Aging skincare requires patience and gentleness. The skin's layers are thinner and more delicate. Harsh cleansers and scrubs are not a good idea. Those are pretty easy to identify and avoid. But, rating skincare products of other types may be a little more difficult. Here are a few helpful hints.

Shop for Preservative-free

Preservative free is a good idea for anyone, but it is particularly important for aging skincare, because artificial preservatives are the most common cause of adverse and allergic reactions. Parabens are the most commonly used preservatives in the cosmetic industry. One of them is known to cause de-pigmentation, which not only affects your appearance, but also your skin's health. Melanin, which is responsible for the pigmentation or color of your complexion, is the skin's natural defense against UV rays from the sun.

So, when you are rating skincare products, give an F to the ones that contain parabens or other artificial preservatives. Give an A to the ones that are preserved using natural vitamin E.

Try to use Mostly Fragrance Free

Fragrance ingredients are the second most common cause of allergic reaction and, in most cases, we don't even know why. Manufacturers are not required to reveal their "secrete formula". There are some 2000 chemicals that fall under the heading of "fragrance". Nearly all of them are toxic.

High rating skincare products are free of added fragrances, even natural ones, because they can still be irritating. Again, this is important for aging skincare, because it is more easily damaged. An adverse reaction can cause permanent scarring in an older person. In addition, these "mildly" toxic ingredients cause underlying inflammation that is damaging to the cells and fibers.

Don't Use Lotions that Contain Mineral Oil or Petrolatum

High rating skincare products do not contain these ingredients, because they clog the pores and interfere with natural cell replacement processes. The outer layer of the epidermis can be completely replaced in 30 days, as long as cell replacement is going along smoothly. Aging skincare should only include ingredients that support and stimulate cell replacement.

Use a Natural Moisturizer

Every day, after you use your gentle cleansers, use a natural moisturizer that protects your skin from the damage that can be done by the elements. Ingredients to look for include grape seed oil, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, kelp extracts, passion fruit extract and a protein-rich formula called Functional Keratin.

Functional Keratin is only found in some of the highest rating skincare products. Keratin is an ingredient in many lotions and creams, but if it is not the "functional" kind, then it will not be truly beneficial to the skin's health.

The functional kind has been shown to stimulate cell replacement by as much as 160%, increase firmness by over 40%, improve moisture content by over 20%, reduce inflammation, fade wrinkles and erase fine lines. That is aging skincare at its best. Basically, by using moisturizers like these, you are turning back the clock, or at least slowing it down a little.