Our faces are the most often seen parts of our body, and unfortunately, the skin on the face is usually the very first to show the signs of our age. And while the changes that our bodies go through as we age are mostly inevitable, there are in fact several measures that we can take to help reduce the signs of those changes. A simple anti aging skincare regimen can help to keep our skin looking as young and healthy for as long as possible.

Anti-aging skin care is helpful not only for women, but for men as well. There are many products available on the market today that are made for specific skin types or conditions such as brown spots, sun damage as well as for wrinkles and fine lines. But with so many products and treatments available, how is one to know which would be the best for their skin?

By learning the basics of anti aging skin care you will not only be able to reverse the signs of aging but also able to prevent future ones from appearing as well. Here are some of the most commonly used ingredients in the world of anti aging skincare products.

One common substance found in many skin care products is called allantoin. This ingredient has been found to smooth the surface of the skin, aid in the regeneration of new cells and generally help to better the overall appearance of the skin.

AHA or Alpha-Hydroxy Acids have been clinically proven to be an effective ingredient of anti aging skincare products. An AHA is primarily used to exfoliate the skin which stimulates its natural ability to repair itself. AHA's can also increase the production of collagen and improve the skin's elasticity along with the overall appearance in general. Enlarged pores or skin that has acne will also benefit from the use of an alpha-hydroxy acid as well.

Salicylic acid, also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA, has also been tested and shown to be an effective ingredient in anti aging skincare. BHA is particularly beneficial to people with oily skin and is said to improve acne as well as skin tone and texture. The normal concentration of BHA used is generally in the one to two percent range.

Collagen has recently been studied for use in the fight against aging as it increases the hydration of the skin, which is essential for improving signs of lines and wrinkles. And another promising research study recently conducted has found that copper-peptides may be useful for firming the skin as well as enhancing its natural protective abilities and improving its elasticity.

Certain vitamins such as A, E, C and K have been used in a variety of anti aging skincare products and are helpful for a number of conditions. Retinyl palmitate, a derivative of vitamin A, has been found to be a milder alternative to the use of tretinoin on the skin, and is also known to be gentle and non-irritating to even sensitive skin. Products containing vitamin C have been shown to increase collagen production and even to help minimize scarring of the skin. L-ascorbic acid is another form of vitamin C that is widely used and is also said to promote healing of the skin as well as to minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

Vitamin E has been long known as an effective antioxidant, and one that improves not only the moisture content of skin, but one that also heals and helps the skin to naturally protect itself from damage. Vitamin K is useful for anti aging skin care due to its effectiveness in treating broken capillaries or bruising especially under the eyes where the skin is thinner and often more sensitive.

The substance lycopene which is commonly used in diets to build antioxidants and ward off diseases such as cancer has been studied recently in a topical form. These preliminary studies have shown that lycopene can improve the tone and texture of the skin, but further research still needs to be completed before the full benefits or effects are known.

The hormones progesterone and estrogen have also been studied and considered for use in anti aging skin care treatments. Estrogen has shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles and firm skin as well as increase collagen production. The topical use of estrogen is still in the initial clinical phases and further testing needs to be done before its effects on the skin are fully understood.

A natural approach with promising preliminary results for anti aging skincare is the use of green tea. Green tea is said to reduce puffiness in the skin, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, decrease inflammation and also reduce large pores. Sufficient quantities for a topical cream are still under review; however, the antioxidants in green tea are known to be beneficial for a host of other health reasons as well.

Regardless of the product or method you use in your anti aging skincare regimen, consistency is critical for the best long-term results. And most professionals will agree that you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money to help your skin stay younger and healthier looking. Simple cleansers that clean but also gently exfoliate the skin followed by the use of moisturizer are usually recommended as a part of any successful skin care program.