The unwanted signs of age reach everyone, unfortunately. However, some precautions can help to delay this onset and even make the signs lighter.
Therefore, as with other problems, from preventive care it is possible to stay free of wrinkles and expression lines for a longer time.
One of these precautions, perhaps the most common, is the use of anti-aging or anti-sign creams.
Thinking about it, we brought you a lot of important information about them, with the help of the dermatologist Dr. Aline Pinheiro of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD). Check out:
Contents
What causes fine lines and wrinkles?
Factors with sun exposure, stress and poor diet are some examples of influencing wrinkles and expression lines. However, it is known that the main factor is associated with advancing age.
This is because, over time, our collagen production decreases. Thus, our skin is less elastic (responsiveness to muscle movements).
In addition, it is also common for hyaluronic acid to decrease. This substance is essential for the skin to be able to return to the “normal” state, after the movements of the face – still, it keeps the dermis hydrated and stimulates collagen.
Thus, the lack of these essential substances contributes to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
However, as mentioned, some external factors can be harmful to health and also favor these signs. Like, for example, stress and excessive or undue sun exposure (that is, without protection).
What are antiseptic creams?
Unlike traditional moisturizing creams, antiseptic creams have active ingredients in their formula that aim to prevent or ameliorate the signs of age.
In this sense, they can minimize wrinkles and fine lines of expression or prevent them. What is possible due to components such as hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, hydrolyzed collagen, etc.
This is not to say that antiseptic creams have no moisturizing action. On the contrary, they are also rich in emollient properties that help to make the skin more hydrated.
However, they do this in conjunction with actions that help prevent and repair signs caused by age and other factors – such as sun exposure, for example.
Anti-aging cream reduces expression lines and wrinkles?
-Yeah . Anti-aging creams can help to reduce expression lines and wrinkles, especially when the problem appears. Considering that the greater the progression, the lower the chance of effectiveness – requiring other treatments, such as filling.
We talked to Dr. Aline Pinheiro, from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), about the effectiveness of anti-aging creams.
The doctor explained that these products “act by stimulating collagen, reducing fine wrinkles”, making it clear that this is due to the form of action and active compounds present.
As mentioned, antiseptic creams have many substances in their formulation, in order to guarantee the effectiveness and promised action. A well-known and present in several anti-aging creams is retinoic acid (derived from vitamin A).
According to the dermatologist, “the retinoids act through binding to specific nuclear receptors in the skin cells, and thus exercise their therapeutic functions, stimulating cell turnover (called cell renewal)”.
That is, they help in the cellular regeneration of the skin, thereby eliminating dead cells and also stimulating the production of collagen – the main substance responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Therefore, retinol can be used in order to minimize or prevent genetic aging (related to advancing age) or that caused by external factors (such as sun exposure).
It is worth checking the composition of each cream, as there are different formulations that can help. Vitamins C and E, in addition to glycolic acid and even green tea can give a boost to anti-sign care.
To know exactly what your skin needs, it is essential to follow up with a dermatologist.
Composition of anti-aging creams
Paying attention to the composition of the products is very important, especially when it comes to dermatological products. This will help you choose an option that fits your needs.
In the case of anti-aging creams, the composition can also vary. As mentioned, it is very common to have retinol (vitamin A) in its formula.
However, other substances also play an important role. Check out:
C vitamin
It is not new that vitamin C is a great ally of facial care. Its powerful antioxidant action helps prevent premature aging and minimizes the impacts of free radicals on the dermis.
In addition, Dr. Aline Pinheiro explains that “topical vitamin C (applied to the skin) acts in the production of collagen […] and in the inhibition of melanogenesis, resulting in the bleaching of spots. Still, it has a firming action for contributing to the formation of new collagen fibers, improving the elasticity and firmness of the skin ”.
According to the doctor, it is common for the formula of these products to use “stabilized or microencapsulated vitamin C. It has a powerful antioxidant action, being one of the main sources of protection mainly against UV rays ”.
Finally, she gives a tip to know how to identify vitamin C in the composition of cosmetics, explaining that it can appear with the following names:
- Ascorbosilane C;
- Glycospheres de vitamina C;
- Vitamin C Nanospheres;
- Vitamin C Palmitate;
- Vitamin C thalassospheres;
- VC-IP;
- VC-PMG.
Vitamin E
The vitamin E is another asset that plays an important role in anti-aging creams. In general, it is very beneficial for the skin and has rich moisturizing properties.
But, in addition to this factor, Dr. Aline Pinheiro mentions that vitamin E also “has significant antioxidant properties, which help to defend against pollution and UV rays.”
