Are Anti-Aging Skin Products Effective?

Aging is something that all of us would avoid if possible and the many anti-aging treatment products on the market are a mute testament to that fact. Unfortunately, many of these products are very expensive so it is always a good idea to look into them before making a purchase. Many women (and men) considering using anti-aging products are looking for a specific effect, so it is also important to look into how well these products work.

Firming and Anti-Wrinkle Creams

Firming and Anti-Wrinkle creams are among the most expensive drugstore anti-aging skin products. These products range in function and title and are often labelled ‘anti-aging cream’ ‘anti-wrinkle cream’ ‘firming cream’ ‘anti-aging lotion’ or etc. Some of the most popular makers include L’Oreal and Olay, although there are literally hundreds of brands. Many also offer different functions so it is always important to look into them. Another consideration is that some are more effective than others. Typically anti-wrinkle creams use collagen fillers, antioxidants and a combination of chemicals and sometimes biological silicone to help firm skin and fill in lines and wrinkles. The down sides include that these treatments are only effective over long term use and the effects will fade after the creams stop being used.

Peels and Dermabrasion

Another anti-aging treatment popular on the market is peels and dermabrasion. Both of these methods use the idea that peeling or stripping away dead skin on the face will result in a younger fresher look. In both cases the effects are real, but can have some downsides as well. Chemical peels which can be applied at home can be effective but can damage the skin over time. Microdermabrasion which is usually done a studio can also be effective, but it can be expensive and effects do fade quickly if you do not take care of your skin afterwards.

Fillers

Fillers include dermal fillers and chemicals, but both are intended to fill lines and wrinkles so that you look younger. Popular options include Juvaderm which is a type of plastic filler. Hylaform is another popular option, it is also filler but is sometimes available in moisturizers so that rather than being injected into the skin, it is built up in lines and wrinkles over time to reduce the size. These fillers can create good looking results but are quite unnatural and can cause complications over time.

Prolonging and Improving Results

Each of these anti-aging treatment options has one major flaw. They often lose effect if not kept up or simply cover problems rather than repairing them. Many dermatologists today are now recommending laser skin rejuvenation as an alternate choice, as well as a method to prolong the effects of creams and dermabrasion.  A facial rejuvenation laser works by targeting skin cells to stimulate collagen growth and improve elasticity. On its own, laser rejuvenation can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, help to improve pigmentation, help to improve conditions including scarring, vascular problems and help to improve skin tone. Importantly, laser skin rejuvenation can be done in a studio, but there also devices that you can use at home to receive the same results over time.

Choosing anti-aging treatment options is up to you, but in any case it is always important to combine your treatments with a moisturizer. Applying moisturizing lotion or creams to the face and hands immediately after showering allows the skin to absorb more of the moisturizer.  Choosing healthy foods, eating or taking antioxidants and avoiding skin damaging lifestyle choices such as smoking can also help to improve the health of your skin so that you look younger.

Suzie Marsh, the author of this post, is a writer who understands that the demand on anti-aging treatments to keep us looking younger has increased dramatically. This demand has led to innovations in anti-wrinkle creams and cosmetic procedures.