Whether over-the-counter anti-ageing treatments are effective is a matter of debate. It all depends on what you’re looking for.
People use over-the-counter wrinkle treatments and lotions with the expectation of preventing or correcting sun damage. Do they work? The contents and duration of the product are essential considerations in various situations. All over-the-counter wrinkle creams aren’t the same. The benefits of these anti-ageing products are fruitful too.
Anti-ageing products often include the following ingredients:
Moisturizing may enhance your skin’s look. It temporarily plumps the skin, reducing wrinkles. Moisturizing lotions, creams, gels, and serums include water, oils, proteins, waxes, glycerin, lactate, and urea. Anti-ageing products are frequently moisturizers containing active components and improving skin tone, texture, fine lines, and wrinkles. The efficacy of these products relies on your skin type and active ingredient(s).
Here are some popular anti-ageing products that may help enhance your skin’s look.
- Retinoids. Vitamin A molecules such as retinol and retinoic acid are called retinoids. These chemicals have long been used topically to heal sun-damaged skin and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
- C Vitamin (ascorbic acid). This potent antioxidant protects the skin from free radical damage, which causes wrinkles and skin cell loss. Vitamin C may help prevent UV damage and minimize fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Wrinkle creams with vitamin C must be kept away from air and sunlight before and after use.
- Acids hydroxyl. Glycolic, citric, and lactic acids are AHAs. They help eliminate dead skin cells (exfoliate). Regular use of AHA products allows the skin to absorb other products and promotes new smooth and uniformly pigmented skin. Anti-wrinkle agents like AHAs, beta hydroxy acids, and polyhydroxy acids have also been shown helpful.
- Q10 (Coenzyme Q10). Also known as retinol, this chemical may help diminish small lines around the eyes and protect skin
Peptides. This chemical is found in living creatures. Specific peptides have been demonstrated to enhance skin texture and wrinkles by stimulating collagen formation.
- Extracts of tea. Green, black, and oolong teas are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory chemicals. Green tea extract is often included in anti-wrinkle lotions.
- Grape seed extract. This increases collagen formation and is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
- Niacinamide. This molecule is an antioxidant linked to vitamin B-3 (niacin). It reduces skin water loss and increases skin suppleness.
How to age gracefully
Anti-wrinkle creams may help reduce the look of wrinkles depending on how frequently you use them, the active ingredient they contain, and the kind of wrinkles you wish to treat. But if you want to take the uncertainty out of your skincare routine, consider these more proven methods:
- Sun protection for your skin. UV radiation exposure accelerates the skin’s ageing process, generating wrinkles and rough, blotchy skin. In reality, sun exposure is the leading cause of skin ageing, including uneven pigmentation. Limit your time in the sun and use protective gear and a hat to protect your skin. Use sunscreen on exposed skin year-round.
- Opt for sunscreen-enhanced products. Choose skincare products with an SPF of 15 or higher. The AAD recommends SPF 30 or above. Use comprehensive spectrum products that prevent UVA and UVB radiation and are water-resistant. Sunscreen should be applied liberally and reapplied every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Apply moisturizer. Skin-hydrating moisturizers trap water in the skin, momentarily concealing fine lines and creases.
- Quit smoking. Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the epidermis. It also harms collagen and elastin, the skin’s strength and suppleness. As a consequence, skin sags and wrinkles early. Even if you’ve smoked for years or excessively, stopping will enhance your skin’s tone and texture and prevent wrinkles.
Final saying
A dermatologist can help you build a tailored skincare plan by examining your skin’s state and prescribing helpful products. If you want more dramatic improvements over anti-ageing products, consult our specialists.
