Kris KeppelerI’m watching the third or fourth commercial featuring a famous “older” woman hawking their favorite anti-aging products. Do these products work? I’m skeptical.
According to dermatologists, the answer is maybe. It depends on your skin type and the ingredients in the product. That product on TV that claims to be fantastic for everyone isn’t.
Is there something that does help all the time? Yes, stay out of the sun. A tan is harmful to your skin.
Protect your skin from the sun
One of the best ways to slow skin aging is to protect it from the sun. If you don’t want more wrinkles, stay out of the sun. Wear a hat and cover your arms and legs.
That isn’t easy if you live in a warm, sunny place. How do you keep wrinkles at bay if shorts and a tee are the most comfortable? Lather that sunscreen on and make sure other products you put on your skin have sunscreen in them.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least a 15 SPF rating. An SPF or 30 is better. Moisturize your skin. Moisturizers can’t prevent wrinkles but can minimize their appearance.
If you smoke, you’re damaging your skin. Smoking gives you wrinkles.
Ingredients that work
Peptides, which occur naturally in your skin, get lots of press as miracle workers. There’s not as much research to support that claim as for other ingredients like retinol. Peptides do benefit your skin by accessing the outer layer.
While there, peptides enhance the skin barrier, increase elasticity, and reduce inflammation. Your skin may appear firmer and healthier. It’s essential to choose the right product to gain any benefits.
Choose a serum or lotion with peptides or palmitoyl mentioned near the top of the ingredient list. Peptides work best with other ingredients like Vitamin C, niacinamide, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid. They don’t work with AHA or alpha hydroxy acid.
Retinoids, known as topical Vitamin A, are the most documented and used anti-aging compounds. They encourage collagen and new blood vessel production in the skin. The result is wrinkle reduction and fading age spots.
It’s not a fast process, taking six to twelve months to notice a difference. Retinoids can also dry and irritate your skin. They increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so wearing sunscreen is a must.
AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants that strip dead skin cells off the top of your skin. When incorporated into face creams, they can reduce wrinkles, skin discoloration, and age spots. They may also irritate your skin.
Look for AHA concentrations of ten percent or less and test a small area before you slather your entire face. In the beginning, use them every other day to help your skin adjust and reduce irritation. Exfoliation makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight so apply sunscreen when out in the sun.
Product recommendations
If you want to try a peptide, Olay Collagen Peptides Wrinkle Correction Serum gets high marks and is unscented. Eva Naturals Peptide Complex Serum contains hyaluronic acid, too, and fabulous reviews.
Here are a few retinol serums recommended by dermatologists. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains ceramides that soften the harshness of retinol. Do you have sensitive skin and a budget? Give the Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane a try.
Can’t wait to try an AHA? Revitalift Derm Intensives Glycolic Acid Face Serum is fragrance-free and budget-friendly. Another serum that’s gentle but effective is Neutrogena Skin Perfecting Exfoliating Serum.
Check with your dermatologist if you’re unsure of the best product for your skin. Some anti-aging products do work. You should find the perfect product for your skin and its issues. And use sunscreen.