We’ve all heard everything from “start using them when you’re young,” to “don’t use them at all, they don’t make much of a difference.” So what is the deal with anti-aging creams and serums?
Anti-aging creams can be a slippery slope to climb. Their effectiveness depends on the person’s skin type, as well as the ingredients in the creams.
When searching for a product, try to find one that has the following ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, hydroxy acids, coenzyme Q10, tea extracts, grape and seed extract or niacinamide, according to the Mayo Clinic. These ingredients can do a lot for your skin, like remove dead skin and heal blemishes.
It’s important to note that creams, serums and other lotions are considered cosmetics by the Food and Drug Administration. For that reason, these creams do not have to be tested as vigorously as medicated products do. The FDA’s main concern is safety, not necessarily how well a product works.
“Because the FDA doesn’t evaluate cosmetic products for effectiveness, there’s no guarantee that any over-the-counter product will reduce your wrinkles,” its website states.
Still, there is a general consensus that you should start using these products in your 20s. According an article in Women’s Health magazine, you start “pre-aging” in your 20s and 30s. Therefore, your skin will benefit from using these products in the long run.
Finding the right product that works for you can involve a lot of trial and error. There are several things to consider such as your skin type, how the product will affect your skin and cost.
For those looking for a cheap wrinkle reducer option, try Masque Bar Brightening Sheet Mask. It will help give you a more even complexion and, best of all, you can get it for only $9.99 at Target!
Another option on the cheaper side is St. Ives Timeless Skin Moisturizer. The product is dermatologist tested and has natural oils to hydrate and smooth skin. Plus, the moisturizer is very affordable. A 10oz. jar is only $7.99.
All Neutrogena products are great because they are dermatologist recommended and tend to be gentle on your skin. The Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum is a little more pricey at $22.99, but it will help smooth lines that may have already started forming.
For those willing to spend a bit more money on a skincare product, we recommend Clinique’s Anti-Gravity Firming Eye Lift Cream. You can get it at many beauty supply stores such as Sephora for $37. Not only does it help the skin around your eyes firm up, but it also brightens the eye area.
If dropping your paycheck on skincare products isn’t an option, you can always try DIY creams. There are thousands of ideas and recipes to try out on Pinterest. We really love GreenThickies.com recipe because it uses oils which are really great for your skin.
Before trying a new regimen, contact your dermatologist. They know your skin better than you do and will know the best products for your skin type.
(Feature Photo via We Heart It)