Numerous anti-aging skin creams are available on the market that pledge to make skin appear younger. Many of these products contain proven ingredients, such as peptides, antioxidants and retinoids. Some creams are designed to target specific issues as well, such as aging around the eyes or sagging skin. Other targeted creams contain ingredients to reduce puffiness around the eyes and minimize fine lines and wrinkles as well.
As people age, collagen production in the skin decreases, causing of signs of aging. When collagen, a substance in skin that keeps it firm and full, becomes depleted, the skin starts to form lines and becomes less firm. Anti-aging skin creams containing antioxidants have been shown to help boost natural collagen production, plumping up the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants also help battle external forces that damage skin, such as sun exposure and pollution. Anti-aging skin creams containing antioxidants fight the free radicals produced by such environmental factors.
Scientific studies have proven that chemical compounds called retinoids can reduce facial wrinkles. The compound is a vitamin A derivative that also increases thickness in the deep layers of skin where signs of aging begin. A dermatologist may provide patients with prescription-strength retinoid creams, but over-the-counter anti-aging skin creams that contain retinoid compounds typically are available in most drug and department stores. While not as powerful as their prescription counterparts, these products may offer results at lower costs and often aren't as irritating to the skin as prescription-strength creams.
Peptides, or short-chain proteins naturally occurring in human skin, are hormones that deliver signals to the skin to stimulate collagen production. While this benefit makes peptides a desirable ingredient in anti-aging skin creams, it also offers other advantages. For example, peptides have been shown to nourish and smooth skin. Additionally, peptides produce a similar effect to that of injectable products that cause facial muscles to relax, giving skin a smoother and more youthful appearance. Peptides are often used in anti-aging eye products due to their ability to reduce puffiness and bags as well.
Many anti-aging skin creams are designed to target specific problems. Products exist for the face, eyes, hands and neck to combat aging concerns specific to these areas. For instance, eye creams usually confront puffiness and crows feet.
Though most over-the-counter creams can be presumed safe, it usually is wise to use caution. When using a product for the first time, it is advisable to first try it on a small area of skin 24 hours prior to using it on the entire face or neck. This testing period can help determine how the skin will react and help avoid any negative side effects, such as a rash or other allergic reaction.