There are hundreds of anti-aging creams on the market, and each one promises to do all but halt the aging process. However, how can a product bought at the drugstore for a couple bucks possibly do the same as one purchased at a high-end store? Can any product really make a difference, or is it all psychological? The effectiveness of an anti-aging product is ultimately a question of to come down to the ingredients, how you use it, your individual body, and your expectations.
Ingredients
Skin creams tend to have many of the same ingredients such as Vitamin C, retinol, and tea extracts. Retinol helps to protect the skin from sun damage, which can cause wrinkles and discoloration. Vitamin C is a common antioxidant found in anti-aging products. Antioxidants help get rid of free radicals--oxygen molecules that cause wrinkles by breaking down skin cells. Tea extracts are also filled with antioxidants, but also have anti-inflammatory properties as well that reduce skin puffiness, and can combat long-term wrinkling.
Product Use
In order to get the most of of your anti-aging products, you need to use them more than once a day. It also might be in your favor to use specific products for specific parts of your body. Different parts of the body require different care. Using a general anti-aging cream can have positive effects, but choosing a more personalized treatment could be more effective.
Your body
Everyone’s body is different, and it is important to pay attention to how each product affects your skin. This will help you develop the best possible treatment plan. For example, some people may find that anti-aging products work best when used in conjunction with a daily moisturizer -- whereas other patients may be more concerned about occasional acne breakouts. Either way, long-term skin care is dependent on more than just the use of anti-aging products. If you are serious about preventing skin damage as you age, it is important to use sunscreen regularly, and have regular appointments with your dermatologist.