Dermalogica Age Smart - Anti Aging Skincare

Dermalogica Age Smart has been developed especially for mature and prematurely-aging skin. It works by targeting the main biochemical reactions that reveal signs of facial aging.

Based on the maxim that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, Dermalogica have tried to address the problem by focusing on the biochemical reactions that actually trigger these changes in the skin before they actually start. Of course, there are many other skin care companies selling ‘anti aging' products that promise to visually reduce the effects of facial wrinkles and skin aging.

It is important to remember that, although these facial creams claim to minimise the visual appearance of lines; none can claim to completely erase them. When choosing facial anti-aging creams, always try getting a sample to test on the skin. Many anti aging products work by exfoliating the top layers of the skin in order to make it appear brighter. This can cause sensitivity, and continued use can really cause aggravation.

For those with very sensitive skin, it is imperative to try a sample of the product on a sensitive area, such as the inside of the upper arm. Do this before trying the product on the face. Don't wash the product off the skin for at least 24 hours and check for any reaction. Just because a product contains only natural ingredients, it doesn't mean that you won't get an allergic reaction. Many oils and colourants contain vitamins that can cause the same reaction as skincare products containing chemicals.

Be cautious when looking at the type of ingredients contained in anti aging creams. Less widely used now, AHA's (alpha hydroxy or ‘fruit acids) were a popular ingredient found in most anti aging cosmetics. It was easy for consumers to conjure up an image of a healthy bowl of fresh fruit when reading the labels on these skincare products. The truth is that many of these ‘fruit acids' were created in a laboratory.

Because AHA's work by removing the top layer of skin, users of anti aging creams should always consider SPF protection. Care should be taken with chemical sunscreens too. If you have remotely sensitive skin you'll find that these products will irritate and inflame your skin. This is because sunscreens work by being absorbed by the skin. Inflamation, eruptions and tingling are becoming more and more commonplace.

Nowadays, everyone seem to like the look of tanned skin. The trouble is that the sun is one of the worst culprits for making your skin look older than it really is. The suns UV rays penetrate deep into the skin, damaging the very fibres that maintain the skins elasicity. This accelerates the production of wrinkles, the severity of which is directly proportionate to an individuals lifetime exposure to the sun.

Of course whilst theres no turning the clock back, there are several steps you can take to limit further damage.

Avoid sunbathing when the sun is at its strongest. This is usually between 10 in the morning and 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Also wearing large rimmed hat will keep your face in the shade and reduce the severity of the suns rays.

Using a high quality sunscreen. Dermlogica have a range of sunscreens for sensitive and dry skin types. there are a variety of different SPF's to choose from. One of the common misconceptions is that the summer is the most likely times for the skin to become over exposed. Those who holiday in the winter ski resorts need to take care and use a good quality SPF. Some moisturisers contain protection and SPF 15 is considered to be a starting point for protection.

Put simply, if you become over exposed to the sun you run the risk of prematurely aging your skin. Try to pick products that offer protection against UVA (aging) as well as UVB rays. Usually anything with 'full spectrum' is a safe bet. If in doubt, conult a professional therapist or advisor.