Looking for the best anti-aging skin care products?

I first wrote this post in 2009- 10 year ago.  As we approach the holidays and winter, I thought this is a perfect time to update my list and add some cautionary tips.

Since buying skincare products is very confusing let’s first look at how to read skincare product labels to ensure that you are buying effectively.

1. Read to to the end. The first 5 ingredients are the bulk of the formula. However low-levels can also be effective, but don’t expect much
2. Watch out for alcohol listed as one of the first three ingredients – buy another product
3. Some of the ingredients have long names which refer to their chemical structure
4. Most brands add additional ingredients for the uniqueness of the brand, that does not mean it is more or less effective

Look for these ingredients when buying anti-aging skin care products. You can find many of these ingredients on your dermatologist and plastic surgeon’s shelf.

You can also find many of these ingredients in OTC products sold in Sephora or on websites like The Dermstore.

Keep in mind that many OTC products have some of these ingredients- however strengths differ.  Professional skincare products sold through aesthetic practices usually contain higher strengths of some of these ingredients especially Retinol.

Look for clinical trials

Here’s is my updated list of 30 good healthy skin ingredients. 

1. Retinol- Vitamin A and Tretinoin (prescription)  best anti-aging ingredient
   Also available Retinol in none-prescription strength
2. Vitamin C ester- the most stable form of Vitamin C Anti-oxidant
3. Cerimides- seal in moisture
4. Collagen- benefits your hair, skin and nails
5. L-Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate – also Vitamin C
6. Tacapherol and Tootrienol AKA Vitamin E- helps fight wrinkles and fines lines
7. Alpha lipoic acid-superior anti-oxidant reduces the sign of aging
8. Ferulic acid- antioxidant and anti-aging
9. Hyaluronic acid-hydration. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water
10. Vitamin K- helps with dark circles under the eyes
11. Squalane- hydration
12. Jojoba oil- rich in Vitamin E, zinc and B-vitamins
13. Vitamin F– linoleum acid – Omega rich for heath  looking skin
14. Kojic Acid-brightens and is an anti-oxidant
15. Niacinimide– brightening and hydrating
16. Mandelic Acid– exfoliating sensitive skin
17. Marula Oil– good for dry skin, anti-microbial
18. Lactic Acid-caution it can be drying
19. Coenzyme -Q-10– powerfull anti-oxidant and boosts collagen
20. Kinetin- reduces signs of aging and uneven pigment
21. Glycolic and other alpha and beta hydroxy acids-powerful exfoliants to boost collagen and elastin
22. Argirelene, GHK, and cooper peptides-antibacterial and anti-infammatory
23. DMAE– this ingredient is banned in Canada- anti-aging and fine lines
24. Idebenone, thiotaine and other anti-oxidants- improves fine lines and wrinkles and prevents cell damage
25. Peptides- are short chains of amino acids that are building blocks of proteins for texture, strength and resilience
26. Green Tea– anti-aging
27. Resveratrol- powerful anti-oxidant
28. Waglerin-1 a peptide found in Temple Viper- helps fight against sagging
29. Growth Factors- help to maintain height skin structure and function
30. Plant Stem Cells-help to renew your skin

Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, 1.12 Oz  Skinceuticals Retinol 1 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream, 1 Fluid Ounce  SkinCeuticals Ce Ferulic Bottle, 1 oz.

And watch out for product containing Parabens, Sulfates, Artificial Dyes, and  too many acids with vitamin C.

To Beautiful Skin!!!

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may make a commission.