A nourishing night cream can help prevent and possibly reverse many of the visible signs of aging, if it contains the right ingredients. Here’s a look at what it should contain.

Wakame Kelp

Wakame kelp is a type of seaweed used historically to relieve sunburn and as a beauty preserver. Scientists have identified various compounds that are beneficial for those purposes. The main benefit is that wakame inhibits enzymatic activity that breaks down the skin’s hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is currently the most popular anti-aging ingredient for all of the wrong reasons. It is a misconception that applying the compound topically will provide any benefits. However, allowing the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels to rise naturally by using a cream containing wakame will provide visible benefits.

Your skin should look smoother and feel softer. Dark under-eye circles should fade away. Wrinkles should appear less deep. It might not happen immediately, but consistency will pay off.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is one of the miracle ingredients. A nourishing night cream that contains it will actually reverse wrinkles and sun damage, although the manufacturer must include the right form and the right concentration. It usually takes about three months of use to see visible results, but creams that contain other active ingredients may work faster.

Functional Keratin

Functional Keratin is a type of protein found in most of the cells of the skin’s outer layers. It serves many purposes. Only the “functional” type can be absorbed by the skin’s cells.

The benefits of using a nourishing night cream containing Functional Keratin include increased firmness with just a few weeks of use and less dryness immediately. According to scientists, the protein works to stimulate the production of new cells and elastic fibers.

Other proteins such as collagen cannot penetrate into the skin’s cells. That means they provide no benefit. Like the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, the popularity of collagen, elastin and other dysfunctional proteins is due to public misconception, perpetuated by the cosmetic industry.

We know that a nourishing night cream should contain the ingredients highlighted above, because scientific research has proven they are beneficial. When you are comparing the many anti-aging creams on the market, look for proof that the ingredients are safe and effective.