Your Guide To Buying Safe Anti-Aging Products

Let`s face it! We all cannot boast of possessing `the face that launched a thousand ships` but we can certainly do all we can to keep our face looking as flawless as possible and keep the ravages of aging at bay with anti-aging products. Aging is a natural process but that does not mean that we should not take care of our skin. Modern medical science has worked wonders in all almost aspects of our lives and skin care and its accompanying products are not lagging behind.
In fact, so many anti-aging skin products flood the market that it becomes difficult to select the genuine from the fake. Certain manufacturers may not be above exploiting the desperation of most people to look as young as possible and all of the products need not necessarily be good. Results vary and while some may show tangible and positive results, others may cause havoc with your skin.
Even if we cannot turn back the clock we can still try and conceal the effects of aging with the help of anti-aging products. Since wrinkled, dull skin is the first sign of aging, the skin is the primary focus. Fine lines commonly appear near the eyes, on the forehead and lips and eventually turn into wrinkles. Two long nasal lines appearing on either side of the nose is also a sign of aging. The anti-aging products try and address these problems of the skin.
Skin which has become drier than normal and is unable to retain moisture from the usual creams and lotions requires more high-intensity moisturizing. Anti-aging skin care products concentrating on rejuvenating the skin which has lost its natural moisture leading to wrinkles and blemished skin contains a higher level of moisturizing properties than that found in normal lotions or creams. They may also contain anti-oxidants like Vitamins A, C, E and D which help counter the adverse affects of aging and contain the deterioration of the skin cells.
Many of these products contain specific ingredients to boost the production of collagen in the skin which is responsible for the skin`s elasticity and suppleness and gives it structure. Using a high-intensity moisturizing cream on very dry skin helps in allowing the skin to combat the moisture loss which is common with age.
Using exfoliating products on a regular basis also helps in keeping the skin look young as the process sloughs all dead skin cells from the surface and encourages the growth of newer cells. It also helps in increasing the blood flow to the skin which in turn results in better moisture retention and collagen production.
One should be very careful while choosing anti-aging products as those of inferior quality can seriously damage the skin. Both natural and chemical-based anti-aging products are available in the market and it depends upon the individual to decide which one to favor. Chemical-based products sometimes cause side-effects in certain users, especially those who may have pre-existing allergies. In such cases, it`s always better to consult a dermatologist first before trying out any and every product in the market. Natural products are free of adverse side-effects to a certain extent. But many unscrupulous manufacturers are exploiting the fad of natural products by calling even those products with chemicals in them `natural` products. So, one has to be careful and avoid randomly picking up these natural anti-aging products and to stick to reputed brands.
Lastly, remember, all the anti-aging products in the world will not give you that glow if you are not happy from within. So, live positively and nurture happy thoughts; that`s the best anti-aging remedy!

Sun's coming! Save your skin

by Jennifer Rothacker - May. 23, 2010 12:00 AM
McClatchy Newspapers

As the heat and sun settle in for summer, the calls to protect your skin from damaging rays intensify. But with so many choices of sunscreens, sunglasses, hats and even sun-protective clothing, it might seem easier to hide out in a dark closet.

Go ahead, break out the bathing suit. We have the skin-care basics from two experts in the field: doctors
Nancy Thomas, associate professor at the University of North Carolina's Department of Dermatology Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Kelly Nelson, assistant professor at Duke University Medical Center's Department of Dermatology.


Who needs protection?

Everybody, both doctors agree. The sun can damage your skin throughout your life, from immediate harm, such as sunburns, to longer-term effects, such as age spots and cancer. Although dark-skinned people are slightly less sensitive to the sun, they, too, can fall victim to its damaging rays. A tan means skin damage. Use a spray-on tanner to get your glow.

UVB, UVA, SPF?

UVB rays are ultraviolet rays that penetrate the upper layers of the skin. They cause the more immediate sunburn effect.

UVA rays penetrate deeper and contribute to aging the skin.

SPF is a measuring system for how long a product protects the skin against the sun.

What to use

Look for the words "Broad-spectrum sunscreen" or "protects against UVA and UVB rays." From there, you basically have two types of sunscreens to choose from: chemical-based and physical blockers.

Chemical-based sunscreens are plentiful, easy to put on and effective. There is concern about parabens, preservatives that some scientists feel may have estrogen-mimicking properties. For small children, it may be prudent to seek out paraben-free sunscreens. There are organic sunscreens, but reviews of those aren't overly positive.

Physical blockers include the ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which physically reflect the sun off your face. They have no problematic chemicals, but they can be more bulky to deal with.

SPF choices

The FDA recommends a 15 SPF or higher, but both doctors say to go with at least a 30, if not a 45. Higher is better, because most people put their sunscreen on too thinly, which makes a 30 SPF turn into something like a 10 SPF.

If you're going to be active and sweat a lot, or plan to be in the water, get a waterproof version.

Rules for using

The longtime rule still stands: about 2 ounces, or the equivalent of a shot glass. (Few of us actually accomplish this.)

If you're going to be active and get sweaty or wet, reapply about every two hours.

Put your sunscreen on about 20 minutes before going outside.