Anti-aging creams are predominantly moisturiser based cosmeceutical skin care products marketed with the promise of making the consumer look younger by reducing visible wrinkles, expression lines, blemishes, pigmentation changes, discolourations and other environmentally (especially from the sun) related conditions of the skin.

Despite great demand, many such products and treatments have not been proven to give lasting or major positive effects. A decrease in wrinkle depth of 10% is typical.^[1] However, recent studies show that some ingredients have an effect.^[2]

Traditionally, anti-aging creams have been marketed towards women, but products specifically targeting men are increasingly common.

[edit] Ingredients

Some anti-wrinkle creams contain some form of retinol (for instance, in the form of retinyl palmitate) which in various formulations has been shown to give a "rejuvenating" appearance to the skin, in that it stimulates the renewal of skin cells and reduces dark spots^[3]. Alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids have a peeling effect when used as chemical peels. However, the effects of these compounds likely depend on their concentration and mode of application, making the effects of the commercial products less certain. Some other common ingredients are Boslowox, Peptides, Q-10, anti-oxidants, and sunscreens.

[edit] Alternative approaches

The best results come from following a formal anti-aging treatment program, as opposed to the single product approach, based on the use of moisturizers with the complimentary exfoliation and renewal capacity of AHA fruit acids (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) which help to dissolve the intracellular "glue" that holds the dead cells together on the skin. The use of this type of product on a daily basis gradually enhances the exfoliation of the epidermis and stimulates the production of fresh skin cells to compensate for the missing ones. This gradual renewal process exposes a more moisturized skin with less sun damage. This means a lighter complexion, fewer pigmentation spots and less marked wrinkles.

It is important to note that most treatment programs require the use of an effective UV skin protection (SPF 15 or higher) during use of such acid based creams.

There are also a range of alternative cosmetic treatments for the appearance of wrinkles on the skin such as plastic surgery and botox injections. Advertising sometimes presents anti-aging creams as an alternative to these more costly and invasive cosmetic treatments.

[edit] See also

• Aging
• La Mer
• Olay
• Clinique

[edit] References

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