The years can take a toll on your skin in the form of sagging, thinning, drying and wrinkling. A plethora of skincare products promises to rejuvenate the signs of aging skin. Many people are willing to invest in the products, hoping the promises will be fulfilled.The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says people in the U.S. spent upwards of $7 billion on anti-aging creams, gels, serums and other products in 2008. Fortunately, a number of anti-aging staples may give you the results you desire.
Sunscreen
Sun exposure is a major cause of skin aging, according to the Mayo Clinic. The AAD says sunscreen is the most beneficial age-fighting product available, bar none.
When applied daily, a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection shields the skin from ultraviolet rays that can cause wrinkles, roughness and age spots. A broad-spectrum sunscreen also may help repair sun-damaged skin when used consistently. The AAD recommends wearing a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Moisturizers
Keeping your skin well-moisturized can temporarily fill out fine lines and make your complexion look brighter and younger. Some products claim that their moisturizing effects can last up to 48 hours. The AAD points out that inexpensive moisturizers may provide these short-term effects equally as well as higher priced products.
Exfoliants
Hydroxy acids, including alpha, beta and poly hydroxy, are all synthetic acids derived from sugar-containing fruits. Hydroxy acids act as exfoliants which remove the outer layer of dead skin and promote the growth of new, fresher-looking skin. Always wear sunscreen if you use hydroxy acids since they can also make your skin more prone to sun damage.
Retinol & Tretinoin
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative commonly found in over-the-counter wrinkle creams. Retinol is less potent than the prescription-only retinoic acid called tretinoin (brand names Retin-A and Renova). Tretinoin is a topical treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating wrinkles.
Retinoic acid's direct impact on skin cells is credited with its anti-aging effects. In contrast, the effects of retinol products are limited and usually temporary, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Green Tea
Due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, green tea extracts are often contained in wrinkle creams. Topical use of green tea may slow down the development of some signs of aging, especially related to sun damage, according to Smart Skin Care.com. Whether green tea can actually diminish wrinkles and skin sag is far less certain.
Copper Peptides
Skin care products that contain copper peptides may also have anti-aging effects. The Mayo Clinic says when copper is combined with tiny protein fragments known as peptides, it may encourage the action of antioxidants and fuel collagen production. Collagen is a protein-rich compound, naturally occurring in the body, that repairs and rejuvenates skin tissue.
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