Alpha. Beta. Acids, vitamins and derivatives. All of these are not merely another chemical compound but, rather very effective skin care ingredients. Some scientific facts will help you to distinguish between the different ingredients in your skin care products and wrinkle creams.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)

• Over-the-counter skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids) have become increasingly popular over the last five years.
• In the U.S. alone, there are over 200 manufacturers of skin care products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids.
• Creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may help decrease enlarged pores.

Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid)

• Salicylic acid also has been studied for its effect on skin that has aged prematurely due to exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
• It exfoliates skin and can improve the texture and color of the skin.
• It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and, as a result, also helps with acne.

Hydroquinone

• Skin care products containing hydroquinone are popularly referred to as bleaching creams or lightening agents.
• These skin care products are used to lighten hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and dark spots related to pregnancy or hormone therapy (melasma or chloasma).

Kojic Acid

• Kojic acid is a more recent remedy for the treatment of pigment problems and age spots.
• Discovered in 1989,kojic acid has a similar effect as hydroquinone. Kojic acid is derived from a fungus, and studies have shown that it is effective as a lightening agent, inhibiting production of melanin (brown pigment).

Retinol

• This is a derivative of vitamin A, and you will see that a lot of skin care products contain retinol.
• Retinol’s stronger counterpart is tretinoin, which is the active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova.
• If your skin is too sensitive to use Retin-A, retinol is an excellent alternative.
• Here’s why skin responds to skin care products with retinol:
  • vitamin A has a molecular structure that’s tiny enough to get into the lower layers of skin, where it finds collagen and elastin.
  • Retinol is proven to improve mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and color, and your skin’s hydration levels.

Hyaluronic Acid

• Skin care products containing this substance are often used in conjunction with vitamin C products to assist in effective penetration.
• Hyaluronic acid (also known as a glycosaminoglycan) is often touted for its ability to “reverse” or stop aging.

Copper Peptide

• Copper peptide is often referred to as the most effective skin regeneration product, even though it’s only been on the market since 1997.
• Here’s why: Studies have shown that copper peptide promotes collagen and elastin production, and also acts as an antioxidant.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

• You may have heard of alpha-lipoic acid as “the miracle in a jar” for its anti-aging effects.
• It’s a newer, ultra-potent antioxidant that helps fight future skin damage and helps repair past damage.
• Alpha-lipoic acid has been referred to as a “universal antioxidant” because it’s soluble in both water and oil, which permits its entrance to all parts of the cell.

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)

• If you’ve heard of fish referred to as brain food, you can thank DMAE.
• This substance is naturally produced in the brain, but DMAE is also present in anchovies, salmon and sardines, boosting the production of acetylcholine, which is important for proper mental functions.
• DMAE in skin care products shows remarkable effects when applied topically to skin, resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

The above information has been gathered from highly scientific studies and sources are Cleveland clinic, Yahoo health, Web MD etc.