Overwhelmed by the sheer number of anti-aging products on the market? You’re not alone. To cut through the hype we consulted with Dr. Richard Thomas, Clinical Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, and came up with this list of anti-aging active ingredients that actually work. Whether your skin is sensitive, dry, acne-prone, eczema-prone, oily, oily & acne-prone, or normal, we’ve got you covered:
Normal Skin – Green Tea
“Green tea is a powerful anti-oxidant agent that helps minimize damage caused by “free radical” cells, which harm healthy skin cells and cause aging. It may also have some neutralizing effects on sun damage.”
– Dr. Thomas
Sensitive Skin – Peptides
“When collagen breaks down skin loses elasticity, which causes wrinkles and sagging skin. Used topically, peptides can be like messengers that inform the body that collagen has broken down and needs to be replaced. Most peptides are a non-irritating ingredient and can be safe for sensitive skin.”
– Dr. Thomas
Dry Skin – Moisturizer
“Fine lines and early wrinkles are often dryness on the surface of the skin, and will disappear when the skin is properly moisturized. Moisturizers help to restore the damaged barrier function in those with dry skin. They also reduce redness, inflammation, and general discomfort associated with dry skin. For those with dry skin, moisturizers are absolutely essential.”
– Dr. Thomas
Oily Skin – Niacinamide
“Niacinamide, also called Vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, is a good anti-aging ingredient that can also help reduce pigmentation problems. It can also block the inflammatory processes which can lead to inflammation in acne, and prevent flares in oily or acne-prone skin.”
– Dr. Thomas
Acne-Prone Skin – Dimethyl MEA
“Dimethyl MEA (DMEA) has been shown to improve the appearance of aging skin without being problematic for acne-prone skin. It helps various cellular processes like differentiation, and also has a minor anti-inflammatory effect, which can help control inflammatory acne.”
– Dr. Thomas
Oily, Acne-Prone Skin – Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3
“Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 can help stimulate collagen and elastin production, which can help smooth the skin and increase firmness.”
– Dr. Thomas
Eczema-Prone Skin – Retinol
“Retinol is a Vitamin A compound used to manage common skin problems like acne, eczema, and pigmentation problems. It’s an important anti-oxidant and a cell-communicating ingredient that sends signals to cells that keep the skin looking healthy and young.”
– Dr. Thomas