subject: Tips on Aging Skin Moisturizers by:Laurel Levine [print this page] Did you know that the best aging skin moisturizers are free of petrolatum, mineral oil and paraffin? Actually, no one, regardless of their age, should use lotions or creams containing those ingredients. They are not actually moisturizing. Manufacturers know that, but they continue to use them, because they are cheap. Here's a look at some of the most moisturizing ingredients available.
Glycerin
Glycerin is used in more expensive lotions and creams, because it is an effective moisturizer. It can improve the skin's moisture content by about 5%. It can be derived from synthetic or vegetable sources. Either source seems to be effective, but most of us prefer the natural vegetable form, rather than the synthetic.
Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil is an excellent moisturizer, because it is very similar, on a molecular basis, to the skin's own sebum. Sebum is the natural lubricant produced by the sebaceous glands within the skin's layers.
Research has shown that avocado oil contains compounds called sterolins that can help reduce age spots. It has also been shown to stimulate the production of collagen, something that normally slows down with age.
Avocado oil is typically found in nighttime aging skin moisturizers for the face. Most people feel that it is a little too heavy for used during the daytime, although it does not cause greasiness or clog the pores.
Coenzyme Q10
Several studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 is effective for reversing wrinkles and roughness caused by sun damage. It is becoming a more common ingredient for anti-aging products of all kinds, but most companies don't include enough of it. So, they aren't always effective.
As far as aging skin moisturizers go, coenzyme Q10 has been shown to improve moisture by about 30% over the course of six weeks. It is assumed that all of these benefits are due to the antioxidant activity of COQ10. It is known to repair damage done to cellular DNA by free radical molecules. Dermatologists have said that the molecular damage done by free radicals over the course of a person's life are the causes of wrinkling, sagging and all of the signs of age.
Shea Butter
Shea butter's molecular composition is nearly identical to that of the skin's own sebum, which makes it one of the most effective moisturizing ingredients in the world. The only problem is that many companies use lower grades or add other ingredients that interfere with its beneficial effects.
Aging skin moisturizers that contain a high grade of Shea butter are proven to soften and smooth over the course of four to six weeks. The ingredient is most often found in nighttime creams.
Functional Keratin
Keratin is a protein found in all of the skin's outer cells. Functional keratin is a form that can be used by our cells. Most forms are denaturalized. So, they cannot be absorbed into the cells.
In conclusion, one of the functions the keratin performs is to absorb water or moisture. Aging skin moisturizers containing function keratin have been shown to improve the skin's moisture content by over 20% after the very first use. So, now you know about the effective ingredients that are available. Say good bye to dryness forever.
If you'd like to learn more about little known but clinically tested natural ingredients that are used for treating aging skin, visit my website today.
About the author
Laurel is a long time user and passionate advocate of natural skin care products. Visit her site now to discover cutting edge, anti-aging skin care products she recommends after extensive research: http://www.beautiful-skin-site.com.
