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How to Get Rid of Wrinkles

With today's technology, wrinkles don't need to be a permanent reminder of aging and bad habits. Though there are many options available to get rid of wrinkles ranging from mild laser treatments to more invasive surgical procedures, over the counter topical creams, also called cosmeceuticals, can be a great first line of dense. 

What Are Cosmeceuticals

Is it a cosmetic or a drug?  The term cosmeceutical was first coined in 1961 by Raymond Reed the founding member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists.  The term sets out to combine both the terms cosmetic and pharmaceutical as any cosmetic product containing ingredients that are developed for intended medicinal benefits.  There are currently only a handful of products that experts recognize as falling into this category.

Effective Ingredients

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) have been the recognized forerunner of the youth cream generation for years.   AHAs increase skin exfoliation revealing healthier skin beneath the effects of which are often a softer more youthful appearance.

Poly Hydroxy Acids (PAHs) is a newcomer to the marketplace and are said to provide smoothing and wrinkle minimizing benefits with fewer irritants than AHAs.  PHAs are composed of substances which deeply hydrate the skin resulting in smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles.  PHAs also contain the benefits of antioxidants not present in AHAs.

Hordeum vulgare (Stimu-Tex) contains spent grain wax and a high content of linoleic acid and phytosterols.  Stimu-Tex works to influence skin inflammation and histamine release, soothing irritated skin and reducing stinging.

Boswellic acid is an ingredient that may be found in over the counter products.  These acids inhibit two pro-inflammatory enzymes are being researched for a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.  In anti aging formulas the benefits being touted are those of reducing wrinkles.

Dimethylmethoxy chromanol inhibits nitrogen oxides that are connected with skin aging.  It's addition to cosmetics may reduce skin cell damage.

Astaxanthin, though not yet widely used, is a powerful anti-oxidant at least ten times stronger than beta-carotene.  Currently being studied for its antioxidant benefits for eye health, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, it is showing promise for anti aging benefits as well.