Tuesday, October 19, 2010

How to Compare Today's New Skincare Products

Many of today's new skincare products are classified as anti-aging treatments. They work in several ways. Some obviously work better than others. Here's how to compare what's available.

Antioxidant-rich creams help to protect against sun damage, which is one of the main causes of wrinkles, age spots and other signs of aging. Vitamin E has long been recommended for that purpose. The natural form of it should be included in all anti-aging creams.

For reversing sun damage and wrinkles, another antioxidant has proven to be effective. That one is called COQ10. In one study, volunteers with sun damage applied a cream containing COQ10 for three months. At the end of the study, there was a 30% reduction in wrinkles and overall sun damage. Follow-up studies revealed similar results. When it doesn't work, it is because the concentration is not high enough or the size of the particles is too large to allow for deep penetration.

Manufacturers are not always completely honest when they make claims concerning their products. Some manufacturers call their creams antioxidant-rich, when the only antioxidants they contain are artificial preservatives. It might take a little more time than you would like, but it is important to read the label of ingredients to find out whether or not the advertising claims for a new skincare product are justified.

Real antioxidants work by preventing and repairing free radical damage. Older skin contains more free radicals and fewer antioxidant molecules. One compound has been shown to correct that problem.

A nutritional formula called Functional Keratin has been shown to increase the number of new cells present in the skin, which basically means it stimulates new growth. Along with the higher number of cells, there is an increase in antioxidant molecules called glutathione and superoxide dismutase. One of the benefits seen in studies is a reduction in age spots.

Functional Keratin is one of the new skincare ingredients, just released a few years ago. It is actually an active form of the structural protein keratin, which is naturally present in all of the skin's cells. One of the activities of the protein is to pull moisture into the cells.

When moisture levels within the cells increase, the skin becomes firmer. There is less sagging at the neckline and fewer bags under the eyes. In one study, volunteers applied a cream containing Functional Keratin for 18 days. At the end of those 18 days, researchers measured the skin's firmness. There was an improvement of 40% or more in firmness and elasticity.

A new skincare ingredient that should be avoided is one called argireline. It is a synthetic protein that supposedly paralyzes the skin's tiny facial muscles. It's often advertised as a safe and natural Botox alternative. The safety of Argireline has never been proven. The protein does occur in nature, but the companies that sell it use the artificial version.

There are many other new skincare products to compare. Hopefully, the information provided here will give you a starting point. But, you can always learn more.

Valerie Rosenbaum is a knowledgeable author on the subject of natural skin care products. She prefers products that are loaded with natural ingredients that nourish the skin's ability to heal itself. The products she uses and recommends reduce fine lines and wrinkles with Phytessence wakame, Functional Keratin & Cynergy TK. To learn more visit her website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Rosenbaum

Valerie Rosenbaum - EzineArticles Expert Author

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