Do You Know How to Choose Safe Antiaging Skincare Products?

Before you buy antiaging skincare products, you should know a little bit about the way your skin works, as well as the damage that can be caused by certain additives in a large number of commercial products. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these additives can easily cross the skin barrier and wreak havoc once they get into the bloodstream.

To begin, it is important to realize that your skin has three layers, the epidermis (outer layer which is made up of dead cells), the dermis (actual living skin cells), and the subcutaneous, or fat layer. When it comes to size, skin is actually considered the largest organ in the body.

During the process of buying skincare products, you will need to be concerned about their impact on the dermis layer. Basically, this is the thickest skin layer. It is made up of proteins known as collagen and elastin. These fibers form a supportive mesh for the epidermis. Once this layer begins to break down, you will start to see wrinkles and other signs of aging. No matter how much collagen and elastin you put on the surface of your face, it will never reach the dermis layer. Therefore, creams that contain these compounds are useless.

Tips for Comparing Antiaging Skincare Products

Even though you may want to look young and attractive, you can literally kill yourself when you use skincare creams that contain petrochemicals and other toxic compounds. Unfortunately, when you are watching commercials for these products, it can be very hard to discern the truth of the matter. That said, if you do some research, you will arrive at some different conclusions about the best and safest products.

If you look at the labels on a typical moisturizer, you will find a typical list that includes:

• carbomer 941

• silica (dimethicone)

• PEG-60 (almond glycerides)

• Sodium Laureth Sulphate (coconut extract)

• TEA (Triethanolamine)

• Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultanet

• Phenoxyethanol

• FD&C Yellow No.6

• Fragrance

Today, researchers are slowly beginning to admit that a number of compounds on this list cause damage to the immune system, while others contribute to the development of hormone sensitive cancers. For example, certain synthetic fragrances actually cause a reduction in crucial immune system cells.

If you study a typical list of ingredients on a certified organic antiaging skincare product, you will see an enormous difference. For example, you might find extracts of aloe vera, rosehip seed, jojoba, sunflower seed, shea fruit butter, sugar-cane ethanol, non-GMO lecithin, bitter orange, lavender, xanthan natural gum, Olive leaf, calendula, chamomile, marshmallow, olive, and St. John's Wort.

Each of these ingredients comes from natural plants. When you buy organic products, you will not need to worry about pesticides becoming part of the mixture. As a result, these products contain the kinds of antioxidants and nutrients that will support your skin instead of cause damage.

When you search for natural skincare products, you should look for ones that include the following herbs:

Aloe Vera - Aside from moisturizing and soothing irritated skin, extracts from this succulent also fight infections. Aloe vera accelerates healing by stimulating basal cell growth. It will also reduce burning and itching.

Calendula - contains a very powerful group of antioxidants known as flavonids. This herb will soothe your skin and protect skin cells from free radicals at the same time.

Chamomile - good for managing dermatitis, eczema, and other forms of skin irritation. Will also create a relaxing effect when consumed as a tea.

Lavender - reduces inflammation associated with psoriasis and eczema. Will also promote healing of burns and wounds.

Marshmallow - an emollient that has been used for centuries to soften skin and aid in speedy regeneration. Marshmallow is also ideal for managing oily skin and reducing skin allergies.

Olive Leaf - contains antioxidants that help reduce the effects of aging. Also known to aid in toning, firming, and repairing skin damage. Olive leaf also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Interestingly enough, olive leaf extract has twice the antioxidant value of green tea, and 400 times more power than Vitamin C. (Dr Stevenson, L,. et al. Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) Report on Olive Leaf Australia's Olive Leaf Extracts, Southern Cross University, 2005.)

St. John's Wort - reduces inflammation in sensitive skin, neutralizes eczema, and tightens skin.

Conclusion

Each person needs to weigh the benefits and risks associated with each type of antiaging skin care product. As an individual, I feel that certified organic antiaging skincare products are the best, safest, and most reliable. Aside from that, I have peace of mind knowing that these products are far more environmentally friendly than ones made from petrochemicals.