Best Skincare Ingredients for Aging Skin

It's no secret that our bodies begin to change as we get older. And because the skin is our largest organ, many of these changes like crow's feet, dullness, loss of firmness, and wrinkles can be seen outwardly. While aging is a natural, beautiful process, many of us want to maintain our youthful glow for as long as possible and approach the process gracefully.  
 
There are many products on the market that promise to help turn back time and slow the effects of aging skin. And it seems as though trendy new "Fountain of Youth" ingredients are constantly emerging and gaining popularity in the skincare world. And though they get a lot of buzz, it can be tough to distinguish which of these ingredients are proven to make a difference and which ones are just smoke and mirrors.  
 
When it comes to tried and true ingredients that help the anti-aging process, there are a handful of practical options that skincare experts and dermatologists agree actually work to give the skin a youth boost and newfound glow.  
 
Here are eight anti-aging, powerhouse ingredients that can help you smooth wrinkles, minimize fine lines, combat hyperpigmentation, and work wonders on mature skin types. Many of these ingredients can be found in our own Keepers Collective skincare products such as Honey Face Wash, Heel & Foot Balm, Secret Salve, Lip Balm, Body Butter, and more! We'll also share some additional tips to keep your skin youthful and radiant. 
 
 
Honey  
 
Honey has so many unique properties - antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory - that are beneficial for the skin. It can help accelerate healing, prevent infections, and moisturize dry and damaged skin. Because of its exfoliating and healing powers, honey can tighten the skin while reducing wrinkles and sloughing away dead, dull skin cells.  
 
If you're looking for a new addition to your facial skincare routine, give our Honey Face Wash a try! 
 
Hyaluronic Acid 
 
Hyaluronic acid can deliver an immediate plumping effect to the skin while also providing a hydrating effect to relieve dry skin and diminish wrinkles. Your body makes hyaluronic acid naturally to keep tissues and skin cells lubricated and cushioned, but as we get older, our body produces less of it over time. Topical use of hyaluronic acid can smooth out and support the skin, particularly when used on areas such as the under eyes and nasolabial folds.  
 
Niacinamide 
 
Niacinamide is a B vitamin that is a water-soluble ingredient with robust benefits. It can boost the skin's immunity by increasing the production of ceramides - natural fats that make up the skin's lipid barrier that helps retain moisture and protect the skin from external factors. Since damage to this barrier can contribute to early aging, niacinamide can be a crucial player in youthful, healthy skin by strengthening the skin and keeping out harmful bacteria and microbes.  
 
Retinol  
 
Retinol is known as one of the most effective skin-transforming ingredients for anti-aging. Derived from vitamin A, retinol increases cell turnover rate (speeds up the exfoliation process) to reveal younger, firmer-looking skin. It's excellent at targeting fine lines and wrinkles and can also help combat other skin conditions like acne.  
 
Rosehip Oil 
 
Rosehip oil is jampacked with fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins E, F, and A; it has significant anti-aging benefits that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and improving overall skin tone and texture.  
 
Salicylic Acid  
 
Though it is often known as an acne treatment, Salicylic Acid can offer some serious anti-aging effects because of its exfoliating powers. There is also evidence to support that it can help boost collagen and elastin production.  
 
 
Vitamin C 
 
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally occurring. It's often added to skin care products to provide brightening and firming effects. It's a powerful antioxidant that can fight off free radicals and the damage caused by toxins that are accumulated through UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental factors. When applied topically, vitamin C can also reduce and fade damage caused by excessive sun exposure and minimize dark spots and discoloration.  
 
 
Vitamin E 
 
Thanks to its potent antioxidant properties, Vitamin E is fantastic at enhancing hydration and suppleness while soothing and repairing cells. It can save the skin from accelerated aging by neutralizing free radicals that may damage structural proteins like collagen and elastin. When used regularly, Vitamin E can lock in moisture and protect the outer layer of the skin.  
 
Other tips to youthful skin  
 
In addition to a healthy skin regimen, there are many ways to maintain and even improve your skin's appearance.  
 

• Protect your skin from the sun. Excessive exposure to the sun's UV rays can accelerate the natural aging process, causing wrinkles, dry skin, and uneven skin tone. To protect your skin, limit the amount of direct sunlight you get, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 15 SPF daily.  
• Moisturize daily. While moisturizing alone may not prevent wrinkles and age spots, it can help keep the skin hydrated and promote a firmer-looking appearance.  
• Avoid smoking. Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin and causes damage to collagen and elastin fibers, causing the skin to wrinkle and sag.  
• Exercise regularly. Exercising at least four times per week can improve circulation and boost the immune system, both of which have been shown to give a more youthful glow. 
• Incorporate healthy fats into your diet. Healthy fats like fish, olive oil, avocado, and nuts will nourish the skin and keep it supple and hydrated. But, be sure to drink lots of water, too!  

 
 
For more skincare tips, check out our blog, “Six foods you should eat for clear skin.”