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These Are the Top Anti-Aging Ingredients

By U.S. News & World Report

The term anti-aging has become somewhat of a buzzword associated with everything from eating antioxidant berries to getting Botox injections. While these things may have their benefits for improving the appearance of wrinkles, don’t be misled. When it comes to anti-aging, it’s all about taking preventive steps and sticking to a strong daily routine — one built on products with key ingredients that can be beneficial for maintaining balance, elasticity and supple texture.

The aging process begins in the mid-20s, when skin naturally stops producing collagen. So, it’s a great idea to keep that beauty cabinet stocked with ingredients that can aid in skin healing and help support collagen production to keep it looking plump and pretty.

Often wrapped up in soothing serums and luscious moisturizers, the following ingredients are easy to add as part of your morning and nightly routine and can help keep the complexion in tip-top shape, while also giving it the long-term care it needs to age gracefully.

Vitamin A

Retinols (vitamin A compounds) have recently had a mainstream revival, as beauty brands worldwide have started using this collagen-stimulating ingredient. Great for helping to keep skin plump and smooth, retinol works deep in the lower levels of the skin to assist in the production of healthy cells. Vitamin A can also help reduce damage from oxidants.

Sun-lovers be warned, though: Retinol can cause skin sensitivity with sun exposure, so it’s best to use it only in your nightly skincare regimen. Be sure to protect skin by keeping it well-hydrated every day with a good moisturizer. Also, be sure to use sunscreen.

Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding should ask a doctor before use.

[See: What Keeps You Young?]

Vitamin C

BV-OSC and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate may sound like fancy and complicated ingredients, but they’re actually just vitamin C in an oil soluble and stable form. They are often used as part of an anti-aging regimen.

Perfect for use in skincare creams and serums along with other anti-aging ingredients like peptides and stem cells, vitamin C may be used to soften fine lines. It typically does not cause the harsh side effects — like irritation and peeling — that are associated with some other anti-aging ingredients.

Vitamin C can help encourage collagen production while also lightening and brightening the skin, making it the perfect solution for those concerned about age spots and uneven skin tone. Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties, like vitamins A and E.

Sunscreen

Perhaps an obvious element of your skincare regimen, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is the skin’s strongest defense against environmental aging, and it helps protect against the No. 1 cause of skin cancer: the sun.

Conveniently found in foundations and powders, it’s easy to incorporate into any daily routine. But while it’s a bonus to have in makeup, it’s always better to use it as a light daily moisturizer that also features broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays. Some examples of broad-spectrum sunscreens are avobenzone, benzophenone, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Since unprotected skin can begin to burn in just minutes in the sun, it’s important to make time in the morning to add this step and to reapply every two hours and as needed.

Sunscreen is an important step in helping preserve the skin’s youthful appearance. When it’s mixed into rich creams that feature antioxidants and other nourishing ingredients like shea butter, a moisturizing sunscreen can give the skin a hydrated, dewy glow.

[See: Your Guide to Stylish Sun Protection.]

Peptides

Another word buzzing around beauty counters and blogs is peptides. What do peptides do? Peptides in skincare products have the potential to work on the lower levels of the skin to help promote healthy skin function. They may stimulate collagen production.

Peptides can also help increase the production of hyaluronic acid, which is important, because it can help the skin retain moisture, leaving a plumper and smoother surface.

Try peptides in a serum or in a rich cream formulated to deliver hydration and protection.

Glycolic Acid

Alpha hydroxy acids are natural acids found in food, and they have been used topically on the skin for centuries dating back to the Egyptians. Typically derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid can help deliver powerful yet gentle results on the skin, making it a great ingredient for those with busy schedules.

Glycolic acid is an exfoliant, a substance that removes upper layers of old, dead skin to allow the growth of new skin. A great monthly treatment for aging and combination-to-oily skin types, it can help keep complexions looking clear and smooth with regular use.

Glycolic acid is typically found in professional chemical peels that can be used bi-weekly or monthly. However, it’s been recently formulated for use in treatment serums and even cleansers that can be used daily to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, discoloration and dark spots from breakouts, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

[See: 9 Ways Your Hair Reflects Your Health.]

Caffeine

Great for more than just that morning jolt of energy, caffeine is commonly found in eye creams to help revitalize the skin by increasing circulation. Over time, facial expressions create laugh lines and crow’s feet, while a combination of a busy schedule and a poor diet can lead to puffiness that results in tired-looking eyes. And because the skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate, the first signs of aging typically appear here. Caffeine may help perk up tired peepers. It also contains antioxidant properties.

Typically found in combination with other products like peptides and antioxidants, caffeine can help give the eyes a fresher appearance. Gently tap the product around the eye area to avoid pulling and tugging, which can damage fragile skin.

With a solid set of preventive anti-aging ingredients, along with a skincare routine that involves cleansing, moisturizing and protecting skin daily, you can help keep your skin healthy and glowing. Deciding what new ingredient to incorporate into a routine will ultimately depend on your skin type and individual concerns, but when it comes down to it, remember that consistency is the most valuable tool for maintaining a balanced and beautiful complexion.

More from U.S. News

Easy Ways to Protect Your Aging Brain

7 Surprising Things That Age You

What Keeps You Young?

These Are the Top Anti-Aging Ingredients originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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