People in the U.S. spend more than $344 million per year on anti-wrinkle creams and creams designed to reduce and hide the signs of aging, reports ABC News' morning show "Good Morning America." Choosing the right products and using them correctly can go a long way toward minimizing the effects of aging on your skin, but with so many options -- many of which may not actually be effective -- shopping for anti-aging skin care products can be challenging, said Marianne O'Donoghue, a dermatologist from the Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, on "Good Morning America." The key to rating anti-aging skin care products is knowing what ingredients deliver real results.
Step 1
Look for anti-aging day creams that contain broad-spectrum sunscreen, recommends O'Donoghue. Sunscreen is the single most effective way to prevent wrinkles from appearing and deepening.
Step 2
Look for night creams that contain prescription-strength retinoids, recommends Miami-based dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd in "O, The Oprah Magazine." They're the best way to reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots and uneven skin texture.
Step 3
Look for antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene and alpha lipoic acid in anti-aging day creams, recommend Rob and Carol Trow in "Skin Inc." magazine. Antioxidants help prevent cell damage that can cause wrinkles and discoloration.
Step 4
Skip anti-aging creams that contain propylene glycol or sorbital, recommends O'Donoghue. Though they help your skin maintain the moisture it already has, they prevent it from getting additional moisture.
Tips and Warnings
- If your skin is too sensitive for retinoids, creams containing alpha hydroxy acid are your next best bet, according to O'Donoghue.
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