12 anti-ageing words you need to know

There are a lot of anti-ageing products on the market right now. However, this vast array of choices sometimes makes it difficult to choose which products are right for you, especially when they contain bizarre words you’ve never even heard of.
So, consider this your ultimate anti-ageing glossary. It contains some of the most popular beauty buzzwords in the industry right now so you know exactly what ingredients do what and how they can give you the complexion you crave.
12 ANTI-AGEING WORDS YOU NEED TO KNOW
#1. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs gently loosen the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells onto the skin – but without stripping your skin’s natural moisturise barrier – to help reveal younger, smoother skin. They also help speed up cell-turnover and collagen production, and can lighten surface pigmentation with regular use.
Find them in: ASAP Daily Exfoliating Facial Scrub and Environ Intensive Alpha Hydroxy Cream.
#2. Antioxidants
This refers to any ingredient that can effectively reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. Popular antioxidants include Co-Enzyme Q10, green tea, zinc and vitamins A, B, C and E.
Find them in: Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ and Meaningful Beauty Glowing Serum.
#3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Our own levels of CoQ10 decline as we age, so this exceptional antioxidant is often added to anti-ageing products to help repair damaged cells, counteract free radical skin damage, improve skin texture and support collagen and elastin production.
Find it in: Skinvitals Q-Lift with CoQ10 + Soy and LACURA® Renew Night Cream Q10 Plus.
#4. Glycolic Acid
This is a derivative of alpha hydroxy acid, and just like AHAs, it helps dissolve the glue-like substance that binds old skin cells, helping to exfoliate and renew the skin. With regular use, it promotes clearer, fresher, more radiant skin.
Find it in: Dr. LeWinn’s Reversaderm Glycolic Clarifying Cleanser and Alpha-H Liquid Gold Radiance.
#5. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acids occurs naturally in the skin, and can hold1,000 times its weight in water, making it an ultra-hydrating ingredient. It is often added to serums and moisturisers to help the skin retain moisturise, up hydration levels and help support collagen production.
Find it in: Ultraceuticals B2 Hydrating Serum and hydraluron by Indeed Laboratories.
#6. Idebenone
This is a synthetic antioxidant that reduces skin inflammation and UV damage, which can cause premature ageing and lead to wrinkles and pigmentation.
Find it in: Elizabeth Arden Prevage® Anti-Ageing Treatment Boosting Cleanser and Priori Idebenone Moisturizing Facial Cream ($199, 1800 808 993).
#7. Lactic Acid
Part of the AHA family, lactic acid is derived from fermented milk, and is used to exfoliate dead skin cells. It is especially compatible with human skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Find it in: philosophy miracle worker anti-ageing lactic acid cleanser & mask and Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster.
#8. Peptides
These are teeny tiny little chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds that help promote collagen growth while also repairing the skin.
Find them in: BioElixia® Eye Brightening Fluid and La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum.
#9. Resveratrol
This antioxidant is found in grapes, and helps neutralise free radical damage to protect your skin cells from becoming damaged. It also aids cell turnover to help firm and smooth the skin.
Find it in: Ella Bache Eternal Decollete Serum and Cellex-C Advanced-C Skin Tightening Cream.
#10. Retinol
A derivative of vitamin A, retinol stimulates skin cell turnovers and increases collagen production to help improve skin texture, firmness and elasticity. It can also assist in reducing blocked pores and pigmentation.
Find it in: StriVectin-AR™ Advanced Retinol Eye Treatment and Garnier Skin Naturals UltraLift Pro-Retinol Firming Night Cream.
#11. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a member of the beta hydroxy acid family and effectively removes excess oil and dead cells on the skin’s surface. It is often used to treat acne-prone skin.
Find it in: Burt’s Bees Anti-Blemish Pore Refining Scrub and Olay Acne Control Face Wash.
#12. Vitamin C
This is a powerful antioxidant that boosts collagen production to help ward off fine lines and wrinkles, prevents free radical damage and inhibits pigmentation from forming.
Find it in: Pelactiv Vita C+ Rapid C Serum + AHA and DMK Direct Delivery Vitamin C Serum.
Did you know a lot about anti-ageing skin care ingredients? Does your skin care regimen include any of these ingredients?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
87 Member Comments
Very useful and informative article.
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I am yet to incorporate glycolic acid in my routine. Just looking for a affordable product.
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Hyaluronic acid is a MUST in my skincare. Most products claim they have some sort of antioxidants
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Unsure about if number 3 can do anything if applied topically to the skin, but the rest...yep, used and some still using =D
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What a great article to read very informative.
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There are so many products to choose from and having to read labels just makes choosing even more difficult. I certainly look for anti-ageing products that contain retinol, peptides, antioxidants, vitamin C and AHAs because they're the ones I can remember.
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So many products to use and read about
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Never heard of the term Idebenone. I enjoy using products with Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C. Informative article.
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I love my retinol cream called retrieve available by prescription or from your skin clinic, I have been using for 2 years now and it definitely helps with clearer skin and smaller pores
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I'm an expert almost according to this list!!! The only one I've never heard of (and will not try) is Idebenone(synthetic antioxidant? yikes?). Most of the rest I have used, retinol would be a great add now
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All wonderful products
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Didn't know number 6. Thanks for the great article, I have more of an understanding of the ingredients now.
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I knew antioxidants were good already. Great list, will keep an eye out next time
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Lactic Acid and Vitamin C seem to have good effects on my skin so I tend to look for products with those ingredients.
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I need one product with all of these!
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Good guide! I look for vitamin C/peptides in the am and Retinol in the pm
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I don't know enough about these things.
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I'm still unfamiliar with Idebenone, and I'm yet to come across it. I'm familiar with all the others though.
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I was never familiar with #6. Good to know!
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Best way, wash or tone with ahas. A serum with antioxidants and then a moisturiser with more and peptides. At night I use vitamin a
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So hard to incorporate all of these. Love to find a serum for these
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Is there a product/system that works and has all of these in it?
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excellent article!!! I was only aware of a few of these, thank you
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Very good explanations of them.
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