BSC Skin Care System Step 3
BSC System for Skin Care & Renewal
Learn to choose anti-aging skin care products with active ingredients that have been proven to be effective.
In this step - Better-Skin-Care.com is giving you the information you need to choose great skin care products that fit your skin needs. active skin care ingredients active anti-aging skin care ingredients
Starting Step 3 is a list of skin care ingredients that have either been clinically proven to be effective or have significant promise in preliminary studies to be a valuable anti-aging treatment.
The below list of anti-aging ingredients will assist you to identify which ingredients you need in a product to best address your individual skin problems and qualities.
Anti-Aging Skin Care Ingredients Proven To Be Effective
AHA: Alpha Hydroxy Acids- Anti-aging exfoliation treatment proven highly effective. These anti-inflammatory acids include glycolic, lactic, malic, tartaric, and citric. The main purpose of AHAs are to stimulate the skin's top layer (Stratum Corneum) to slough off more easily revealing a softer skin. AHAs, because of their antioxidant properties, also increase collagen production, increase skin thickness, stimulate skin repair, perk up elasticity, help with acne, improve skin tone, and lessen large pores. Quite a lot for one ingredient!
AHAs work in concentrations of 5 to 15% with a pH of 2.8 - 4.8. Look for the alpha hydroxy acid to be listed 2nd or 3rd on an ingredient list. AHAs with neutral pH have little effect on the skin.
BHA: Beta Hydroxy Acids (Salicylic Acid) - An exfoliating acid proven as effective as AHAs. BHA improves skin tone and texture as well as helping acne sufferers. Works well for oily skin types. BHA is usually a little less irritating than AHAs.
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Look for concentrations of 1 to 2% with a pH value of 3 -4. Since beta hydroxy acid works at a smaller concentration, to be sufficient, this ingredient should be listed in the middle of an ingredient list.
Hydroquinone - A drug that reduces the production of new pigment cells (melanin) and can lighten or erase brown spots. The exact type of discoloration will have an effect on how well hydroquinone will work, but continued sun exposure can bring spots back. A 4% solution is prescription strength. Over-the-counter products run around 2% and can work but will take longer.
SPECIAL NOTE: Hydroquinone works best for lighter skin. People with skin in the dark olive, medium to dark pigmentation range, should use other spot removal methods. This solution can be too irritating for dark skin. This irritation can over stimulate the melanin which can lead to more dark spots instead of less. Kojic Acid is a good alternative.
LHA: Lipo Hydroxy Acid - also known as beta-lipo hydroxy acid (B-LHA). It is a type of beta hydroxy acid usually found in acne products. It targets the source of acne below your skin's surface. LHA is used with salicylic acid making a more effective acne fighter. LHA is not irritating.
Topical Antioxidants - Antioxidants are essential in protecting the epidermis from damage by free radicals caused by the sun and internal triggers.
Vitamin
C (Ascorbic Acid) - In stable forms, Vitamin C has been
established to increase collagen production, help reduce fine lines and
wrinkles, heal skin and has potent antioxidant properties to fight free
radicals. Concentrations should be 10% or greater. Vitamin C is more
stable as an ester.
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Vitamin E (tocopherol) - Vitamin E's main function is to protect lipids, which serve as the structural components of cell membranes, from oxidation and free radical damage. Proven as an antioxidant, Vitamin E improves skin's moisture, healing capabilities, lessens free radical damage, and improves skin's smoothness. Skin creams that contain both tocopherols and tocotrienols are the best. Also look for product ingredient descriptions that say "high - potency E".
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - An antioxidant that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. May encourage new skin cell growth, smooth skin and reduce free radical damage due to smoking and sun's rays. Additionally, CoQ10 is a small molecule that can fairly easily penetrate into the skin.
