Do Anti Aging Creams Work?
Anti-aging creams, also called cosmeceuticals skin care products, are primarily moisturizer-based, skin-friendly cosmetics products sold with the claim of staving off, lessening or even eliminating signs of premature skin aging by moisturizing dry skin or treating sun damage. The ingredients in these products are derived from natural sources or synthesized in a laboratory. They are combined in precise proportions to achieve specific effects that will leave the skin looking healthier and more radiant. Anti aging creams can be purchased over the counter at health and beauty stores or specialty brands found in department and big box stores. For example, Sephora offers a full range of cosmetics, skin care and bath and body items that are sold under the brand name Clorets.
The idea behind an anti-aging cream is to fight the signs of aging by moisturizing the skin and replenishing it with vitamins and antioxidants. By keeping the skin nourished it will remain healthy and able to function properly. There are four main natural components in anti-aging creams that do this. These include alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA), beta hydroxyl acids (BHA), butanediol and polymers. Most of them are naturally occurring plant or animal extracts.
An anti-aging cream containing AHA will exfoliate and help remove dead skin cells, which stimulates new cell growth and helps skin becomes more elastic. However, the active ingredient for this type of product should not be alpha hydroxyl acids as they cause a drying effect. They are most often found in anti-aging facial cleansers and exfoliators. Other types of alpha hydroxyl acids include beta hydroxyl acids, which are less harsh but still can irritate the skin.
BHA is another component of an anti-aging cream. It is also known as anti-free radical activity, due to its ability to scavenge free radicals and repair the damage that they have done. However, BHA should only be used on a spot-by-spot basis, as a prolonged exposure could produce adverse effects. Some of the common side effects from continuous use include redness, irritation and burning.
The third ingredient that is commonly found in anti-aging cream is polymers. Polymers have various effects on the skin depending on their specific properties. For example, polymers that bind to and form a protective layer on the outermost surface of the skin have been shown to protect against UV damage. However, it has been shown that prolonged exposure can also damage collagen fibers. Polymers are also used to make anti-wrinkle creams, but these are often derived from petroleum based products that are not compatible with human skin. These ingredients should also be used sparingly as they can also cause dryness and irritation, which can further contribute to wrinkles.
Some anti aging creams also contain alcohols and paraffin wax. Alcohols such as ethanol, propyl gallate and paraffin wax all have drying and flaking effects, which can further stimulate the appearance of wrinkles. There are also anti aging creams containing plant steroids. Plant steroids are often called carotenoids and are derived from carrot root, pink grapefruit extract, green tea, aloe and seaweed. While some plant steroids have been shown to stimulate the production of collagen, others have been shown to cause an increase in skin wrinkling.
The fourth ingredient in an anti-aging cream is dimethicone. Dimethicone is an ingredient used in anti-wrinkle and anti-aging cleansers, because it helps to diminish facial puffiness and provides a non-greasy feel. However, when Dimethicone is combined with an oil such as mineral oil, it becomes an effective skin moisturizer. The main drawback of using dimethicone along with alcohols and paraffin wax is that they can clog pores, and when this happens, the production of sebum – the oil that moisturizes and protects the skin – is slowed down.
A good anti-aging cream will include antioxidants, which are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants and foods. Some of these antioxidants have been shown to reverse wrinkling and age spots, as well as other signs of aging. Others, such as vitamin E and grape seed extract, have proven to increase the cell renewal process in the skin. So, while an anti-aging cream can’t stop all of the signs of aging, it can help you look and feel younger for longer.
