The Functions of Wrinkle Cream Components
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.
Acids derived from food products, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid, are called alpha hydroxy acids. AHAs reduce cell adhesion in the top layers of the skin, thus promoting the renewal of the skin’s outer surface through exfoliation. Because it has the smallest molecular size and thus better able to penetrate the skin for maximum effectiveness, glycolic acid is the AHA most commonly 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.
Another common ingredient of wrinkle cream is tretinoin. Tretinoin increases the production of collagen, a connective tissue protein which is the main component of the skin. It also promotes the renewal of skin cells. Mainly used for the treatment of keratosis pilaris, a condition also called chicken skin and characterized by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin, and acne vulgaris, tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A.
Trichloroacetic acid is another common wrinkle cream ingredient. It is an analogue of acetic acid and is also known as trichloroethanoic acid. It kills old skin cells and encourages the generation of new skin cells. As skin cells are regenerated, a smoother, younger-looking skin surface results. Trichloroacetic acid is also used for chemical peeling, tattoo removal, and wart treatment.
Phenol is another name for carbolic acid. In the 1800s it was used as an antiseptic. It is an exfoliant. It also prevents ultraviolet rays from damaging the skin. It is useful in wrinkle cream because it promotes encourages the shedding of dead skin cells. Renewal of the skin follows, resulting in fewer wrinkles. Because it prevents damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, phenol is also used in sunscreen solutions, hair dyes, and skin lightening preparations.
Q10 is a powerful component of wrinkle cream because it reduces the occurrence of wrinkles and facial lines. Present in every cell of the body, it is a potent antioxidant and plays a crucial role in the production of energy. Coenzyme Q10 is the name by which it is better known in scientific circles and it is vital for the normal function of the cells. It protects the skin against ultraviolet rays and counteracts the damage caused by free radicals.
These are just some of the ingredients that can be found in wrinkle cream. There are many others. It is best to find out what the ingredients can do before deciding to use any particular wrinkle cream.
Author Jane Villardo writes about the nature, effects, and utilization of wrinkle cream. Jane offers advice on Botox injections and maintains a website about Botox. For more information about Botox and anti aging creams pease visit botoxinjection-facts.com
Tags: alpha hydroxy acids, Anti Aging, anti aging wrinkle cream, anti wrinkle cream, beta hydroxy acids, botox cream, face cream, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, Skin Care, tretinoin, wrinkle cream, wrinkle treatment
This entry was posted on Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 at 10:35 pm and is filed under Health and Fitness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.