ABSOLUTE SKIN DEFENSE CREAM is an anti-wrinkle cream that works to strengthen your skin’s natural defense barrier. It improves skin elasticity, texture and tone for younger looking skin.

It contains the patented IMD 5 ceramide blend, which is 20X stronger than industry standard! With the right ratio of ceramides to your skin’s essential lipids (cholesterol and fatty acids), it fortifies your skin’s barrier, making it more resilient and better equipped to protect itself.

1. Ceramides

Often referred to as skin-identical lipids, ceramides are essential to skin health. Essentially, they act as cement between skin cells in the epidermis to help seal in moisture and preserve the barrier of the skin.

But, like all lipids, they can’t do much without the support of cholesterol and fatty acids in the right ratio. For the best results, look for products with a 1:2:1 cholesterol to ceramides to fatty acids ratio.

Moreover, ceramides are naturally low in many people’s skin, so boosting levels with topical products is key to maintaining healthy skin. “Increasing ceramide levels can protect skin from the effects of environmental stressors and age-related changes,” says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D.

2. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a molecule found naturally in our bodies. It connects tissue, tendons and joints; helps to maintain a smooth, elastic surface of the skin; and keeps the body’s heart valves and lungs lubricated.

Research shows that hyaluronic acid can help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines by boosting the skin’s water-holding capacity, or ability to retain moisture. It also can help to restore lost elasticity in the skin and decrease the appearance of flakiness caused by long-term sun exposure, dryness and environmental assault.

It’s a great anti-aging ingredient to use in conjunction with other skin care products, especially other research-backed ingredients like vitamin C and retinol. These can help to encourage and protect collagen production while hydrating and brightening the skin, too.

3. Retinol

Retinol is one of the most important anti-aging ingredients out there — it reverses the signs of aging, reduces acne and can even help you look younger for longer. It also works wonders at fighting sun damage and fading discolorations like brown spots and redness.

Retinol increases cell turnover, which helps your skin get rid of dead skin cells and make way for new ones to replace them. It can also clear up dullness and prevent wrinkles from appearing over time.

It’s best to use retinol regularly, as continuous use is needed to see the best results. Since retinol can be drying, it’s recommended to start with a low dose and then build up over time.

4. Phytessence Wakame

Phytessence Wakame is a type of sea algae that has been a staple in the Japanese diet for hundreds of years. It’s also one of the most important ingredients in their skincare products.

It’s rich in B group vitamins, calcium and minerals that help keep your skin moisturized. It also inhibits a particular enzyme that breaks down your skin’s natural hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is a protein that helps bind collagen and elastin fibers together, which makes your skin firmer. When this substance decreases due to aging, your skin will sag. Using an anti-aging product that contains Phytessence Wakame can stop this process, and give you younger looking skin.

5. Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble antioxidant that’s crucial for your body’s production of blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones. It protects cells from free radicals produced when you eat and drink and are exposed to tobacco smoke, sun exposure and other sources of oxidative stress.

Vitamin C also plays a role in your immune system and may reduce the severity of colds. However, it’s best to get enough of this vitamin from your diet.