1. Focus on ingredients!
It’s so important to pick products that are packed with the top wrinkle fighters. Dr. Katz says there are several classes of anti-agers: antioxidants (like green tea and vitamin C), idebenone (found in products like Prevage), retinoids (like Retinol), alpha and beta hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid), growth factors, and peptides.Though there are other ingredients that companies claim work, Dr. Katz says “these are the ones that are used most in the industry, recommended by dermatologists.”
Dr. Sobel suggests we look for Retinol, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and metrixyl: “Topical application of vitamin A has been widely proven to improve fine and coarse wrinkling roughness, pigmentation, and sallowness. Vitamin C has proven itself as an effective anti-aging ingredient in multiple studies, demonstrating improvement in skin texture, wrinkling and roughness. Alpha-hydroxy acids will improve skin damage from UVA/UVB rays.”
2. Don’t believe marketing hype!
Dr. Katz warns that he’s seen a stunning amount of product that is all marketing and what he calls “soft science.” He says, “You have to find the right ingredients and get products that have been shown to deliver. A product may say it has vitamin C in it, but it might be the wrong form of vitamin C.
Be careful not to think a product is better just because it’s more expensive, either: “You don’t have to spend a lot of money.A lot of women think– and this is not correct– that the more money it costs the better it is.” Dr. Sobel warns us about skin care products with exaggerated claims. “A general rule to go by is that a product should under-promise and over-deliver. If the promise on the label sounds better than a face lift, don’t waste your money.”
Do your homework!
To separate the good from the bad, Dr. Katz suggests visiting the American Academy of Dermatology’s website, which offers information about anti-aging products.
You can also visit your dermatologist to get customized recommendations for your skin.Dr. Sobel informs us that there are specific lotions that are directed to different skin types. “Retinol is the winner for fine lines and wrinkles and can be found in many over-the-counter products. Products that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and sulfur are the best for acne. Hydroquinone 2% achieve the best results for pigmentation. Omega 3 Oil and hyaluronic acid are good for dry skin and inflammation.”
Remember that there’s no such thing as a miracle in a bottle!
Dr. Katz says that topical treatments are more preventative: “They aren’t going to take away wrinkles or sunspots completely, but they will slow down aging and reduce sun damage. It’s preventative, like having a good diet and exercising to help your health.”
Dr. Sobel agrees with this idea and tells us that anti-aging lotions do work, but only to a certain degree. It varies depending on the type of skin you have and your own beauty skin care regime.
Expert tip: Mix up your skin care routine! Dr. Katz says his recommendation to patients is to combine several of the classes mentioned above “for a synergistic effect.” He likes Juva HA Cleanser in the morning, followed by Juva Green Tea Serum; for evening, he suggests Neocutis Bio-Gel and a peptide eye cream (try Kinerase Restructure Firming Eye Cream).
Expert Favorites: Dr. Sobel likes the ingredients that are found in DDF products and Lancome’s youth activating collection. Other dermatologists recommend the Prevage skincare line.
