Green Tea: Some encouraging studies have revealed that green tea may have properties very beneficial to aging skin. Among them are both animal and human trials that make it clear that green tea used in topical applications will reduce sun damage. This suggests that it can be used to enhance the protective qualities of commercial sun blocks.

So far, it's less certain whether green tea will help lessen wrinkles and sagging skin. One study has shown that use of a green tea cream and oral supplement yielded improvement in elasticity of tissue content in the skin of treated subjects. Suffice it to say that there is much to recommend drinking green tea and taking the oral supplements for their well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Product Recommendations

H2O Plus Green Tea Antioxidant Face Complex 1.7oz:  FREE Shipping. 115% Price Protection. A powerfully hydrating, antioxidant complex that helps protect the skin from free radical damage, environmental exposure and dehydration. Combines Japanese green tea, Paraguay tea and algae extracts to help combat the signs of aging. Enriched with vitamins C, E and Provitamin B to help repair while providing soothing antioxidant protection for the skin. Benefits: For dry, combination skin. Softens, smoothes, and soothes dry skin. Protect the skin from free radical damage. Tea and algae extracts help combat the signs of aging. Vitamins C, E and Provitamin B help repair and sooth skin. Directions For Use: Massage daily into face and neck. Please Note: H2O+ products cannot be shipped outside the U.S.

June Jacobs Green Tea Serum Ampoules 10 Ampoules:  FREE Shipping. 115% Price Protection. This light, hydrating Green Tea Serum combats intrinsic aging (human aging), and extrinsic aging (sun damage, pollution, and smoking), the key factors that influence wrinkling of skin. The proven bioactive antioxidant action of Green Tea Extract plays a vital role as a free-radical scavenger, which provides advanced anti-aging benefits, defending the life of the skin, yet totally free of uncomfortable side effects. Significant research has established that the active Polyphenols and Flavonoids in Green Tea play a role in interrupting the progression of culmulative damage originating from environmental factors, especially the sun. These superior scavengers gently combat the free-radicals that gradually destroy collagen and other components of the skin. Over time, with continued twice-daily use, these Green Tea Serum Ampoules enhance hydration, help reduce redness, smooth roughness, and preserve skin elasticity. Directions For Use: Use twice daily after cleansing and toning. Follow with moisturizer of choice.

Review other ingredients found in skin care products for anti aging

But what are the top ten anti-aging skin care ingredients used in over-the-counter products? And are they safe? Get the low down here, without the hype and complete with resources for further research:

1. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Alpha-hydroxy acids (citric, glycolic, lactic, tartaric acids) are found in the skin care products of over 200 manufacturers in the United States. There is scientific research indicating that they may help in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may decrease the size of enlarged pores. AHAs are drawn from fruit and milk sugars and are contained in a profusion of skin creams and lotions. ...Read More About AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid)

2. Alpha-lipoic Acid: Well known as a potent antioxidant, topical alpha-lipoic acid has burst upon the aging skin care scene through it's popularization by a Yale dermatologist, Dr. Nicholas Perricone. He launched the skin rejuvenation studies of alpha-lipoic and wrote a top selling book extolling it titled The Wrinkle Cure. There seems to be a good foundation for believing skin care products containing Alpha-lipoic Acid are effective and they are considered safe.  ...Learn More About Alpha-lipoic Acid

3. Argireline: Some vendors assert that argireline is the OTC alternative to Botox. Research has established that argireline works by reducing the depth of those facial wrinkles resulting over time from the contraction of muscles associated with facial expressions, particularly in the front and surrounding the eyes. ...Review More Details About Agireline

4. Beta-Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid): I has been shown in studies that salicylic acid does not irritate the skin to the extent seen in skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). At the same time, products with salicylic acid demonstrate improvement in skin color and texture similar to AHAs. Skin that has aged prematurely from sun exposure can benefit from products containing salicylic acid. The ingredient is included in many OTC creams and lotions, but also comes in some formulations available by prescription.  ....Explore More about Beta-Hydroxy Acid

5. DMAE (Dimethylamenoethanol): Despite this mouthful of a chemical name,
recent studies have established that DMAE is effective to a degree in reversing both facial wrinkles and facial sagging (or at least to halt worsening of the latter). Moreover, it has been employed in skin care products for anti aging since the mid 1990s without notable reports of skin damage. It is generally promoted as a wrinkle reducer and skin tightener.  ....Continue reading about DMAE

6. Green Tea: Some encouraging studies have revealed that green tea may have properties very beneficial to aging skin. One study has shown that use of a green tea cream and oral supplement yielded improvement in elasticity of tissue content in the skin of treated subjects.  ....Get More Information About Green Tea for Aging Skin

7. Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is commonly recommended as a skin lightener in treating brown spots caused by aging, exposure to the sun and cutaneaous hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone works by decreasing build up of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment in skin that gives it a brown color. Products containing this chemical are available in OTC creams.  ....See More Information About Hydroquinone

8. Idebenone: This substance is a relatively recent player in the frothy anti aging skin care market. It has been shown scientifically to have positive anti-wrinkle properties. One benefit is that it has been proven to be safe.  ...Review Additional Information About Idebenone

9. Copper Peptide: Some maintain that copper peptide may be the most effective skin regeneration product on the market. The science behind copper peptides for skin care relates to earlier wound healing and skin regeneration studies of GHK copper peptides demonstrating exceptional effectiveness. Using those studies as a stepping stone, there was a natural progression to offering copper peptide products as wrinkle repair and prevention aids for aging skin. ....Learn Additional Facts About Copper Peptide & Skin Care

10. Vitamin C: Good old vitamin C! The positive is that there are numerous scientific studies demonstrating that OTC topical creams and serums with vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid are effective in controlling wrinkles and fine lines. The negative is that it is somewhat difficult to formulate these ingredients so that they remain stable.  ....Continue Reading More About Vitamin C and Controlling Wrinkles

More About Anti Aging Skin Care Ingredients

Certainly there are other ingredients used in anti aging products worthy of attention, such as Retinyl Palmitate, Kojic acid and Hyaluronic acid. Their actions are similar to, or possibly less effective than, several of those mentioned above. Many of the vendors also include herbals, fruits and other natural substances that may of some benefit while, at the very least, adding to the marketing appeal of "natural products".

Nothing said here should be taken as a substitute for sound advice from a dermatologist or other skin care professional. Hopefully, however, you'll now have a better idea of what you're dealing with when you sift through the multitude of choices in the retail anti aging skin care market.

Other Helpful Resources

SmartSkinCare.Com
Skin Conditions - Yahoo Health
Health Cares.Net - Anti Aging Skin Care
FDA - Cosmetic Products and Ingredients
Wikipedia on Natural Skin Care
Skin Care Product Discounts
And, you can go here for information about skin care