Firming face creams that promise to tighten crepey skin do not usually work because their molecular sizes are too large to integrate with collagen and elastin in your skin.
This high-potency wrinkle serum from Perricone offers an advanced combination of science, including Alpha Lipoic Acid which effectively diminishes length, width and depth lines; and DMAE which visibly lifts skin.
Hydration
As opposed to thick, oil-based face creams, serums are lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin, penetrating into pores and deeper layers for maximum efficiency.
Many face serums include antioxidant ingredients to combat oxidative damage caused by sunlight, air conditioning and stress. They may also even out your complexion and reduce pigmentation.
Face serums work best when applied directly after cleansing the skin and should serve as the first layer of care before you add treatments, moisturizers or sunscreen. Always read and follow any directions on your product or those given by a licensed dermatology provider when using these.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are one of the most sought-after skin care ingredients on the market. These nontoxic and naturally occurring substances help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals created when oxygen metabolizes proteins, lipids, and DNA – and when left unchecked this oxidative stress may lead to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Antioxidants can be found in many foods, supplements and natural skincare products like retinoids, vitamin C and vitamin E products. Antioxidants serve to scavenge free radicals by giving their electrons up as donations against free radical damage; in doing so they reduce inflammation while shielding skin from sun damage. Vitamin C in particular stands out as an exceptional source of antioxidant protection: helping scavenge free radicals while simultaneously increasing collagen production, brightening skin tone and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, an organic substance naturally present in skin and eyes, helps stretch and flex skin with ease while aiding wound healing processes.
As it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water molecules, HA is an impressive humectant that works great in serums. When selecting an HA product it is essential that its molecular weight be listed, as this will indicate its depth of penetration into skin; generally speaking the lower its number is, the deeper HA penetrates.
Gasquet advises searching for hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which has been broken down into smaller molecules more likely to penetrate skin layers more quickly and deeply. She says sodium hyaluronate may also be beneficial, particularly for oily skin as it won’t feel heavy upon application.
Peptides
Peptides have quickly become one of the go-to anti-aging solutions, as their ability to soften fine lines and wrinkles makes them highly sought-after. When combined with powerful ingredients like retinol or other powerful solutions they can even produce firming effects for improved skin appearance.
Peptides can be found naturally within our bodies and instruct cells to perform specific functions like encouraging collagen and elastin production, stimulating hyaluronic acid synthesis or even controlling pigment production. They can also be made synthetically in a laboratory.
Peptides, long chains of amino acids used as building blocks of proteins, have quickly gained in popularity as one of the top scientifically backed anti-aging ingredients. Smaller chains are called peptides; larger ones are polypeptides. Your best option depends on your goals: whether that means fading hyperpigmentation, firming sagging skin or smoothing texture, for instance.
Glycerin
Glycerin is an exceptional moisturizer that locks moisture into skin to keep it supple and comfortable. Since it mimics our bodies’ own natural moisturizing factors, glycerin works for all types of skin–even oily or sensitive types–making it suitable for daily use.
Water-retaining agents such as honey are great humectants that draw water molecules out of the air to hydrate skin, which is especially helpful if you live in cold environments and suffer from dry, flaky patches. Honey can even help soothe irritation from dry climates by drawing moisture directly from air molecules into skin layers for hydration purposes, helping avoid an irritated, flaky appearance altogether.
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless syrup-like compound that’s produced naturally through the alcoholic fermentation of fats and oils, or synthetically manufactured. Glycerin can be found in food and beverage products to retain moisture, prevent crystallization of sugar crystals and add bulk, softness, sweetness, texture and bulk – though rare allergic reactions have been reported. It’s nontoxic yet well tolerated with little risk to health; although rare instances have been noted.
