The Ingredients of Wrinkle Cream
There are substances that could reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Such include tretinoin, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid, phenol, and Q10, among others. These can be found in many brands of wrinkle cream because of their wrinkle-fighting properties. Let’s look into how these substances can prevent wrinkles and facial lines.
Alpha hydroxy acids is a collective term for acids derived from food products. These acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid. By reducing cell adhesion in the top layer of the skin, alpha hydroxy acids promote the renewal of the skin’s outer surface through exfoliation. Glycolic acid, having the smallest molecular size and thus better able to penetrate the skin for maximum effectiveness, is the AHA most popularly used in wrinkle cream.
Beta hydroxy acids promote the shedding of the outer layer of the skin to encourage the emergence of a newer, younger-looking skin surface. BHA is basically the same as AHA except that BHA can penetrate oily skin better because it is lipid-soluble while AHA is water soluble. The BHA most frequently used in wrinkle cream and other cosmetic anti aging preparations is salicylic acid, which is produced from the protein phenylalanine through biosynthesis.
Tretinoin promotes the renewal of skin cells and increases the production of collagen, a connective tissue protein which is the main component of the skin. It is the acid form of vitamin A and is primarily used for the treatment of acne vulgaris and keratosis pilaris, a condition also called chicken skin and characterized by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin. It is a common ingredient of wrinkle cream.
Trichloroacetic acid, an analogue of acetic acid, is another wrinkle cream ingredient. Also known as trichloroethanoic acid, it is a common component of cosmetic preparations used for chemical peeling, tattoo removal, and wart treatment. It kills skin cells, thus encouraging the generation of new cells. The regenerated skin surface will then be smoother and have fewer wrinkles than the old surface.
Carbolic acid is another name for phenol. It was used as an antiseptic in the 1800s. Phenol is an exfoliant and prevents ultraviolet rays from damaging the skin. It is a common ingredient of wrinkle cream because it encourages the shedding of dead skin cells; renewal of the skin cells results in fewer wrinkles. It is also a common ingredient of sunscreen solutions, hair dyes, and skin lightening preparations because it prevents damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Q10, better known in scientific circles as coenzyme Q10, is a vitamin-like substance which is vital for the normal function of cells. Present in every cell of the body, it is a potent antioxidant and plays a crucial role in the production of energy. It is a powerful component of wrinkle cream because it counteracts the damage caused by free radicals and protects the skin against ultraviolet rays, thereby reducing the occurrence of wrinkles and facial lines.
There are many other components to be found in various types of wrinkle cream. An understanding of what these components are and what they do is important before selecting to use any type of cream to ensure maximum benefit and minimum risk.
Author Jane Villardo writes about the nature, effects, and utilization of Anti Wrinkle Creams. Jane offers advice on Botox treatments and maintains a website about Botox cosmetics. For more information about Botox and anti aging creams pease visit botoxinjection-facts.com