Tretinoin (Retin A - Renova) - is a type of Vitamin A clinically proven to have significant results t in reducing wrinkles, minimizing discolorations of the skin, increasing collagen production, enhancing elasticity, improving acne, increasing skin hydration, and which results in smoother skin over a 3 to 6 month period. Tretinoin is the strongest of the Vitamin A's and can be very irritating to the skin. It is only available with a prescription and comes in 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1% strengths. Use caution with this product. Try a lower concentration first and work up to stronger concentrations. Check out the video for more information.
Introducing Greatskin C Serum, topical Vitamin C for younger skingreatskin.com
Vitamin E (tocopherol) - Vitamin E's main function is to protect lipids, which serve as the structural components of cell membranes, from oxidation and free radical damage. Proven as an antioxidant, Vitamin E improves skin's moisture, healing capabilities, lessens free radical damage, and improves skin's smoothness. Skin creams that contain both tocopherols and tocotrienols are the best. Also look for product ingredient descriptions that say "high - potency E".
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - An antioxidant that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. May encourage new skin cell growth, smooth skin and reduce free radical damage due to smoking and sun's rays. Additionally, CoQ10 is a small molecule that can fairly easily penetrate into the skin.
Tretinoin (Retin A - Renova) - is a type of Vitamin A clinically proven to have significant results t in reducing wrinkles, minimizing discolorations of the skin, increasing collagen production, enhancing elasticity, improving acne, increasing skin hydration, and which results in smoother skin over a 3 to 6 month period. Tretinoin is the strongest of the Vitamin A's and can be very irritating to the skin. It is only available with a prescription and comes in 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1% strengths. Use caution with this product. Try a lower concentration first and work up to stronger concentrations. Check out the video for more information.
Mechanical Methods of skin renewal proven effective:
Microdermabrasion - There are several methods available that can be done at home or by a professional. (link) Microdermabrasion is shown to be a very effective exfoliating treatment that promotes skin renewal.
Buy Neutrogena Face & Body MicroDermabrasion System for $45.99 at drugstore.com.
Home Skin Peels and Masks - Not only enjoyable, studies show that peels and masks can be successful in promoting skin improvement and renewal.
Anti-Aging Skin Care Ingredients With Significant Potential in Skin Renewal
Allantoin - Has shown great promise in promoting wound healing, relieves the skin irritation caused by soaps, detergents, acids, and alkalis, regenerates skin cells, and smoothes skin. A common ingredient found in skin renewal products.
Alpha Lipoic Acid - a unique antioxidant that helps to prevent collagen "glycation" - the attachment of a sugar to a protein molecule. Once sugar is attached to a collagen protein - they are known as "cross-linked”. The damage caused by cross-linking is sagging skin. Alpha Lipoic Acid averts the attachment of sugar to collagen preventing the accelerated aging of your collagen. ALA can improve fine lines, wrinkles, and skin tone as well as reduce large pores.
DMAE - Studies of DMAE have not been extensive but the results so far are quite promising for skin firming, improving sagging skin, reduction of wrinkles and fine lines, and improving skin's moisture. Found in fish, DMAE boosts the effects of other antioxidants. Some studies have shown that DMAE helps to increase circulation to perk up lip fullness. DMAE works well when combined with Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin C. (product links)
Estrogen (Estradiol, Estriol) - Topical use of estrogen is in the testing phase. Preliminary studies show promise. Estrogen shows proven effects when taken orally as hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women. Ex: birth control pills. Only use estrogen under the guide of your physician. Consult your physician for further information or to ask about a specifically formulated topical estrogen for facial skin care.
GHK Copper Peptides - In skin care products, copper is joined with small protein fragments creating copper peptides. Copper peptides improve wound healing, stimulate production of collagen, smooth skin, add to firmness and may enhance the action of antioxidants. Copper Peptides work well with Aha's but DO NOT combine with vitamin C products as these two ingredients will neutralize each other. Use these products on different days.
Green Tea (Polyphenols) - The polyphenols in Green Tea contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. Human studies have clinically shown that topical green tea formulations diminish sun damage by fighting free radicals. Found in many moisturizers, green tea should help with puffiness, inflammation, lessen fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce large pores. Use under your sun screen.
