Premature aging of
skin is a common complaint today. No matter how careful we are, we cannot avoid pollution, or live a completely stress free life.
While a healthy lifestyle is crucial for a clear and glowing complexion, here are some products that can help slow down aging and minimise damage.
- Sunscreens:
The most effective anti-aging product in your beauty kitty is a sunscreen. Research shows that 80 to 90% of signs of aging occur due to sun damage. Hence, use a broad spectrum sunscreen to prevent tanning, pigmentation and spots. Try Sebamed Sunscreen SPF 30 or Dermalogica Daily Defense.
- Anti-oxidants:
Anti-oxidants help reduce the damage from free radicals found in our skin. Younger women should look for Vitamins B, C and E as well asbotanical extracts like quercetin, soya, lycopene, curcumin and green tea extracts. Some good creams include La Roche Posay Active C Cream and Flavo-C cream/serum. For women who are in their 40s or above, ingredients with derivatives of Vitamins A and C, such as idebenone, coenzyme Q10 and niacinamide work well. Other ingredients include peptides which also help reduce wrinkles. Some recommended products are Uriage Isolift Multi-Active Anti Wrinkle Cream and Avene Ysthéal Anti-Wrinkle Emulsion.
- Alpha-Hydroxy Acids:
AHAs help shed dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, causing exfoliation of the upper surface. In combination with glycolic acid, lactic acid or citric acid, it helps tackle rough, dull skin, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles. Some good choices are Glyco 12 and Glyco–A, (contains 6% glycolic acid) along with AHA Revitalizing Lotion 10, (which contains 10% glycolic acid).
- Retinoids:
They help your skin by helping in cell renewal, thereby making way for new cell growth. Retinoids minimise the appearance of wrinkles and lighten brown spots caused by sun exposure. Some good products include Retino-A cream contains tretinoin (in strengths of 0.25% and 0.05%), Yugard (contains 0.15% retinol in a cream base) and Strea A15 (contains retinol in 0.15%).
Note: All of this should only be used under a dermatologist’s supervision.
Dr REKHA SHETH is a leading cosmetic dermatologist in Mumbai. She is founder-president, Cosmetology Society of India and runs Yuva, a successful chain of skin clinics.
