Do Anti-Aging Skincare Products Really Work?
Do Anti-Aging Skincare Products Really Work?
Today, the skincare market is brimming with anti-aging products. From easy application creams to powerful serums, there are now dedicated sections for these products in beauty aisles in all cosmetic stores. But are they really worth it? Do they even work?
Well, that’s a million-dollar question that we can answer with the help of science and experience. Consumers today are a lot more sophisticated and tend to ask questions before using stuff on their skin. That’s a good thing!
So if you’re in your 30s or 40s and thinking questioning whether to use anti-aging products, read on!
Understanding Anti-Aging
The word ‘anti-aging’ has become controversial in recent times. Although it has been around for a while now, many people are considering it negative.
Aging is a natural process that every human has to go through. Some people take the term as derogatory, implying that beauty fades with age. That’s merely an assumption, as that’s not what this term really means.
The beauty and skincare industry coined this term for products that slow down the signs of aging. That said, the confusion and negative emotions are understandable because oftentimes, companies use dubious terms when promoting their products.
Nevertheless, anti-aging cream, lotions, and serums basically target the visible signs of aging. Now, what are these signs of aging? Fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, and saggy skin are the common signs of aging.
As we age, our skin’s natural processes to replenish it slow down. That leads to dry and dehydrated skin, which starts to show cracks and fine lines. Similarly, collage is a protein that is found abundantly in our skin. One of its jobs for our skin is to keep it firm and elastic. With age, the production of collagen slows down, causing wrinkles and making the skin appear loose.
Anti-aging products, typically the good kind, fight and slow down these very signs of aging. Of course, there’s only so much they can do, but over time they do tend to reduce some of these effects.
That said, not all anti-aging products are the same. It all comes down to the ingredients they have and what they target.
What Does Science Say About Anti-Aging Skincare?
The scientific community has mixed responses when it comes to anti-aging products. Some researchers point out their shortcomings, while many dermatologists vouch for them. Again, it all comes down to the ingredients as far as efficacy is concerned.
Some research does support anti-aging skincare products. For instance, one study from the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetical Dermatology, which saw 200 participants using anti-aging products for 56 days, found these products to be effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Another review paper reviewing the effects of over-the-counter anti-aging creams and lotions reveals that some products do have potential. For instance, Vitamin A and Vitamin B derivatives can reduce aging effects.
This study also points out the lack of research in this area, which is true. There’s clearly a need for even more research into this part of skincare. However, existing research does support the effectiveness, to some extent, of anti-aging skincare products.
Best Ingredients for Anti-Aging
You know how they say not everything that shines is gold. Well, that also goes for skincare because not all products are the same, and not all claims are true.
When buying anti-aging products, make sure to check for certain ingredients as those ingredients do all the magic.
Some of the known ingredients in skincare with anti-aging properties include:
Retinol, the active form of Vitamin A, is popular for its anti-aging effects. It’s known for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, which is why it’s also common in eye creams. However, it’s a strong ingredient that can dry the skin.
Vitamin C is an all-rounder as it not only nurtures skin, balances complexion but also rejuvenates the skin to appear more supple.
AHAs help prevents aging signs through exfoliation and hydration. They might not necessarily target existing signs. Peptides are a kind of protein that increases cell production in the skin, so new cell turnover doesn’t slow down too much, making the skin dry.
Lastly, look for antioxidants, which generally come from natural things like fruits and plants. These compounds fight free radicals in your body that damage cells, including the already vulnerable cells of your aging skin.
How to Choose Anti-Aging Products?
Now that you understand that anti-aging products aren’t all that bad as some people project them to be, you can go ahead and look for some yourself.
Here are some tips:
- Check the ingredients: It’s important to take a look at the ingredients and see if they have one of the above anti-aging substances. These should ideally have natural ingredients.
- Go with trustable brands: When it comes to skincare, choosing trustable brands is key. Go with reputable brands that don’t cheap out on ingredients, like Lancome, Prevage, and Estee Lauder.
- Avoid ‘too good to be true’ claims: There’s no overnight magic to get rid of those fine lines and wrinkles. So don’t go for products that make very big claims that sound too good to be true.
- Consider skin type: It’s best to go with products designed for your skin type.
- Read reviews: You can look at reviews from other customers whether a product worked for them.
- Do patch test: Before incorporating it into your skincare regimen, do a patch test to see if it doesn’t cause any reaction.
Wrap Up
Despite some negative press, anti-aging skincare does do its job. However, it’s easier to fall for some traps within the industry and buy products that don’t work at all or claim to take your skin back to the teens. Well, that’s not realistically possible.
That said, using anti-aging products is a good measure to prevent further damage to the skin and keep it looking better than it would without any maintenance.
Besides, we strongly believe that confidence is also the best anti-aging ingredient, so even if you have those wrinkles and lines, don’t forget to be confident in yourself.
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