Anti-aging cream: what it is, how to use it and what it is for

In this article, we will talk to you about anti-aging face or body creams. With the passage of time, every woman and every man goes through a slow ageing process. First wrinkles on the face, the skin loses tone and elasticity, the first hyperpigmentation spots appear and it is therefore necessary to care for the skin on the face and body with suitable cosmetic products.

Anti-aging cream: how to use anti-aging cream on the skin

After a certain age, anti-aging creams are not just a pampering, but a real way to take care of your skin and your appearance, so using the cream must become a daily habit.

Cleanse the skin with a cleansing milk before using the anti-aging cream

To emphasise the anti-aging benefits of the cream, it is advisable to cleanse the skin thoroughly before application and to choose a daytime formulation to apply in the morning and a night-time one to apply at night before going to bed. In general, circular movements from the bottom upwards are sufficient to counteract the effect of gravity.

In case of wrinkles: what to do?

In the case of wrinkles, on the other hand, it is necessary to have the foresight to spread the cream in the opposite direction to their inclination: therefore for the marks that form around the lips, with an unsightly ‘bar code effect’, it will be sufficient to massage from right to left and vice versa. It is very important to massage the face, neck and décolleté abundantly to allow the cream to penetrate thoroughly. Finally, it would be advisable not to stress the skin in the delicate area around the eyes, where the product should be patted in lightly.

What the anti-aging cream is for: active ingredients stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production

This type of cream contains active ingredients that stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production and promote cell renewal with a moisturising, firming, plumping and nourishing effect that counteracts the physiological signs of ageing.
The amounts of collagen and hyaluronic acid naturally present in the body tend to decline with age and, consequently, their contribution to maintaining healthy skin gradually decreases.

What collagen and hyaluronic acid are

Specifically, collagen is the protein that keeps the epidermis resistant and toned, while hyaluronic acid maintains the right amount of moisture that promotes skin firmness. Their action, in addition to fading with the passing of the years, is synergic, so the modification of one conditions the action of the other.

Anti-aging creams: at what age and when to start using them on the skin

There is no precise age at which it is right to start using anti-aging creams, but it must be remembered that prevention is better than cure, so it is better to take action a little earlier when the face does not yet show signs of ageing.
The skin must be cared for from a young age, cleaned regularly, exfoliated once a week and freed of impurities with estista treatments.
In an absolute sense, there is not even such a thing as the perfect cream, but it is more correct to speak of the best performing anti-aging product for one’s own skin characteristics. Ideally, one should follow an impeccable and punctual beauty routine and start using anti-wrinkle creams around the age of thirty.

Anti-aging cream: what is used as an active ingredient in anti-aging

Anti-aging creams are not all the same and it is always preferable to check the list of ingredients.

WE RECOMMEND YOU READ OUR ARTICLE ON ‘INCI: WHAT IT IS, WHAT IT IS FOR, HOW TO READ INCI’.

What a good anti-aging cream should contain

In principle, a good cream should contain moisturising excipients such as panthenol, allontoin and hyaluronic acid, as well as redensifying elements such as hydrolysed collagen and antioxidant vitamins. In
addition, it is preferable that they contain nourishing plant oils and decontracting substances. For their function, anti-age creams must have formulations that combat wrinkles, blemishes, sagging and loss of radiance, as well as additional and optional specific actions.

Why hyaluronic acid and collagen are important for your skin

As we have already mentioned, hyaluronic acid is essential for maintaining the hydration, strength and firmness of connective tissue. Collagen is the protein that maintains the peculiarities of the skin surface and protects against dehydration.

The essential vitamins, enzymes and acids for your skin

Certain vitamins and enzymes are essential for the health of the epidermis. They are:

1. Vitamin A
2. Vitamins C and E
3. Coenzyme Q10 or Ubiquinone
4. Lactic acid and glycolic acid: Alpha-hydroxy acids

The vitamin A contained in retinol penetrates the dermis and stimulates cell regeneration and collagen production. Vitamins C and E have an emollient, soothing and protective function and thus make the skin supple, toned and radiant. Coenzyme Q10, also known as Ubiquinone, is an antioxidant factor that strengthens the natural defences that counteract free radicals, increasing the radiance and firmness of the dermis. Lactic acid and glycolic acid are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that promote hydration and exfoliation.
Lactic acid supports cell renewal and the skin is softer and smoother, while glycolic acid stimulates the synthesis of collagen, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate.

Plant oils, different types of plant butter and snail slime: important ingredients in your anti-aging cream

Anti-aging creams can contain beneficial natural ingredients such as oils, plant butters and snail slime that gently prevent wrinkles and sagging skin. These plant extracts have exhilarating moisturising, emollient, soothing and elasticising properties that improve the skin’s components.
Jojoba oil, for example, improves the skin’s lipid barrier, shea
butter has restorative properties and almond oil not only moisturises but also promotes tissue elasticity. Honey is also an excellent ingredient for anti-aging products due to its energising powers and the toning effect it gives. Creams based on snail slime are a great success in cosmetics thanks to their powerful active ingredients that alleviate wrinkles and scars by deeply moisturising the skin.

However, it is right to know that these anti-aging creams must be supported by a healthy and regular lifestyle, starting with eating habits, in order to make their contribution.