While you are on a quest to find the very best skincare, the internet seems to be on a mission to promulgate any number of myths regarding the true efficacy of a variety of ‘anti-aging’ ingredients. While some, like certain peptides, are actually helpful, there are others (unfortunately often the more popular ones!) that really aren’t worth the hype. Put to the test, the latter can also have negative effects on delicate skin.
Here we debunk six of the most overhyped anti-aging ingredients and accurately rate some of the truly effective ones. Read more…
Underrated Antiaging Ingredients
Underrated anti-aging skin ingredients are those that not only provide fast, effective, and long-lasting results but are also safe for all skin types and the planet.
At Puraveda Organics, the following are the three most promising anti-aging ingredients (among many others) that we use in our revolutionary BioScience Peptide Complex (read the full story here).
Peptides
With a decrease in the level of the Collagen-Elastin-Hyaluronic acid complex, the skin loses its firmness resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and textural changes. Coming to the rescue, certain Peptides are a great asset in restoring this lost complex without side effects.
At PVO, we use naturally derived Argireline and Matrixyl biopeptides. These are fragments of proteins that naturally mimic and replenish the structural requirements of your skin. We use them in a 10:15 ratio in our revolutionary BioScience Peptide Complex. Topical application over 4 weeks gradually rebuilds the damaged fundamental building blocks of the skin to reduce the depth of wrinkles and deep expression lines, improve hydration, and make the skin appear firmer and tighter.
Gotu Kola
Also known as the plant of ‘longevity’, Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) is rich in Antioxidants and Vitamin-enriched Ayurvedic phytochemicals that improve a damaged skin barrier, stimulate collagen, and smooth uneven spots.
Polyphenols, Niacinamide, and Vitamin C in Gotu Kola reinvigorate the skin cells and functionally return them back to a more youthful state. Being completely a plant-based ingredient, it is one of the best ‘calming’ and healing anti-aging finds for those with sensitive (young or mature) Pitta skin.
CoQ10
CoQ10 is an energy-producing natural antioxidant for your skin (read more). It is a fat-soluble quinone and is naturally obtained from Non-GMO plants (like Soybeans, Broccoli, Peanuts, and Oranges). Topical treatment with Coenzyme Q10 not only reduces fine lines and wrinkles but also can reverse damage from the sun’s UV rays, infrared radiation, and other environmental damage. It primarily recharges the skin cells with energy. This naturally boosts the production of collagen and assists in better absorption of other ingredients.
Overhyped Antiaging Ingredients
At PVO, we call overhyped anti-aging ingredients as those, which may/ may not give results… but can definitely damage the skin in both the short and long run. Thus, formulas containing these ingredients should definitely be avoided, especially when you are opting for advanced, concentrated anti-aging skin treatments.
Retinol
Once only available with a prescription or at a very high cost, retinol today is produced synthetically and is used in almost all commercial anti-aging skincare products. But the obvious question you can ask yourself is this – “Have formulas with retinol given you good results in the past?”
Besides the lost efficacy, and the availability of non-regulated synthetic variants, retinol renders the skin more sensitive to environmental aggressors like UVs and pollution. Retinol is also proven to cause irritation, redness, peeling, and flaking of the skin.
Tretinoin
A stonger version of Retinols, obtained by prescription only, also known as Retin A, some advocates of skincare debate that Tretinoin works faster than OTC retinol in stimulating cell regeneration and clearing up acne. However, being stronger, Tetininoin has ever greater side effects for many users such as dry flaking peeling skin, itching, redness, and increased sensitivity to the sun, and as such, is for most people, overrated.
Snail Mucin
Snail mucin, or snail slime, is slowly making its way into the beauty industry. It’s thought to be promising because of natural glycoproteins and humectants present in its ‘slime’. Though its advantages are yet debatable, use of this antiaging ingredient is in our opinion, unethical. If the trend continues, the snail population, which is beneficial for the planet will be over-harvested, put under stress, and die unneccesarily every year.
As an advocate of cruelty-free and clean beauty practices, we don’t believe that’s justified!
If you are interested in learning more about Toxic Chemicals vs Natural Beauty Products and their effect on your skin and body… Read more here…