It reinforces that this is its main benefit, so that this substance helps to minimize the damage from sun exposure, free radicals and skin pollution. Which, consequently, prevents premature aging.
It is also worth noting that due to its moisturizing properties, it helps to smooth fine lines and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier – it also helps to soothe sensitive skin.
The doctor points out that the effects of vitamin E can also be enhanced through the use of products with vitamin C or in association with ferulic acid.
Finally, it is possible to identify this asset as: tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate .
Glycolic Acid
The use of acids in the skin is something that needs further monitoring with a dermatologist, considering that if used improperly, it can cause serious damage to the skin.
In this sense, one of the acids that may be present in the composition of anti-aging cosmetics, is glycolic acid.
Regarding this substance, Dr. Aline Pinheiro explains that “glycolic acid decreases the thickness of the stratum corneum, accelerates the turnover of the dermis and stimulates collagen synthesis”.
In addition, the doctor complements by stating that it “decreases the adhesion between the corneocytes, improving the absorption of other substances applied to the skin”.
The corneocytes make up the outermost part of the epidermis. Therefore, when they are “more distant” from each other, they allow compounds applied to the skin to be absorbed more easily and in a better way.
On the labels, this asset can have its name in Portuguese (glycolic acid) or in English: glycolic acid .
Assets that make a difference to the skin
You may have noticed that in many anti-aging creams or serums, it is possible to find some components that promise to enhance the product’s effects. There are even some that promise a botox or filling effect.
We asked Dr. Aline Pinheiro about some of them. Check out what she told us:
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in substances that help make a “detox” on the skin, in addition to having anti-inflammatory properties – excellent for acne sufferers , for example.
In addition, Dr. Aline explained that “because it contains flavonoids and polyphenols, anti-free radical substances, green tea protects the skin from premature aging and the damage caused by exposure to UV rays, in addition to relieving erythema (redness) Can I”.
Tensine
Tensine is a tensor agent of plant origin, extracted from wheat seed proteins , used in dermocosmetics.
Dr. Aline explained what its action on the skin is and why it is beneficial: “its tightening effect is almost immediate, it can be noticed one hour after application, and it persists for a few hours (approximately 6 hours) making the skin smooth, smooth, radiant and lush ”.
She also points out that this substance “can be associated with raffermine (a dermis firming agent ), rich in glycoproteins and polysaccharides, with potentiation of the skin firming response”.
Caviar Extracts and Hyaluronic Acid
Both caviar extract and hyaluronic acid help to control the loss of water from the dermis. That way, helping you to stay hydrated and fresh.
Dermatologist Dr. Aline Pinheiro explains that this action “improves the appearance of fine lines and skin texture”. He also pointed out that caviar extracts have antioxidant action – protecting the skin from the action of free radicals and preventing premature aging.
Anti-aging cream: use alone or with other treatments?
Many people have doubts about the correct way to use anti-aging creams and whether they should be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
Undoubtedly, the most effective way to know the type of treatment and care routine for your case, is to seek the help of a dermatologist. He / she will be able to assess your skin and see exactly what it needs.
However, as a general guideline, Dr. Aline Pinheiro explains that anti-aging creams “ can and should be associated (with other treatments), whether in use at different times or even in the same formulation – it depends on the skin needs of each patient”.
When to start using anti-aging cream?
Skin care can always occur, considering that it is always important to protect it. Especially for those who want to avoid the signs of age, care such as good skin hygiene and use of moisturizer are very important.
However, Dr. Aline Pinheiro points out that “the first product to be chosen should be sunscreen , starting in childhood, as it prevents premature aging by breaking down collagen and solar elastosis, in addition to preventing skin cancer ”.
But, for those who want to know specifically about the use of anti-aging cream, the doctor points out that “there is no standard age for starting treatment” and reinforces the fact that skin care needs to be a habit.
In general, some products indicate the first use between 20 and 30 years . However, to know about the necessary care for your skin type, you must have the guidance of a dermatologist.
Tips to prevent premature skin aging
It is not only hygiene and the use of creams that can prevent premature aging. Many other factors are linked to this process – poor diet, stress, etc.
Therefore, some tips that can help prevent premature aging are:
- Have a healthy diet;
- Practice physical exercises;
- Avoid habits like smoking or excessive alcohol;
- Drink a lot of water;
- Control stress levels;
- Avoid too much sun exposure and always use sunscreen.
In general, all these factors directly contribute to good health, are small daily habits that make all the difference in the functioning of our body.
Impacting, even, in our skin and avoiding the early appearance of the signs of age.
Anti-aging creams are of great importance for those who want to prevent expression lines and wrinkles. However, to include them in the routine safely and effectively, it is very important to have the help of a dermatologist.
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