Anti-aging serums are one of the most popular ways to fight the signs of aging. However, it’s also one of the most expensive methods, with many products costing upwards of $200 or more per bottle. In addition, many consumers experience negative side effects after using these serums, such as allergic reactions or skin irritation. Is it really worth investing in this type of product? Read on to learn more about anti-aging serums and whether they’re worth trying out.
What Makes An Effective Anti-Aging Product?
It’s not enough to just slap an expensive skin cream on your face and call it a day. Of course, looking for effective anti-aging products is important. But that’s only half of it; you need to look at what exactly goes into those products. To be truly effective, skin creams must contain antioxidants and peptides as well as retinol or another form of vitamin A. Retinol helps encourage collagen production while also working to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides help stimulate collagen production, which will help keep your skin firm and elastic. Antioxidants like Vitamin C are good because they fight free radicals in our bodies that can damage cells—including cells in our skin. These three ingredients work together with other ingredients to help boost collagen production so you’ll have firmer, younger-looking skin when you wake up in the morning!
Natural Vs. Synthetic
Many anti-aging serums contain natural ingredients, like fruit acids and vitamins A, C, and E. These types of products have been shown to slow down or reverse signs of aging when used consistently for several months. However, other serums are made up of synthetic ingredients that might do more harm than good by irritating skin or causing allergic reactions. To find out if your product is natural or synthetic, check out its list of active ingredients; if you see a number followed by PEG (polyethylene glycol), then it likely contains synthetic chemicals. If not—like in Juice Beauty’s Phyto Corrective Gel Concentrate — then you’re safe to use it on your skin every day.
Ingredients To Avoid
This is especially important when it comes to anti-aging serums and lotions. While most of them contain healthy ingredients, some are harmful and may cause irritation, redness, or other problems. You’ll have an easier time finding an anti-aging product that works if you know which ingredients to avoid. Some of these ingredients include sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, and salicylic acid. Oftentimes women who are pregnant or nursing can use these products; however, they should consult their doctor first to make sure there won’t be any harmful reactions.
Not All Products Are Created Equal
We have come to a point in society where we believe that anything that is new and shiny is better than what we already have. That’s just not true! Some anti-aging serums are loaded with harmful chemicals, often labeled as fragrance and perfume to avoid listing their ingredients, which can do more harm than good to your skin. Instead of picking up anything with a pretty picture on it, look for products marked green, meaning they were created using healthy ingredients and are safe for you to use over time. The Environmental Working Group publishes guides to help you find skincare products with little or no risk of irritating sensitive skin.
Don’t Spend More Than You Need To
As tempting as it may be to splurge on a pricey anti-aging serum, keep in mind that more expensive products don’t necessarily have better ingredients. Lesser known brands might seem like they’re cutting corners by using lesser-known ingredients, but those ingredients are just as effective—if not more so—than their high-profile counterparts. It may take some time to do your research and find a product with only top-notch ingredients, but that research will pay off when you see how great your skin looks. A little bit of work can go a long way when it comes to aging gracefully!
Finding The Right Product For Your Needs
Although anti-aging products may sound like a quick fix, many of them don’t deliver on their promises. When choosing an anti-aging product, look for ingredients that target your specific aging concerns. For example, if your skin is particularly dry and flaky due to extra sun exposure, use products with shea butter or glycerin. If you have wrinkles around your eyes or crow’s feet, opt for antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea extracts. And if you’re worried about age spots or acne scars, there are plenty of options to fade away blemishes—try looking for retinol serums to help stimulate collagen production and even out skin tone.
