Americans spend more than $1.6 billion each year on anti-aging products for the skin, according to Harvard University. These products claim to reduce wrinkles, eliminate age spots, even out skin tone and give users a more youthful appearance. Unfortunately, many of these claims are not backed up by scientific data. Because these products are considered cosmetics rather than true drugs or medical remedies, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate anti-aging products to help protect consumers.
As you compare different anti-aging products, it's important to separate fact from fiction. Consider the active ingredients in each product, as well as packaging, cost and desired effects, to choose the one that's best for you.
Step 1
Read the label to determine the active ingredients in each product. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), both retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) have been scientifically proven to fight the effects of aging. WebMD suggests that products containing argireline have been shown to be effective in minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. While many skin care products contain ingredients called polypeptides, this substance has not been proven to reduce the signs of aging, according to WebMD. Avoid any products that don't contain one of these proven active ingredients.
Step 2
Choose a product that contains sunscreen. According to the AAD, sunscreen is the number one most effective product for preventing and reversing the signs of aging. AAD recommends a product that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Choose an SPF of 30 or higher. Once you get above 30, higher SPFs offer little additional protection.
Step 3
Examine the packaging for each product. According to Consumer Search, while retinol and other retinoids are popular anti-aging products, they quickly lose their effectiveness when exposed to light or air. For maximum effectiveness, choose a product that comes in a dark or opaque container, and choose small or single-use packages to eliminate the effects of air.
Step 4
Match the type of product to your specific skin concerns. According to Consumer Search, buyers should choose products containing either retinol or AHAs to minimize age spots. These products help exfoliate the skin, removing old or damaged skin cells and helping to bring fresh new cells to the surface. Retinol or retinyl palmitate both add moisture to the skin while giving collagen a boost to temporarily minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
Step 5
Visit a cosmetics counter and try different products. Pick your skin care line based on feel and scent. If you're planning to wear a product on your face, you want a neutral smell, or at least a scent you really enjoy.
Step 6
Determine whether you want a day or night cream. According to "Marie Claire" magazine, the average person needs only a day cream. Those with extremely dry skin should stick to night creams, which are moisture-rich and often contain oil. Keep in mind that night creams contain no sunscreen, so you'll need to use a separate sunscreen product during the day.
Step 7
Make your final selection based on price. Many different brands of anti-aging products are actually produced by the same company and sold under different labels. According to Consumer Search, there is virtually no difference between expensive and inexpensive anti-aging products, so pick the cheapest one that fits your needs.
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