CosBeauty Magazine #75

into the cells of the skin, it is an
extremely effective moisturiser.
The fact that this acid binds with
water accounts for the special interest
in hyaluronic acid in cosmetic
enhancement. When injected
under the skin in the form of dermal
fillers, it provides fullness and
plumpness at the site, replacing lost
volume on the face, filling in lines
and wrinkles and, depending where
applied, creating the illusion of more
prominent cheekbones and fuller lips.
This darling of the anti-ageing
world has also been credited with
extending life in those who consume
copious amounts in their diet. For
good reason, hyaluronic acid is often
dubbed as the key to the fountain
of youth.
Look for products containing
hyaluronic acid, hyaluronan and
sodium hyaluronate.
LIPIDS
Lipids are a large and diverse group of
biologically important molecules that
are essential to life. Fatty acids, fats,
oils, waxes, steroids and phospholipids
are types of lipids. Major roles include
cell membrane structure, energy
storage and cell communication.
They are used in skincare products
as an emollient and, because of their
rich, luxurious feel, many are used
on dry, chafed and inflamed or
delicate skin.
Lipids are naturally produced by
the skin and serve to maintain the
skin’s natural barrier function and
prevent moisture loss. Ceramides
(a naturally occurring skin lipid
found within the cell membrane)
and evening primrose oil (abundant
in omega 6 fatty acids) are good
examples of these nourishing lipids.
Also look out for products
containing jojoba, coconut,
macadamia, olive, shea butter
and wheatgerm.
PEPTIDES
Peptides are one of the newer
ingredient groups to hit the antiageing
skincare scene and many
studies have shown significant results.
Acting as chemical messengers,
peptides communicate with cells to
perform a specific function. They are
highly respected for their ability
to penetrate the skin and activate
their target.
Peptides “turn on” the fibroblasts,
which are essential for building
and repairing the skin and a basic
requirement for anti-ageing success.
Peptides are small molecules of
at least two or more amino acids
chemically linked together. When
certain amino acids are combined,
they create specific peptides (the
different combinations are virtually
limitless and many experts believe we
haven’t even touched the surface).
Peptides have a variety of
functions, primarily they help to
stimulate collagen, combat what is
known as Advanced Glycation
End (AGE) product formation,
Sunscreen
The single-most
important
skincare
product
Yes, that’s right people,
sunscreen tops the list!
They are, first and foremost,
products to help prevent
damage and extrinsic ageing
of the skin. Given that UV
light is the fundamental basis
of environmental ageing
(and hands-down the most
damaging element to human
skin), zinc oxide used in a
broad-spectrum sunblock
should be your number-one
skincare ingredient, protecting
you against the harmful rays of
the sun. Look for sunscreens
that have both physical
and chemical blockers plus
antioxidants.
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