Hyaluronic Acid - Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in great quantity in young skin. Over time, free radicals break down and destroy our skin's hyaluronic acid. Topical Hyaluronic Acids can help to increase lubrication and cellular function, aid tissue rehydration, smooth, soften and decrease wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is often used in conjunction with Vitamin C products because it helps vitamin C be absorbed into the skin. Tip: Use hyaluronic Acid first, wait a few minutes and apply your vitamin C serum.
Kinetin - (N6-Furfurladenine) - A plant growth factor, Kinetin works to bring back the natural moisture barrier of the skin. It softens skin without the side effects of harsher AHA's and Tretinoins and protects against free radical damage. Preliminary findings show Kinetin to decrease wrinkles and fine lines, hinder cell aging, and improve skin tone. Kinetin has anti-inflammatory properties, making it compatible for even highly sensitive skin and a great concentrated skin renewal for the eye area. Also in the popular brand - Kinerase.
Kojic Acid - Another option for treating brown spots and other pigment problems. Kojic acid works like hydroquinone. It is derived from different fungi and organic matters. Studies have shown Kojic acid to be effective by inhibiting the production of melanin. It is a stable product with a good shelf life. Kojic acid is a good alternative lightening agent for darker pigmented skin.
Liposomes - Found in many anti-aging treatments, liposomes are tiny capsules that can penetrate the cell membrane to deliver active ingredients. Studies indicate that liposomes in products help to better skin hydration, and improve texture.
Lycopene - A newcomer to the skin care world, lycopene shows promise. It is an antioxidant that will scavenge free radicals to improve skin texture. Topically applied, lycopene absorbs into the skin well because it is fat soluble and has fairly small molecules. The only potential disadvantage of topical application is that lycopene may give your skin a bit of a tint (in the orange-red-bronze range). Taking lycopene as a dietary supplement can also help. Eat your tomatoes!
Pal-KTTKS (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide- 3) - Clinical data for this skin renewal compound is very encouraging. Studies by Procter & Gamble and Sederma SA have shown this ingredient to correct sun damaged skin and reduce wrinkles by thickening the skin. Another benefit is Pal-KTTKS do not irritate the skin like retinols or AHA's.
Retinol (a type of Vitamin A) - A lighter, non-prescription version of Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinol is clinically shown to have similar but less substantial effects as Tretinoin. Retinol does not cause as much irritation as Tretinoin, but concentrations need to be from 0.3% to 0.6% to have any effect.
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A derivative) - accounts for about 80% of the vitamin A found in skin. It is an antioxidant. Research shows Retinyl Palmitate helps to regenerate skin cells. Clinical data has revealed that Retinyl Palmitate increased skin composition to increase collagen, skin thickness, and elasticity, but its activity depends upon conversion in the cells to retinoic acid. Its stability is superior to retinol.
Spin Traps - Spin traps are chemicals that can trap free radicals and prevent them from moving place-to-place and harming cells. This is new cutting edge technology with promising research. Scientists are anticipating that someday spin traps will result in dramatic improvements in the look of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Although, this next generation of anti-aging skin renewal is hard to find. These are the two we know of (link)
Vitamin K (phytonadione)- is a fat-soluble vitamin necessary to ensure proper blood clotting. Its connection to the circulatory system has shown it effective to help diminish vascular skin problems such as dark circles under the eyes, redness from rosacea, and broken capillaries while improving the appearance of your skin.
It is very important that you choose skin care products with the correct formulations for your specific skin care needs. Finding the right combination of facial cleanser, toner, moisturizer, skin renewal products and sun screens may take a little trial and error, but after completing the BSC System for Skin Care & Renewal, you should be up to the task to find your ideal products.
So let's move on and finish up Step 3.
Now we are going to teach you how to read product labels.
Or go directly to Step 4 - Understanding skin care product labels => Step 4
