As the beauty industry evolves, with the advancement of technology, multiple anti-aging products and treatments are in the market promising to reverse the clock.
With multiple such options, most of you have a question “What Actually Works for hair and skin?” To understand this question, let us explore the science behind anti-aging skincare and haircare.
The Science Behind Aging Skin
Aging skin is a result of both intrinsic factor-like genetics and extrinsic factors like environmental. Intrinsic factors refer to natural aging process that decreases collagen and elastin production.
Collagen maintains the skin firmness and structure, while elastin allows to stretch and skin and bounce back. The decreased collagen level is the cause of wrinkles, sagging and thinner skin.
Extrinsic factors like sun exposure, pollution, smoking and poor diet accelerate the aging process leading to the breakdown of collagen and elastin with signs like age spots, wrinkles and rough skin texture.
What Works for Anti-Aging Skincare?
1. Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives)
Retinoids is one of the proven anti-aging ingredients that stimulates collagen production, promoting cell turnover and reducing fine lines.
Retinol in the mild form is commonly available over-the-counter products with prescription-strength tretinoin is more potent.
2. Vitamin C
It’s a powerful antioxidant that fights the effects of free radicals that are unstable molecules that accelerate skin aging.
Vitamin C brightens the skin with reduced pigmentation and increased collagen production. Choose serums and creams with stabilized vitamin C to maximize the results.
3. Hyaluronic Acid
As we age, the skin loses moisture leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture onto the skin surface and makes it look plump by reducing the wrinkles and fine lines. It’s a perfect choice for dry and mature skin.
4. Peptides
Peptides are chains of amino acids that contribute to skin repair and regenerate the skin by stimulating collagen production. One can find reduced appearance of wrinkles with improved skin texture. They are mostly used in age defying serums and creams.
5. Sunscreen
The foremost step in an anti-aging routine is the use of sunscreen with SPF 50 to shield from the sun protection even on cloudy days. UV rays cause premature aging.
The Science Behind Aging Hair
Aging hair can be due to genetics and environmental factors. As we age, the hair follicles shrink and make the hair thin with slower growth.
Hormonal changes have an huge impact on the hair health as the production of melanin pigment declines causing gray or white hair.
What Works for Anti-Aging Haircare?
1. Minoxidil
Its an FDA approved treatment with effective results in hair growth by stimulating hair growth in men and women. It works with increased blood flow to hair follicles and makes the hair thick and full in volume.
2. Biotin
It’s often included in hair supplements to strengthen the hair with improved growth.
3. Keratin Treatments
Keratin is a protein that structures the hair. As we age, keratin production too decreases that weakens the hair. Keratin-based treatments restore the strength and shine of the hair, giving the hair thick and voluminous.
4. Hair Oils and Serums
To fight with hair dryness and brittleness, nourishing oils like argan oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil help to maintain the scalp and hair hydrated with their fatty acids and antioxidants that maintain hair health and prevent hair breakage.
5. Scalp Care
Healthy scalp is necessary for hair growth. Regular massages promote blood circulation. Using gentle shampoos and conditioners keep the hair follicles healthy and support the hair growth.
Conclusion
There is no magical solution to stop aging and turn the clock back. Science backed with ingredients like retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can improve the appearance of skin.
Hair treatments like minoxidil and keratin address age defying signs and makes the hair strong. Inculcating the above mentioned skincare and haircare routines with healthy lifestyle can help us maintain a youthful glow in skin and hair.
