Do you stare into the mirror every morning and every night to see if those fine lines around your eyes are still there? Makers of anti wrinkle creams are counting on the fact that you are. Youth is big business and manufacturers of anti wrinkle treatments know that both men and women are willing to spend big bucks on products that will make them look and feel younger. However, do these products truly turn back the hands of time by erasing the signs of aging? How do over the counter anti-aging treatments really work?
As you age, your skin undergoes a number of changes. The cells in the epidermis, which is the upper layer of the skin, start to divide more slowly, thus making it difficult for the skin to repair itself. This leaves it more susceptible to sun damage, environmental toxins and damage caused by muscle movements. Without proper anti wrinkle creams and treatments, fine lines deepen and skin gets thin and papery. The key to minimizing the effects of aging is moisturizing and keeping the skin cells hydrated.
If you’ve ever shopped for an anti aging wrinkle cream, then you’re familiar with the ingredient retinol. Retinol, a vitamin A compound, was the first antioxidant ever to be widely used in over the counter, anti wrinkle face cream products. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules which break down your skin cells, thereby causing wrinkles. Vitamin A stimulates skin cell renewal by increasing the rate of mitotic cell division. Tretinoin is a more potent derivative of vitamin A also used for treating wrinkles, but it is only available by prescription. The effects of these compounds likely depend on the concentration and how it is made.
Coenzyme Q10 is the ingredient touted in Nivea’s anti wrinkle cream products. Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that helps manage the production of energy in your cells. Certain studies have demonstrated a reduction in fine lines around the eyes, without any side effects. Other studies have demonstrated that applying this product before exposure to the sun protects against sun damage.
While initial research suggests that certain ingredients may improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, most anti wrinkle creams haven’t undergone independent, comprehensive testing. In fact, because these non-prescription creams contain lower concentrations of active ingredients than do prescription creams, the results may be insignificant and last only a short time. It’s also likely that you’ll need to use the anti-wrinkle cream regularly over an extended time before you notice an improvement in your skin’s texture. Moisture and SPF are your best defense against wrinkles. Use products that contain sunscreen, drink lots of water, and be proud of the laugh lines on your face.
Aging is a part of life. And with age come wrinkles. Your skin loses its elasticity and begins to develop those fine lines around your eyes, nose and mouth. But you can fight back. Click here to learn ways to get your youthful skin back with effective wrinkle reducing tips.