We all know this saying: “Age ain’t nothing but a number.” Turning back the hands of time can be as simple as one, two, three – or so do cosmetic companies want you to believe. But most consumers never take that extra second to read the ingredient deck on the back of their skincare products.

Exploring
the ingredient deck is important, however, as it allows you to research key ingredients
that might have a huge side effect on your skin.

For
example, topical products formulated with alcohols dry out the acid mantle of
the skin and create rough skin texture, irritation, skin dehydration, itchy
skin, dry patches, skin infection, breakouts, and uneven skin tone.

Simply by
reading the list of ingredients that make up your skincare products you can
save yourself a lot of trouble later. That is, if you know what you’re looking
for.

What You Should Know When Shopping for Skincare Products

It is
important to avoid ingredients that are alcohol based, contain any form of
petroleum, artificial colors, and ruff exfoliators.

Additionally,
mature skin requires more attention and should continuously be given hydration
from the inside out. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily will rehydrate the
skin and aid in reducing trans
epidermal water loss (TWL or TEWL), that is, loss of water to the
environment.

So, here
are 4 hydrating ingredients for mature skin that you should look for when
purchasing your skincare products.

Apple Peptide Plant-Derived Stem Cells

Also known
as malus domestica, the apple fruit helps maintain longevity and delays
senescence (the cells’ inability to divide any longer), fosters the regeneration
of skin tissue, increases collagen and fibroblast production, and improves the
lifespan of hair follicles. Who knew?

Sunscreen with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc

Mineral
makeup containing natural ingredients that nurture your skin can reverse the
signs of sun damage. It’s a good idea, then, to invest in mineral products that
are free from harsh, irritating chemicals.

Such
products include two very important ingredients:

• Titanium dioxide, which provides pure protection
  from UVA/UVB rays, and
• Zinc oxide, which promotes advance healing and
  skin protection.

Hyaluronic Acid

Yes, hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrator. Many people report
that their skin feels “dewier,” the bags under
their eyes
become lighter, and their skin texture is smoother after applying serums
containing hyaluronic acid.

The primary way in which HA helps improve the appearance of skin
aged due to sun exposure is by reducing water loss. In fact, one reason that
hormone replacement treatments sometimes cause the skin to look more youthful
and less sun-damaged is because they increase the skin’s HA concentration.

Decyl Glucoside Benefits

A
great way to bring freshness to your aged skin is by using cleansing products
with decyl glucoside. This glucose-based surfactant helps you:

• Retain skin moisture even when
  used repeatedly;
• Prevent skin dryness;
• Improve skin tolerance and combats
  chronological aging;
• Protect your skin stem cells;
• Gently remove even eye makeup
  and mascara.

Aging skin isn’t aging at all –
it’s just dry and malnourished. Replacing your skincare products with products
that are suitable for your skin type could be the best game changer for improving skin hydration and skin elasticity.

Aging skin can now be a thing of the past with
proper skincare use and customizing a skincare routine based on your skin type,
skin concerns, and skin needs. If you have more than one skin concern, it’s
important to address each one by using the appropriate skin ingredients.

And if you have advanced or persistent
skincare concerns you should consult a Licensed Medical Aesthetician,
Dermatologist, or Plastic Surgeon who can create skincare protocols that fit
your skin needs.

How do you
hydrate your skin? Do you have the habit of reading the ingredients’ list when
you buy skincare products? What ingredients do you look for? Which ones do you
stay away from? Why? Please share with our community.