Wrinkles occur because as we age, we stop producing collagen, which keeps skin firm. Both sun exposure and smoking accelerate this, so two of the best things you can do for your skin are to keep it covered with sunscreen and away from cigarettes.
But once the damage is done, is there any way to reverse it? Let’s take a look at some common anti-aging cream ingredients and learn just what we’re slathering all over our faces.
Debunking the Skincare Hoax
Typically, we have antioxidants to halt the sun damage, hyaluronic acid which soaks in moisture, hydroxy acids serve as exfoliants, peptides increase production of collagen, and retinol is the over-the-counter version of Retin-A, a vitamin A compound.
Retin-A is available in several prescription strength compounds in addition to retinol; these retinoids prevent the compounds that break down collagen from even forming, and with continued use, retinoids can spur new collagen production.
Dermatologists frequently recommend the use of retinol to prevent and reverse the signs of aging, and this is the only non-prescription ingredient in anti-aging creams with scientific research to back it up.
People who use retinol have reported significant reductions in the appearance of wrinkles and brown spots. A 2008 study by the University of Michigan found that topical retinol application was one of only three proven treatments for aging skin; the other two were carbon dioxide laser treatments and hyaluronic acid injections.
In fact, most of the ingredients in anti-aging creams only work when they’re inserted under the skin, as opposed to rubbed on top of it. In a 2006 interview with the New York Times, one dermatologist compared applying an anti-aging cream to placing blood on top of a patient who needs a blood transfusion.
Don’t Be Fooled
The concentration of active ingredients a key factor in how effective the cream will be. Simply pumping up the amount of retinol isn’t enough. By increasing the amounts of some of these ingredients, you increase unwanted side effects, such as a rash or a higher risk for sunburn.
Many users are prone to slathering their brand new product all over their face, causing irritation which might drive them to abandon the product before it can have an effect. If a product is going to work for you, it will need at least eight weeks.
And although the label might be covered in pseudo-scientific mumbo jumbo, you’re likely just buying some excellent copy. In plain language, even the priciest products offer nothing more than moisturizing and exfoliating, and any moisturizer, whether it costs $10 or $1,000, will temporarily plump the skin for a few hours by infusing it with moisture. The cheaper creams work just as well as the expensive ones, so save your money.
Want to Get Rid of Wrinkles?
Do you wish that you could get rid of wrinkles? If the answer is yes, and you live in Barrie, then you should consider laser skin resurfacing at Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery. Our internationally recognized plastic surgeon Dr. Dickie uses a carbon dioxide laser to smooth the facial skin and eradicate deep lines and wrinkles. It also corrects areas of uneven pigmentation caused by pregnancy or sun damage. The result is a fresher, smoother complexion.
What are you waiting for? Request an in-depth consultation with Dr. Dickie or contact us to learn more about laser skin resurfacing, and turn back the hands of time!