5 Skincare Products That Will Turn Back the Clock
While it's impossible to hide the visible signs of aging completely, everyone wants to look and feel their best as they grow older. Although good genes and good lifelong habits certainly play a role in how our skin ages, some products have proven to improve the appearance of aging skin and promote a more youthful glow. There are a host of anti-aging skin products on the market, ranging from eye creams and lip balms to body lotions and wrinkle fillers.
The best practice, recommended by dermatologists, is to start with a daily moisturizer and sunscreen and then go on to address your top concerns and problems. There is no single product that addresses all visible signs of aging, and attempting to solve everything with dozens of different products is a waste of time and money. Furthermore, using too many products will likely irritate the skin and be counterproductive.
By focusing on your top priorities, you'll have greater success turning back the clock. Here are some of the products proven to improve the appearance of aging skin.
Daily moisturizers with SPF 15 (or more)
Whatever your age, protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial. Apply sunscreen daily and be sure to re-apply while engaging in outdoor activities. Look for products that do double-duty by combining sun protection in the makeup or moisturizer.
One of the best:
The Olay Age Defying Protective Renewal daily moisturizer gets rave reviews year after year from consumers and beauty experts alike. It provides sun protection and lasting moisture at a reasonable price.
Hand Cream
Our hands are often neglected when it comes to skincare, and it shows. Your hands usually get more sun, rain, and wind exposure than your face and they need extra care. Protect the skin of your hands from premature aging, wrinkles, and sunspots with a good moisturizer and sunscreen.
One of the best:
Christian Dior Capture Totale Nurturing Hand Repair Creme:
The Dior Capture Totale Nurturing hand crème nourishes the hands providing moisture and sun protection while reducing age spots and evening skin tone. Fans of this product know how well it works and doesn't mind paying a little more to see the excellent results.
Night Cream
Night creams may seem old-fashioned, but it makes sense to hydrate deeply at night when your skin isn’t exposed to harmful UV rays and the crème doesn't have to compete with makeup. Many of the most effective anti-aging skincare products are supposed to be put on at night when they can penetrate and hydrate the skin while it is free of makeup and environmental exposure.
One of the best:
L'Oreal Paris RevitaLift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair Facial Night Lotion:
The L'Oreal RevitaLift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair night lotion uses Pro-Retinol A to target deep wrinkles on the forehead and around the mouth, without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin. While no topical cream can perform miracles on deep wrinkles, L'Oreal Regenerist is proven to work just as well as any of the more expensive brands, for a fraction of the cost.
Firming Cream
One of the most noticeable aspects of aging skin is that it loses firmness, particularly in the jaw and neckline. Firming creams tone and tighten the skin without surgical intervention.
One of the best:
While the Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Growth Factor Neuropeptide Serum is expensive, it has been scientifically proven to firm skin around the troublesome jaw and jowl area. It gets rave reviews year after year for its firming and anti-aging effects. Packed with peptides and neuropeptides, this formula helps to contour, restore, and nourish aging skin. Some users report that it also works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Face Peel
A face peel has long been recognized as a way to promote new, healthy skin and restore youthful glow and balance. Face peels remove dead, dull surface skin cells, encouraging the skin to naturally repair itself with newer, plumper cells and look fresher. While facial peels are often only performed at expensive salons and spas, there are options for getting similar results at home for a lower price tag.
One of the best:
The Boots No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-Aging Glycolic Peel Kit delivers the effects of a glycolic peel but is gentle enough to use at home. Don't let the low price deceive you; this is one of the best-reviewed and most effective at-home glycolic peels available. Reviewers love how it evens skin tone, reduces pore size, lightens age spots, and even soothes old acne scars. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, the Boots No7 Glycolic Peel Kit promotes a healthy, youthful look.
When Shopping for Skincare Products, Look For:
products that match your skin type, so you don't make dry or oily skin worse
hypoallergenic products to avoid adverse reactions
non-comedogenic products to prevent clogging pores and causing breakouts
retinol as the most effective over-the-counter anti-aging ingredient
search for scientific studies and clinical trials as opposed to what it claims on the label
The most expensive products aren't always the best or most effective. Look for brands that have invested in clinical trials and studies, so that you don't get duped by exaggerated marketing lingo. When possible start with samples or trial sizes so you don't invest a lot of money into a product that may not work for your skin type or problems.
Whatever your skincare priorities, whether it's targeting fine lines, sagging skin, age spots, or dryness, remember that lifestyle plays a huge role in the healthy appearance of skin. Good nutrition, good hydration, and adequate sleep will all go a long way toward restoring youthful, healthy skin, and they don't cost a dime.