Remember, even though vitamin C offers some UV defense, you must wear broad spectrum sunscreen to fully protect yourself from premature aging, sun damage and skin cancer. Shield your skin from UVA/UVB rays with MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion, a formula that contains vitamins C, E and other antioxidants.

4. Idebenone

   • What it does: Like other antioxidants, idebenone is a free radical destroyer. It stops harmful free radicals in the environment from wreaking havoc on your skin. As such, idebenone can protect the skin from sun damage, lines and wrinkles caused by free radicals.

     So, what gives idebenone an edge above other ingredients? “Unlike most antioxidants, which can only cancel out one free radical per molecule, idebenone is able to negate multiple free radicals or stop them from forming,” explains Le Poer Trench.

     This greater power to fight more free radicals means better protection for your skin. Think of idebenone as an anti-virus program that also protects against spam, pop-ups and other threats. As a result of this better protection, you experience less damage and fewer signs of aging.

     In fact, out of 100, idebenone scored a 95 Environmental Protection Factor — a special rating system that measures an antioxidant’s “protection against UV rays and free radicals,” Le Poer Trench writes. That’s the best rating of all the antioxidants on the scale.

   • How and when to use it: Start out slowly by using a product with a low idebenone concentration, such as 0.5 percent. This can minimize your risk of skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. Apply Elizabeth Arden Prevage every other day for Week 1, once a day for Week 2 and then twice a day thereafter.

5. Herbal extracts

   • What they do: Herbal extracts come from flowers, plants and herbs. Examples include soy, aloe, carrot and chamomile extracts. These ingredients help to soothe stressed-out hair that’s undergone chemical processes, like perms, chemical straightening, relaxing, highlights or dye. They gently cleanse and hydrate hair without stripping its moisture. Plus, they prolong the results of your chemical treatment.
   • How and when to use them: Alterna Ten the Science of TEN Shampoo and Conditioner are loaded with herbal extracts. Shampoo and condition hair with these products for the first two weeks after a chemical treatment. Then, switch back to your regular haircare routine until your next chemical process.

Investing in expensive beauty products is a big decision, but don’t be swayed by price alone. Before you open your wallet, research your options and investigate the ingredients.

See also:

Peptides

Hyaluronic Acid

Amatokin for Anti-Aging