Retinol, hyaluronic acid, or AHA, you must have already heard of them! And for a useful reason, they are typically employed in the formatting of many anti-aging products… 

Discover the 4 active ingredients that can slow down the aging of the skin!

What is an anti-aging active?

An anti-aging active is a group of molecules that works on cellular aging. Some cells in our body degenerate with age, which leads to sagging skin, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and a whole host of other more or less visible inconveniences. 

For instance, our production of collagen, a protein that has the function of providing our tissues resistance to stretching, drops from the age of 25, these active ingredients will then promote the synthesis of it by the body in order to fix elasticity to our skin and slow down the aging of the skin. 

While most of these anti-aging active ingredients are naturally present in our body, their presence diminishes over the years, but also because of pollution, UV rays, tobacco, an unhealthy lifestyle…

Also Read: Facial Yoga, My Natural Anti-Aging

1- Retinol

This active ingredient derived from vitamin A is used to treat wrinkles in depth. Naturally present in our skin, it boosts cell renewal and thus slows down the premature aging of our skin cells. 

By increasing the thickness of the living epidermis, it will fill in wrinkles from the inside, hence its nickname “wrinkle eraser”. It is also an ally of choice for acne-prone skin since it also fights against imperfections. 

Retinol promotes the elimination of dead cells on the surface of the skin and thus prevents their accumulation, which gives it a smoothing effect! 

It also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, resulting in smooth skin that regains its tone and wrinkles that gradually fade. 

Retinol is ideal if you have established wrinkles and are looking to improve the overall texture of your skin.

Be careful, retinol can increase the photosensitivity of the skin and requires the application of sun protection. In addition, it may be poorly tolerated by sensitive or reactive skin, for which it is advisable to limit the application of retinol-enriched products to every other evening.

2- Hyaluronic Acid

This macromolecule is particularly known in the form of injections, to be performed by an aesthetic doctor. However, it is naturally present in our skin! 

Its role is essential since it captures water and keeps it in the deep layers. This allows, beyond good hydration, to fill in wrinkles and fine lines. Powerful moisturizing agent, its quantity and quality decrease with age. This is why your skin tends to dry out and become fragile. 

Hyaluronic acid will therefore smooth the skin and fight wrinkles by modifying their appearance. Its plumping effect is the source of its success and it contributes to good tissue hydration. Perfect for plumper, firmer, and more supple skin! There are 3 types of hyaluronic acid:

• High molecular weight hyaluronic acid – forms a protective film on the surface of the epidermis

• Medium molecular weight hyaluronic acid – it hydrates more deeply

• Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid – boosts the synthesis of collagen and natural hyaluronic acid in the skin.

3- AHAs

AHAs, or alpha-hydroxy acids, are fruit acids that improve skin texture and smooth wrinkles. The skin is more toned and luminous thanks to their exfoliating action. 

They are also responsible for the famous “enzymatic scrub” which is becoming more and more popular. The best-known AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid. 

These fruit acids stimulate cell renewal and collagen synthesis. This improves the elasticity of the skin but also fights against wrinkles, pigment spots, or even acne scars. As the result, you find a smooth and even complexion!

Be careful, since AHAs are acids, they can be irritating to sensitive skin.

4- Vitamin C

If the benefits of vitamin C in food are no longer to be proven, they are also very numerous for our skin! This essential vitamin for the proper functioning of the body and our cells reduces dark spots and acts on the firmness of the skin for a radiant and luminous complexion.

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It is to be used preferably in a stable and concentrated cosmetic formula at more than 5% to benefit from its numerous anti-aging virtues. Antioxidant, vitamin C will protect the skin from external aggressions such as free radicals and thus slow down its premature aging.

It stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin, is lightening, and provides a more radiant, even, and firmer complexion. It is perfect if you have a dull complexion, dark circles, or spots. 

In addition, vitamin C has the advantage of being suitable for all skin types!

Photo: Pexels/ Antoni Shkraba

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