Wondering what those unpronouncable or flowery-sounding ingredients are in your creams and lotions? Read on:

Anthocyanin

The Claim: A potent anti-oxidant found in purple varieties of potatoes and carrots and in the Australian kakadu plum, anthocyanin promises to fight free radical damage caused by the suns UV rays and build collagen in the skin.

The Proof: There has been a decent amount of research looking into anthocyanin as a natural sun-protection agent with basic science showing that it also can stall the growth of precancerous skin cells, says Dr. Adam Friedman, assistant professor of medicine and director of dermatologic research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York.

Seaweed

The Claim: Derived fromalgae and kelp, seaweed extract is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals that balance and tone your skin, and serves as a powerful humectant (attracts water).

The Proof: Seaweed functions very similarly to hyaluronic acid thats naturally found in your skin, which holds 1,000 times its weight in water -- meaningit can pull water into the skin to hydrate it, Friedman says.

Bamboo

The Claim: The bamboo plant contains a high level of silica, an element that supports collagen in the skin to give it a youthful glow. Silica naturally depletes as you get older, resulting in a dry and wrinkled complexion.

The Proof: Bamboo extract is an effective anti-aging ingredient because its the richest known source of silica, says Dr. Debra Jaliman, author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.

Read the original:
The skinny on skin care