Wrinkle creams: dream or reality?

Oodles of lotions sold in stores and pharmacies promise to rejuvenate your skin, diminish your wrinkles and reverse the harmful effects of the sun. Are these merely fanciful promises?

Do any of these products provide tangible results? A few studies suggest that some ingredients contained in anti-wrinkle creams could help diminish wrinkles. However, many of these ingredients have yet to be subjected to rigorous studies. Granted these wrinkle products are unlikely to dramatically improve the texture of the skin, they could lightly attenuate the effects of time, particularly if used on a regular basis.

Here are a few ingredients contained in anti-wrinkle creams that could modestly affect the appearance of wrinkles:

• Antioxidants: These substances neutralize free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles. Antioxidants come from various sources: vitamins A, C, E, oligoelements (zinc, selenium, silicon, copper), green tea, grape seed and seaweed. They help improve skin’s appearance and diminish the harmful effects of pollution.
• Retinol: A composite of Vitamin A, it is the first antioxidant to be widely used in over the counter products. It stimulates skin cells regeneration, smoothes out surface wrinkles and increases the thickness of the skin.
• Coenzyme Q10: This nutrient helps regulate the energy production of skin cells. Some studies showed it can reduce wrinkles around the eyes.
• Hydroxy Acids: These synthetic acids are derived from acids contained in fruits such as citrus, grapes and sugar cane. They are exfoliating acids, meaning they help eliminate the surface layer of the skin (removing old and dead skin cells) while stimulating the regeneration of smoother skin with more uniform pigmentation. As these acids increase skin’s sensitivity to the harmful effects of the sun, it is primordial to apply sunscreen every day when using them.

Some products can cause skin irritation, itchiness and/or redness. You must always follow the instructions recommended by the manufacturer to keep these side effects to a minimum.

Creams and lotions are classified as “cosmetics” and are therefore not subject to the same rigorous efficacy and innocuity tests as medications are. So it is entirely unsure that a cream will effectively give you younger looking skin. While on the subject, you must remember that the high price of a cosmetic product does not guarantee greater efficacy…a cream that costs half the price might be just as effective as an expensive one!

If you wish to improve and maintain vibrant, younger looking skin, you should follow good lifestyle habits that have repeatedly proven very efficient!

Protect your skin from the sun. Sun exposure is the first cause of skin aging. UV rays accelerate this natural process, causing the appearance of wrinkles and spots and modifying the texture of the skin, making it rougher. You should limit your exposure to the sun and always wear a hat and protective clothing. You should also always apply sunscreen before going outside, even in winter! Choose products that contain SPF of at least 30. Adhering to this will ensure that your skin is always protected from the sun.

Use a moisturizing body lotion regularly. When skin is dry, the normally plump cells become crinkled, forming premature wrinkles. Although moisturizers will not prevent wrinkles, they can temporarily mask fine lines and creases attributed to dry skin.

Do not smoke! Cigarette causes blood vessels in the external layer of the skin to shrink and damages collagen and elastin, the fibres that gives your skin strength and elasticity. This is why a smoker’s skin wrinkles and sags prematurely.

Drinking plenty of water and eating healthfully also helps keep body and mind in good shape!