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Ingredient Information

Antioxidants: Antioxidants are molecules that slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules. What does oxidation do to the skin? Oxidation reactions produce free radicals, which damage the skin cells. Free radical damage to the skin cells causes numerous negative effects such as wrinkles, slackening and looseness and may also contribute to precancerous lesions. Antioxidants work by terminating free radicals and neutralizing oxidation. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is one of many popular anti-aging products that feature antioxidants.

Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient is widely used to treat acne. Benzoyl peroxide works by peeling or drying the skin, which increases cell turnover and clears the skin's pores. In turn, this type of cell turnover reduces acneic bacteria located in the pore to help prevent breakouts from forming. Glytone Acne Treatment Gel is a good example of a product using benzoyl peroxide to this end.

Glycolic acid: Glycolic is considered an alpha hydroxy acid or AHA. It has an excellent ability to penetrate the skin and is easily absorbed. So what does it do? Glycolic acid resurfaces or refines the skin's texture. It is considered an exfoliant, as it increases the cell turnover rate. It is helpful in reducing wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation, and can help to diminish scars in some cases. Glycolic acid removes the dead skin cells bringing new, healthy dead skin cells to the surface. Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cream is a multi-purpose cream that features the benefits of glycolic acid.

Green Tea: There are many green tea claims. It helps you loose weight; it can help with Alzheimer’s, etc. However, most of these claims have not actually been proven. Green tea extracts, if not oxidized, are believed to help reduce free radical damage. Other studies are being done, but there hasn’t been conclusive evidence that it removes wrinkles or takes 10 years off the face.

Hyaluronic acid: Also known as sodium hyaluronate, Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that is being talked about a lot recently,and can be found in an increasing amount of products. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the human body. As we mature, it breaks down and we loose the amount of hyaluronic acid we are born with. Hyaluronic acid is said to draw moisture to the skin's cells and help them retain this moisture as well, and is featured in many moisturizing products, such as Hydra Plus Active Fluid from Babor. Hyaluronic acid is also found in the popular injectable Restylane.

Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a bleaching or lightening ingredient that addresses hyperpigmentation, also known as age spots, sun spots, discoloration, melasma, etc. There is some controversy with this ingredient as it is banned in certain countries because it is considered unsafe to use topically. There is alternative bleaching or skin lightening ingredients. A lower percentage of hydroquinone, such as that found in PCA SKin Pigment Gel, is recommended for those using hydroquinone for the first time.

Retinols: There are many different forms of retinol, both prescription, known as Retin-A or Renova and non-prescription. Non-prescription sub-types include retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, retrinal, etc. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a known antioxidant and is a well known anti-aging ingredient. Vitamin A in many forms reduces wrinkles and increases collagen production in the skin. A popular choice for those undergoing a continued Retinol regimen is Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream from SkinCeuticals. Its strong concentration makes it ideal for those whose skin is accustomed to Retinol treatments.

Article posted 12/03/2007.

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