Friday, October 10, 2008

Anti Aging Creams versus Anti Wrinkle Creams

By Julie Samtsonn

There are so many products on the market today, that it is important to understand some fundamental differences. Many can be very expensive and price does not always guarantee results. Also, by definition, anti aging creams versus anti wrinkle creams, can be two totally different products. Effectiveness on either can vary based on the ingredients and the person using them.

Anti-aging creams generally try to prevent wrinkles before they occur. Wrinkles generally appear from surface skin cells that have lost their moisture and become dry and dead. Anti-aging creams endeavor to stop wrinkles before they occur. Consumers in their twenties often start looking at these remedies prior to wrinkles occurring. Often, anti-aging creams are full of emollients and oils or moisturizers, causing the skin to become 'super moisturized' and less prone to wrinkles. They work on the concept that keeping the skin hydrated will cause it to appear more youthful and will actually slow down wrinkling.

Anti wrinkle creams, on the other hand, are generally working towards decreasing the appearance of wrinkles that are already occurring whether from natural aging, excessive sun exposure, lack of moisture or repetitive facial expressions caused from squinting and smoking. These may use different tactics to work, by Retinol A, (a vitamin A derivative essential for healthy skin development), or Hydroxy acids which removes the surface dead cells, copper peptides which are involved in wound healing, Kinetin, which helps retain moisture, or antioxidants such as green tea extracts which fight "free radicals" said to attack the skin cells and promote premature aging.

It is a good idea to find out which category you fall into, this may affect your outcome. If you are in the anti-aging cream category, meaning wrinkles have not yet occurred, then your options are quite good. Depending on the type of your skin, the idea is to keep your skin hydrated without creating other problems such as excess oil. If you have dry skin, you need to ensure that natural oils are replenished. Excessively oily skin should make use of astringents as drying agents to prevent acne that can dry your skin. But, you should use a water-based moisturizing anti-aging cream, versus oil based, to lock in the moisture balance before skin starts to dry and the dead, shriveled cells occur as fine lines and wrinkles.

Of course, when it comes to anti aging creams versus anti wrinkle creams, the best cure is prevention. It is advised to stay out of excessive sun exposure, avoid smoking, and prolonged hot baths to avoid skin drying in the first place.

Anti wrinkle creams can work in different ways, depending on the damage done. It is a good idea to start when you first notice signs of fine lines or wrinkles. Anti-oxidants stop any breakdown of elastin and collagen. Retinol A, Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin and Hydroxy Acids take away the surface dead skin cells to leave younger, healthier skin, similar to a microdermabrasion treatment.

In conclusion, anti-aging cream against anti wrinkle cream solution, is a complex decision to make. Once you have discovered your skin type, and where you are in the process, you will be better equipped to determine the treatment that best suits your needs.

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