People purchase over-the-counter wrinkle creams and lotions in the hopes that they can smooth out wrinkles and protect against or repair UV damage.
Do they operate? That frequently depends on the components of the products and the duration of use. These over-the-counter (OTC) wrinkle treatments don’t have to submit to scientific testing to demonstrate their efficacy because they aren’t considered medications.
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Common ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams
Moisturizing alone can improve the appearance of your skin. It temporarily plumps the skin, making lines and wrinkles less visible. Moisturizers are lotions, creams, gels and serums made of water, oils and other ingredients, such as proteins, waxes, glycerin, lactate and urea.
Wrinkle creams often are moisturizers with active ingredients that offer additional benefits. These added ingredients are intended to improve skin tone, texture, fine lines and wrinkles. The effectiveness of these products depends in part on your skin type and the active ingredient or ingredients.
Here are common ingredients that may result in some improvement in the appearance of your skin.
Retinoids
Retinol and retinoic acid are examples of vitamin A molecules that fall under this heading. These substances have been applied topically for a long time to assist in repairing sun-damaged skin and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, which means it protects the skin from free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles. Vitamin C may lessen wrinkles and fine lines while protecting skin from UV exposure. Vitamin C-based wrinkle treatments must be stored in a way that shields them from air and sunlight both before and after use.
Hydroxy acids
Glycolic, citric, and lactic acids are examples of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Dead skin cells are removed using them (exfoliate). Regular use of an AHA product helps your skin absorb other products more effectively and promotes the development of fresh, evenly pigmented, smooth skin.
AHAs, beta hydroxyl acids and a newer form called polyhydroxy acids have also been shown to be effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Coenzyme Q10
This component may help prevent sun damage to the skin and lessen fine wrinkles around the eyes.
Peptides. These chemicals are present in living things spontaneously. Certain peptides have been demonstrated to improve skin texture and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen.
How To Care For Your Skin To Prevent Wrinkles
Depending on how frequently you use it, the kind and quantity of the active ingredient in the wrinkle cream, and the kind of wrinkles you wish to treat, an anti-wrinkle cream may make your wrinkles appear less prominent.
But if you want to eliminate any uncertainty from your skincare routine, use these tried-and-true methods for bettering and preserving the appearance of your skin:
Sun protection for your skin
UV radiation exposure accelerates the ageing process of your skin, leading to wrinkles and blotchy, rough skin. In actuality, sun exposure is the main cause of wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and other skin ageing symptoms. Limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun and wearing protective gear and a hat all the time will protect your skin and delay the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, wear sunscreen outside on exposed skin all year round.
Choose items with sunscreen already built-in
Choose skincare items with a minimum SPF of 15 when making your selection. SPF of 30 or above is advised by the American Academy of Dermatology. Use items that are water resistant and broad spectrum, which means they prevent UVA and UVB rays. If you’re swimming or perspiring, reapply sunblock every two hours or more frequently.
Apply moisturizers
Although they can’t stop wrinkles from forming, moisturizers can temporarily hide fine lines and creases by holding water on the skin.
Avoid smoking
The blood vessels in the topmost layers of your skin become narrowed as a result of smoking. The collagen and elastin fibres that give your skin strength and suppleness are also harmed. Skin starts to sag and wrinkle as a result before it should. Even if you’ve smoked for a long time or frequently, stopping smoking will still enhance the texture and tone of your skin and delay the appearance of wrinkles.
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