When we talk of anti aging products, there are already so many different ones in the market today that it is oftentimes difficult to identify which ones actually work. A good way to determine the best anti aging product is for you to acquaint yourself with the ingredients used in anti aging products.

The most important anti aging ingredients one should look out for in anti aging product labels and packages are: Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA), antioxidants, collagen and Vitamins C, D, E and K.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids or its alternative Beta-Hydroxy Salicylic Acid (BHA) clear the skin of dead skin cells by exfoliating the skin’s surface. Lesser accumulation of dead skin cells leaves the skin looking fresh. Although these are widely used in anti aging products, some individuals experience irritation due to the ingredient’s exfoliating quality.

Antioxidant is another essential anti aging ingredient that should be found in your anti aging product. Antioxidants heals from below the skin’s surface and it also has Coenzyme Q10 that promotes the natural removal of dead skin cells that cause discoloration.

Collagen has hydrating properties that moisturize the skin, protecting it from further damage. Collagen is known for plumping the skin and is widely used in lotions as well as in other treatments such as collagen injections.

These days the best anti aging products have added vitamins. Vitamins C, D, E and K are crucial in preventing deficiencies, healing wounds, minimizing scars and boosting the immune system. Many vitamins are proven antioxidants, which means they are able to fight against free radicals in the body.

There are ingredients that work and some that are questionable. For example, it is not yet scientifically confirmed that Vitamin C can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and has any function there. This could be one reason why creams that only contain Vitamin C as their major ingredient (Vitamin C creams) might not have any effect on the skin when used.

So far, the best ingredient for anti aging is the antioxidant. Studies have shown that anti aging products that do not contain antioxidants do not work as effectively as those that contain it. This is because its primary function is to fight free radical which are naturally produced by our body. Since free radical’s unstable oxygen can damage healthy skin, antioxidants keep free radicals at bay, thus, delaying the aging process.

Popular anti aging supplements which have been found to be in one of the best anti aging products are estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, thyroid and melatonin. These are more commonly used in hormone supplements designed to retard the progression of aging. These hormones have been known to help libido, improve sleeping patterns, prevent cancer and strengthen the immune system.

Other essential anti aging properties include Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), oxytocin, erythropoietin (EPO) and insulin. These ingredients are known to be effective up to some extent. Human chorionic gonadotropin aids fertility in humans; oxytocin strengthens the reproductive system. Erythropoietin deals with anemia while insulin is used to stabilize diabetes mellitus type 1.

Supplements can have different effects on different individuals, so consulting a doctor is advisable.