Aging well is all about the right ingredients.

ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHAs)

What You Want: Glycolic Acid, Grapefruit Extract, Lactic Acid

What It Is: AHAs are a group of acids naturally derived from fruit or milk sugars. Renowned for their ability to help promote cell turnover, AHAs slough away dulling buildup by “dissolving" dead skin cells that have accumulated over time. Regular use helps reveal a brighter, renewed complexion. Over time, AHAs can help minimize age spots and discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and texture.

For Best Results: AHA-based cleansers are fantastic, but try expanding your AHA repertoire by looking into creams, toners and moisturizers starring AHAs as well.

ANTIOXIDANTS

What You Want: Green Tea, Rose Hips Extract, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C

What It Is: Antioxidants are nutrients and enzymes that can help prevent and repair damage to the body’s tissue. They act as neutralizers of both internal factors (excess oxygen, metabolism, stress) and external forces (pollution, sun damage, extreme temperatures, wind), improving the overall health of skin. They work to slow, prevent and repair damage caused by free radicals.

For Best Results: Try using an antioxidant-packed serum (such as a Vitamin C Serum) every other night alone or under a moisturizer to help restore youthful luminosity in your complexion.

COLLAGEN

What You Want: Collagen, Elastin

What It Is: Collagen is a basic, non-water soluble protein strand made up of amino acids best known for their primary role in maintaining elasticity and hydration of the skin. In fact, it’s the building block of youthful-looking skin.

Over time, however, natural collagen breaks down and production decreases, causing skin to sag and wrinkle as we age. This is where collagen-packed products come into play: by helping the skin retain natural levels of hydration, Collagen actually helps protect against moisture loss. In doing so, it helps restore a youthful plumpness that lifts and brightens for a softer, smoother, and firmer complexion.

For Best Results: Exfoliate regularly and pair Collagen-based creams with anti-aging serums. Incorporating both into your skincare regimen will help increase the efficacy of the product used.

HYALURONIC ACID

What You Want: Hyaluronic Acid

What It Is: Hyaluronic Acid is a greaseless, hydrating ingredient. What makes it an esthetician (and customer) favorite is its ability to hold water at the cellular level of the skin to prevent dehydration and moisture loss. In fact, Hyaluronic Acid has been found to be one of the most effective humectants in skincare known to help visibly plump the skin.

For Best Results: Try including a day cream or daily moisturizer featuring Hyaluronic Acid into your morning regimen. It’s non-greasy and non-irritating and because it helps visibly plump the skin, a Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer is actually ideal for helping improve makeup application by making the process smoother and the final result more flawless.

PEPTIDES

What You Want: Palmitoyl Oligopeptide , Palmitoyl Oligopeptide-7

Made up of amino acid chains (the most basic building blocks of proteins) and connected by peptide bonds, these complex structures are one of the latest and most promising discoveries on the anti-aging frontier. Peptides are scientifically known to harness the unique ability to communicate with cells; in fact, peptides actually encourage Collagen production. In doing so, peptides are able to inspire more toned skin and improve your overall complexion.

For Best Results: Add a peptide serum or peptide cream to your daily regimen. Either work well on their own to help target all the visible signs of aging – fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, uneven skin tone and texture, etc. – for a softer, smoother, more youthful-looking complexion. When paired together, however, the two work synergistically for maximum benefits. Be sure to use peptide products regularly; it takes up to six weeks for results to show.

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