Tips on Anti-Aging Treatments

When it comes to skin care, anti-aging treatments are the hottest ticket going. They promise to reduce wrinkles, erase fine lines, brighten up our complexion and tighten up our skin. We will look younger, more radiant, healthier and just plain better.

We can choose from cleansers, pods, creams, lotions, serums and even handy little machines that promise to make that dull dry skin disappear right in our own bathrooms. We are bombarded with an assortment of scientific chemicals and compounds that promise to magically restore us to a youthful glory, no matter what our age.

Of course, dozens of different brand names are available in our local discount store and plenty more are available if we head out to a department store or specialty boutique. So how are we supposed to know what anti-aging products work, which ones we need and how much money to spend? It takes a little research and a basic understanding of what an anti-aging wrinkle cream or skin care product can and cannot do.

What Do All These Products Do?
Retinol. One of the most common ingredients in a skin care cream is retinol, a form of Vitamin A. Retinol, which can be found in over-the-counter creams, helps boost up your collagen, giving your skin a firmer, plumper look that takes years off your face. Retinol helps erase those fine little lines as it plumps up the skin and it lightens the skin, which makes it look younger.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). Alpha-hydroxy acids are another popular ingredient found in many anti-aging skin care products. They come from fruit acids and help exfoliate the skin, prompting new cell growth and smoothing out the fine lines and small wrinkles on the skin. They help improve texture and tone as they unblock and cleanse your pores. AHAs can counter oily skin and acne, as well as work to improve the overall condition of the skin. However, AHAs can irritate the skin and leave it more vulnerable to the damaging effects of sunburn, so use sunscreen and cover up if you try this kind of product.

Glycolic Acids. Glycolic acids are a type of AHAs and are used in chemical peels to achieve the formation of new collagen. These acids are becoming more common in over-the-counter skin care products.

Antioxidants. Antioxidants work to seek out and gather the free radicals that damage your skin. They also help prevent further sun damage to the skin. The most commonly found antioxidants include Vitamin C, Vitamin E and green tea extracts. Antioxidants are highly touted for their effectiveness; however, some experts are still debating their true merits.

Copper Peptides. Copper Peptides facilitate the healing of wounds. Their ability to help firm the skin make them a natural addition to anti-aging products.

What Should You Buy?
The answer to this question comes down to personal preferences and desires. What is your desired change or result from an anti-aging skin care product? Are the high-priced products more effective than the moderately priced anti-aging products or even the cheapies? The definitive answer is: maybe.

Your best bet is to read the label and look for the ingredients you would like to try. After that, it comes down to your senses to determine which one you like the best. How much more do you like it? Does that anti-aging lotion smell good and leave your skin feeling soft?

Spend as much as you would like to, but start with products from the "sensitive" or "gentle" end of the line. Always test the product on a small spot of skin before you apply it to your entire face. Over the next few weeks, evaluate the product's positive and negative effects on your appearance. When you find a line you like, add the items to your skin care routine, and keep evaluating them as you go.

What Is the Best Anti-Aging Treatment Available?
The best anti-aging treatment is prevention. You're ahead of the game if you enjoy a lifestyle filled with love, exercise, good nutrition, rest and balance. Use the skin care products you choose regularly. Get outside and move around in your life, but stop and put on a hat and some sunscreen before you go out. No matter what the weather is, you need to protect your skin if you want it to look younger longer.

Also start breaking some bad habits. If you haven't stopped smoking, just do it now. You'll be amazed at the results in both your appearance and your energy levels. The same goes for tanning: You will never achieve the glow and vibrancy you are looking for if you continue tanning, either in a tanning bed or outdoors. If you want to have skin as soft as a baby's bottom, then treat it that way.