Americans spend more than a billion dollars a year on creams that promise to reduce wrinkles and reverse skin damage. Are these so called anti aging products worth the price, or are they just high priced hope in a bottle?

Do Anti Aging Creams Work?

Let’s get right down to it. Do these creams work? The short answer is yes. However results may vary depending on other factors such as diet and genetics.Also, many people are disappointed because they expect drastic results right away. Unfortunately, anti aging creams aren’t a facelift in a bottle. It may take repeated use to see noticeable results.

There is minimal scientific proof that anti aging creams actually deliver on many of the claims that are made. Nevertheless, research has indicated that all of the ingredients below should, in theory, be extremely beneficial to your skin.

Common Ingredients in Anti Aging Creams

High quality anti-aging creams almost always share some common ingredients. These range from healing antioxidants and vitamins to cleansing acids and exfoliants. Here is a brief list of some of the most common ingredients along with details on how they help your skin.

Retinol
A vitamin-A compound used quite frequently in anti aging creams, Retinol works as a powerful antioxidant by eliminating free radicals that cause skin damage.

Tretinoin (Retin-A)
A more powerful cousin of Retinol, Tretinoin is best known as the active ingredient in most acne medication. However, its ability to improve skin texture and fade dark spots makes it a useful ingredient in prescription creams.

Hydroxy acids
These work as exfoliants - scrubbing away dead skin cells and stimulating the growth of new, smooth skin. Be aware that hydroxy acids increase your susceptibility to sun damage, so be sure to wear protection from the sun if you are using a cream that contains hydroxy acids.

Coenzyme Q10
Studies have indicated that Coenzyme Q10 reduces fine wrinkles and protects against sun damage. However, this nutrient already is produced in the human body and its level of usefulness for anti aging is still a controversial subject.

Copper peptides
Copper combined with protein fragments called peptides can enhance the skins ability to heal, produce collagen, and assist the ability of other antioxidant ingredients.

Kinetin
A type of plant hormone that may improve wrinkles and skin pigmentation, Kinetin also produces collagen.

Green tea extract
Green tea is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It fights free radical damage and promotes healthy, smooth skin.

The Bottom Line

Anti aging creams won’t get you perfect skin overnight. But most are packed with ingredients that rejuvenate while simultaneously protecting your skin. This fact alone should make finding a good anti aging cream a priority for anyone who’s concerned about the appearance of their skin.