Dozens of anti-aging skin products line the shelves of stores, each promising to target symptoms of aging, creating a smoother and more youthful look. But not all skin care products are made alike. Several criteria recommended by third-party medical experts, including the American Academy of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic, can help you choose the product that can most effectively rejuvenate your skin.
Age Symptoms Targeted
Most anti-aging skin products focus on a specific problem. Narrow your focus to products that target your chief skin concern. Though you might have issues with several signs of aging, the American Academy of Dermatology warns that using too many products simultaneously can irritate your skin and make your signs of aging more pronounced.
Timing
Your skin care regimen should be split into day and night treatments. The label on the skin care products will list when you should smooth them on. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends moisturizers with sunscreen to protect your skin during the day and a repairing product for evening use.
Active Ingredients
Most anti-aging products make bodacious claims regarding the miracles they’ll do for your skin, but only a select few ingredients actually have any anti-aging effects. Review the products’ ingredient list. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends choosing products formulated with phosphatidylserine, estrogen creams, copper peptides, alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, and derivatives of vitamin A such as tretinoin. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends hydroquinone, peptides and kojic acid.
Bad Ingredients
Some anti-aging products contain products that can irritate your skin. Cosmetic expert Paula Begoun warns of any skin care product that has alcohol, citrus oils, mint or mint extracts, lavender and witch hazel listed as ingredients. You might also wish to open the product’s top and sniff it because some anti-aging skin products have excessive fragrances that you might find irritating.
Cost
The price of a skin care product has little bearing on its effectiveness, according to the Mayo Clinic. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that the most expensive part of many skin products is the packaging. Many cheaper or generic anti-aging skin products have ingredient lists that mirror those of more expensive brands.
