The best anti-aging moisturizer for you depends on your age, skin type, skin issues, and individual needs. Anti-aging face creams can help slow the signs of aging on facial skin, but anti-aging moisturizers help keep the skin of the entire body smooth, supple, firm, and youthful in appearance. Anti-aging creams, ointments, and lotions are suited to different skin types. Ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), antioxidants, and sunblocks help slow the signs of aging and prevent sun damage.
Sunblock is an important ingredient in any anti-aging moisturizer, no matter what your skin type. Exposure to UV rays can not only contribute to aging, but can also lead to skin cancer. An anti-aging moisturizer for the body should contain an SPF of at least 15, though may experts recommend an SPF 30 moisturizer for daily use.
Antioxidants, AHAs, and ingredients such as reservatrol, alpha linoic acid, and hyaluronic acid can gently exfoliate the surface of your skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They simultaneously remove blemishes due to sun damage or mild scarring. Many of these ingredients can also stimulate collagen and elastin production to keep skin firm and supple.
Alpha hydroxy acids are widely used in anti-aging moisturizers. These gentle acids are typically derived from fruits, such as oranges, grapes, and apples, or from milk or sugarcane. They include some of the ingredients often used in mild chemical peels, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. When applied regularly to the skin in the low concentrations found in moisturizers, these chemical agents can help keep skin looking young.
When choosing an anti-aging moisturizer, take into account your skin type. Oily and combination skin types can benefit more from a light, water-based lotion. AHAs and antioxidants like vitamin A can help keep acne-prone skin looking young, and can even help mitigate the symptoms of acne.
If you have dry skin, you may want to choose a moisturizing ointment for maximum hydration. Normal skin can benefit from an oil-based cream. Creams are not as heavy as ointments, but they aren't as light as lotions.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid AHAs and other acidic anti-aging ingredients, except for lactic acid. Natural antioxidant ingredients, which are derived from sources such as green tea, pomegranate, or chamomile, can provide anti-aging benefits to sensitive skin. Use a hypoallergenic anti-aging moisturizer, and avoid fragrances or dyes. If you have dry skin, or eczema, avoid lactic acid and uric acid, as these ingredients can be irritating.
