Anti-aging products don't have to be expensive to be effective. Some of the more budget-friendly products available are also readily available in your supermarket or drug store aisles. The trouble is that marketing campaigns for anti-aging products can be very seductive and cause you to ignore the more obvious choices out there. If your wallet is feeling the pinch, these low-budget rejuvenating products are just what you need.
Green tea
This healthy beverage that’s been a staple in the Chinese diet for thousands of years prevents aging from the inside. It’s not just your skin or outer appearance that will be rejuvenated, but your whole body, as well.
According to the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, green tea is rich in polyphenols that protect against health problems that are more likely as you age. These antioxidants destroy free radicals and help to prevent brain cells from dying and to fight off certain forms of cancer such as skin, liver and pancreas.
Green tea also helps to lower cholesterol levels and may increase fat metabolism and influence insulin activity to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Sunscreen
Getting into a regular sunscreen use routine from an early age is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to keep your skin looking young and healthy. As the American Academy of Dermatology or AAD explains, exposure to UVA rays leads to premature aging. Your skin develops wrinkles, lines and age spots more quickly, as well as a leathery look. Too much sun also increases your risk of skin cancer.
Adding sunscreen to your anti-aging routine is easy. Choose a water-resistant sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Use it on both sunny and cloudy days. Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors, advises the AAD. Also, reapply if you’re swimming or sweating a lot.
For even more anti-aging benefits, look for sunscreens with compounds that enhance their effectiveness, even if they’re a little pricier. Helioplex, for instance, prevents sunscreen ingredients from breaking down, and Mexoryl SX or ecamsule, provides added protection against UVA rays and also makes sunscreens last longer, according to the FDA.
Retin-A
Twenty years after its debut, this prescription medication still gets the thumbs-up for its skin-healing powers. It’s a derivative of vitamin A that speeds up skin cell turnover and produces anti-aging benefits.
In an interview with The New York Times, Dr. John H. Voorhees, the chairman of the dermatology department at the University of Michigan Medical School, explained that Retin-A or tretinoin is the only drug that’s proved to work on a molecular level to rejuvenate skin.
If you can’t wait to get a prescription, retinol--a milder version of Retin-A--is available over the counter. However, both of these medications can create adverse reactions, such as sun sensitivity and burning, swelling or blistering on the skin. You should consult with a dermatologist before trying this anti-aging skincare product, advises the University of Iowa Hospitals.
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