A Guide To Skincare Cosmetics
By Dewayne Blalock
Let me ask you a simple question: Do you know what the ingredients are in the anti aging skincare that you use and do you know if they are actually harmful or helpful for your precious skin? Well, let me educate you on this matter.

Many of these products on the market contain petrolatum, mineral oil and/or paraffin. Those ingredients actually interfere with the skin's natural reparative processes. An anti-aging product should stimulate and support those natural processes, not interfere with it. Why do companies include those ingredients?


At one time, it might have seemed like the right thing to do. The ingredients seemed to soften, help heal chapping and reduce dryness. But, today, we have devices that measure this sort of thing. We no longer have to rely on observational data to decide what works and what doesn't.

We know that petrolatum, mineral oil and paraffin do not improve the skin's moisture content. They cannot, because they do not penetrate. They may help lock moisture in, after a shower, but that also clogs the pores. They also cause a greasy feel and a shiny look.

If they are to be effective, anti aging skincare should contain ingredients that increase the skin's moisture content. Ingredients that have that have been proven to have that affect include coenzyme Q10 and bioactive keratin. Creams containing coenzyme Q10 have been shown to increase hydration by 37%.

Those containing bioactive keratin increase moisture by over 40%. Some of the better creams contain both of those ingredients. They start working immediately, but continue to improve the way the skin looks and feels as time goes by.

Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant. All aging skincare should contain antioxidants, because they neutralize free radicals

and repair damage done by them. They prevent further damage from occurring and are as important to your skin's health as avoiding overexposure to the sun.

The reason that the sun causes damage is due to increased production of free radicals. An effective sun-block helps to disperse UV radiation and prevent sunburn, but only antioxidants can neutralize free radicals. Recent reports released by dermatologists indicate that free radicals are the primary cause of wrinkles, sagging and all of the signs of aging.

That's why all anti aging skincare should contain antioxidants. But, many customers take advantage of the consumer's limited knowledge of the ingredients in their products. There are several lotions on the market that, according to the advertising, contain antioxidants. But, if you take the time to read the label of ingredients, you will see that the only antioxidants included in the product are artificial preservatives.

If you want to do everything that you can for your skin's health, you should avoid those products that contain artificial preservatives, especially parabens. Natural vitamin E is an effective preservative and should be in all of your health and beauty aids.

Added fragrances are among the most common causes of allergic and adverse reactions. You don't need added fragrances in your body lotion or face cream. Natural plant extracts and plant-based oils have a pleasant scent. It is only the petroleum-based products like petrolatum that smell bad.

If you read enough reviews, you will see that most aging skincare don't work. But, if you're smart, you can find one that does by reading the label of ingredients. So your next step? Take what you have just learned and put it to use. You and your skin will be thankful that you did.
Dewayne Blalock is a long time researcher of consumer products. Visit his website now to discover cutting edge skin care products he recommends after countless hours of research: Eternal Skin Care.