If you've ever stood in the aisle of the skincare section
of your favorite cosmetics department looking for a face
cream to help you look younger and healthier, you know
how confusing it can be to find a product that will help
improve the look and texture of your skin.

As confusing as it is, science and research have become
our best friends in the quest for younger looking skin, and
the quest isn't over, there are promising new studies and
clinical tests every day that help us understand what it takes
to stay looking young and youthful.

Then why are we so confused about what we need?

According to consumer industry tracker Packaged Facts,
the 2004 U.S. skincare sales reached $6.4 billion and is
expected to reach over $9 billion by the year 2010. If you
consider all the skincare manufacturers competing for their
share of the industry it's not surprising that we fall prey to the
more prominent marketing hype and miss the actual research
findings.

The best advice is to do your homework. Understand what
your needs are and be realistic about the results. Don't expect
a magic potion that will erase years off your face in a few days.
It took years for those lines and wrinkles to develop, it isn't
practical to expect they will disappear in a few days.

It's also important to remember that the aging process can
only be slowed down, it can't be reversed. Everyone
experiences different levels of improvement. Skin care experts
have found it reasonable to expect about a 30% improvement
over the course of six to eight weeks time.

The best place to start is to identify what your skin care needs
are. Read the labels and understand what the ingredients do.

Depending on what doctors, specialists and advertisers you
talk to, you're likely to get differing answers but if you
do your homework by researching the ingredients and using
products as prescribed, you will most likely see a
difference.

Here are a few facts on the most popular ingredients.

AHA - Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHA's are used as a skin exfoliator. It can clear pores and rid
the skin of dead cells. Beta Hydroxy or salicylic acids are often
used for acne prone skin but can be a bit drying. Experts seem
to agree that AHA's are an excellent skin exfoliator but it is
questionable as an anti-aging ingredient.

Copper Peptides
It is not conclusive as to whether copper peptides can reduce
the aging process by reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging
in the skin. It may be possible since copper peptides seem to
stimulate the production of collagen in unscarred skin and help
reduce skin inflammation, however there is a lack of clinical
evidence and more extensive research studies are needed
before the experts can agree completely on these claims.

Green Tea
Teas, be it black, white or green contain antioxidants which
are clinically known to fight off free radicals. Most skin care
experts agree that these teas can help decrease inflammation
and swelling of the skin and can also decrease the effects of
UV exposure. Skin care products that contain antioxidant teas
are often recommended.

Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that occurs naturally in humans,
animals and in young skin, however aging, smoking and dieting
can result in its loss.

Hyaluronic Acid has often been used as an injected lubricant
for osteoarthritis and other ailments. When applied topically,
it helps retain moisture and has been used to plump the skin.
Experts can agree that it is excellent in helping retain moisture
but are unsure of its long-lasting value.

Kinetin
Kinetin is a plant-growth hormone, and its technical name is
N6-furfuryladenine. Kinetin can offer temporary hydrating
benefits, however further applications of kinetin need to be
investigated. Kinetin is probably best used as a preventive
measure as opposed to reducing the look of aging.

Retinol
Most experts seem to agree that Retinol, (a derivative of
Vitamin A) and tretinoin (Retinol's stronger counterpart)
which is the active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova, are
the most effective ingredients in the fight against anti-aging.
They can help regenerate collagen to reduce lines and
wrinkles, and help lighten dark spots, freckles and sun
damaged skin.

Absorption is a key factor in using retinol so it is recommended
that using a combination of retinol and palmitic acid (retinyl
palmitate) be used for proper penetration at the cellular level,
however if you use retinyl palmitate you will need to use more
of this product than one that contains retinol to get the same
effect.

Retin-A can cause skin sensitivity in which case retinol is an
excellent alternative.

Soy
It is believed that soy has mild skin rejuvenating effects as it
contains botanically-based estrogen. IT contains anti-oxidants
and anti-inflammatory that soothe the skin but there are no
anti-aging elements to soy.

About the author:
Elizabeth is an online skin care consultant who features
quality skin care sites and reviews fine skin care products.
Get her free newsletter and receive your copy of
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http://www.fine-skin-care-products.com

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