Are All Anti-Wrinkle Creams Created Equally?
Women, and men alike, as we age, are becoming increasingly more concerned with maintaining the appearance of youth. Whether it is because we don’t want to look older than we feel, or we associate youth with beauty, the anti-aging industry is booming. Many of the products are anti-aging creams, and not all of them are created equally. Some creams cost a few dollars, while others cost hundreds – and they’re typically all made with the same basic ingredients.
Most Common Ingredients
Antioxidants, such as vitamin E and green tea are included to prevent sun damage that disrupts collagen production, to prevent further wrinkle development. Hyaluronic acid allows the skin to draw in more moisture, so it stays plump, to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydroxy acids are included to help remove dead skin so the new, better looking skin is on the surface, to help you appear younger. Peptides are included to increase collagen production to heal wounds. Several peptides exist, and you may find them in any combination in your anti-aging cream.
Retinol is a vitamin-A compound available over the counter. You can find it in many prescription strength products as well. This is perhaps the most common, and best anti-aging ingredient on the market today. The retinoid compounds prevent the breakdown of collagen by preventing the production of the compounds that break it down. If you are pregnant, however, you need to avoid anything that contains retinol, until your doctor advises it is okay. Studies show Retinoids are the only clinically proven anti-aging ingredients, so if yours doesn’t have it, or have enough of it, you’ll be stuck with a product that doesn’t work.
Pay Attention to the Labels
The labels may say they will help you, and they are clinically proven to do so. However, most labels say they have an ingredient in the formula without specifying how much of the ingredients are in the formula. It is the concentration of the active ingredients that make it effective, so if you have a low concentration, you won’t have an effective product. If it is effective, it’s not as effective as it could be.
Be Careful and Give it Time
However, amping up the retinol won’t fix the problem. Too much can lead to redness, and an increased risk for sunburn. Don’t simply rub the cream all over your face and go on. You’ll cause irritation, and may even falsely convince yourself the product doesn’t work. To see results, you will need to use the product as directed for at least eight weeks before you’ll see results. If you see continued irritation, then you can discontinue the product before moving on to another.
Make sure the anti-aging product you choose has all of the most common ingredients – and includes the information about how much is in it. Even if you can’t determine how much of everything is in it, don’t buy a product without knowing how much retinol is in it. Use it as directed, patiently, and you’ll notice results. Take pictures of before and after so you can compare before you disregard a product.
