Recently, Consumer Reports tried to identify the best inexpensive wrinkle cream. The results were not surprising. Using technologically advanced equipment to measure the depth of wrinkles, they found that all of the tested creams, from the $40 variety to the $335 product, provided only a small benefit. Does that mean that none of the so-called anti-aging creams are effective?
You’ll be happy to learn that effective anti-aging compounds are available. Multiple clinical trials have proven the effectiveness of things like coenzyme Q10, Functional Keratin, wakame kelp extracts, Canadian brown algae and other nutrient-rich ingredients. It’s just that they take a little time to work and they don’t do all of the work for you.
One of primary causes of an aged appearance is sun exposure. UV rays from the sun cause increased production and activity of molecules known as free radicals. Under ideal situations, there are enough antioxidants in each of our cells to neutralize the free radicals. As time goes by, the situation becomes less than ideal.
So, whether you use the best inexpensive wrinkle cream or the most expensive product on the market, you will find that the results are limited. If, however, you are consistent about protecting your face from the sun, you will start to see results within six months. If you choose creams that contain antioxidants, you will see results even more quickly.
The real problem with most scientific evaluations is that the researchers want to consider only one item at a time. They want to be able to identify the “magic” ingredient.
If a volunteer in the study was consistent about avoiding the sun, started eating more antioxidant-rich foods and used an antioxidant-rich cream, they wouldn’t be able to say with scientific certainty which step provided the results. They couldn’t tell you if they had found the best inexpensive wrinkle cream or not.
It is important to mention that the most effective ingredients are relatively expensive. Naturally occurring compounds are more beneficial than synthetic ones, but the synthetic ones cost far less.
Plant oils are more expensive than mineral oils, but the mineral oils are not absorbed by the skin. So, what’s the point in using them?
No matter how little money you spend, if the ingredients are ineffective, then you have wasted your money. Instead of searching for the best inexpensive wrinkle cream, you might want to look for one that is affordable and effective. It just makes sense.