I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of anti aging creams I’ve tried that really work. Feel the same?
Oh, everything promises to rid you of wrinkles and turn the clock back 10 years. And most of the creams deliver… for like a few hours. Then those pesky wrinkles come back with a vengeance.
You see, not all anti aging creams are created equal. Some have only what it takes to make wrinkles look smaller for a while. Others only prevent them. Only a tiny number of creams out there can really reduce them.
How do you know if the anti aging cream you’re eyeing is up to the job? Let’s take a look at the different types of anti aging creams and what they can REALLY do:
Anti Aging Creams Type 1: The Basic Kind
How it works
This is the most basic formula and is made up of:
That’s it.
Why it works
Hydration really is key to healthy skin. When skin is well hydrated, it looks plumper and fuller, and that makes fine lines and wrinkles look smaller.
The catch
The effect is just temporary. When the added hydration has run its course, the wrinkles are still there, as big as they were before. That’s why you shouldn’t spend more than $15 on them.
Who should use it?
- Young women ( <25 ) who don’t need to worry about antiaging yet.
- Anyone who prefers to splurge on an effective anti-aging serum and doesn’t need more goodies (those I’ll mention below) in their moisturizer.
Best Picks
- CeraVe Am Facial Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($17.99): available at iHerb, Ulta and Walmart
- Nivea Creme ($5.48): available at Walmart
Shop Hydrating Moisturisers
Related: Is Mineral Oil Bad For Skin?
Anti Aging Creams Type 2: The Exfoliating Kind
How it works
They contain AHAs and BHA, exfoliants that can remove the dead cells that accumulate on the surface on the skin.
Why it works
When you remove dead skin cells, you reveal the skin underneath, which is brighter and smoother. This makes wrinkles look less noticeable.
The catch?
Not everyone may tolerate daily exfoliation. If that’s your case, an an exfoliating moisturiser may work best for you.
Who should use it?
- Anyone who can tolerate daily exfoliation and can’t be bothered to use a separate exfoliant.
Best Picks:
Shop Exfoliating Moisturizers
Related: How To Choose The Best Exfoliator For Your Skin Type
Anti Aging Creams Type 3: The Preventative Kind
How it works
These anti aging creams are loaded with antioxidants, the good cops that destroy free radicals, the criminals that give you wrinkles and dark spots. The most common in skincare products are vitamins C and E, green tea, and coenzyme q-10.
Why it works
When an oxygen molecule loses an electron, it turns into a free radical. To regain its electron, the free radical attacks another molecule to get it, damaging DNA, cells and proteins in the process. The other molecule, now a free radical, too, attacks another molecule, and so on, creating a chain reaction that leads to wrinkles.
Antioxidants can fight this process in one of two ways:
- They can break the free radical chain (ex: vitamins C and E)
- They neutralize the initiating free radicals, slowing down or preventing the chain reaction (ex: superoxide dismutase).
Either way, they stop free radicals BEFORE they can cause wrinkles.
The catch?
Antioxidants help prevent new wrinkles from forming, but can’t reduce those you already have.
Who Should Use It?
- Anyone in their teens and early twenties who doesn’t have wrinkles yet.
- Anyone who wants to avoid getting more wrinkles!
Best Picks:
Shop Antioxidant Moisturisers
Related: How Antioxidants Help You Fight Premature Aging
Anti Aging Creams Type 4: The Real Deal
How it works
The real deal, these anti aging creams contain vitamin A, which can accellerate cellular turnover, boost the production of collagen, and fight free radicals. It’s one of the very few ingredients proven to really reduce wrinkles, not just their appearance.
Why it works
- When you accelerate cellular turnover, those old and damaged dead cells get off your face, replaced by newer and younger ones. This makes your face look smoother.
- Collagen keeps skin firm and elastic. The more skin has, the better.
- Neutralizing free radicals stops the production of wrinkles in its track.
The catch?
There are several forms of vitamin A. Retinol’s the most effective, but also the most irritating. It can cause redness, flaking, and irritation. Use it only every other day at first.
Other forms, like retinyl palmitate, are less irritating, but also less effective. It’ll take longer to see results, but if your skin’s sensitive, the trade off is worth it.
Who should use it?
- Anyone who is serious about fighting premature aging.
Best Picks:
WARNING
I’m not saying everyone needs a retinol moisturiser. If you’re using a serum with retinol, you DON’T need it in your moisturiser, too. Using two products will retinol will only irritate your skin.
The point I’m making is that vitamin A is the only thing that can really reduce wrinkles. All those “antiaging moisturizers” without retinol aren’t really antiaging. They can moisturise your skin, exfoliate dead cells and make your skin smoother and brighter, but they won’t turn back the clock.
Shop Retinol Moisturisers
Wanna know more about how moisturisers work and how to choose the right one for YOUR skin type and needs? Click on the image below to sign up to my newsletter and receive my short ebook, “The Smart Girl’s Guide To Moisturizers”:
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The Bottom Line
Anti aging creams aren’t miracle products that can make you look 10 years younger overnight. The vast majority of them can only make your wrinkles look smaller for a few hours or prevent them in the first place. Look for retinol if you’re after the real deal.
What are your fave anti aging creams? Share your picks in the comments below.
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Do anti-aging creams work? syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
July 13, 2019 at 03:13AM
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