I often listen to friends rant and customers complain that they have tried countless skin care products on their faces and still, the wrinkles are there. While I understand the frustration of empty promises and money down the drain, we sometimes have to accept some responsibility.
Many skin care companies are great at marketing – they talk up products, introduce novel ingredients and lead us to believe that application of some topical products will deliver astounding results. Yet there are also some very good products on the market, containing ingredients backed with clinical science to support their efficacy. And they can help your skin – yes, even wrinkles. Are you using them in the right way?
Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of any skin care regimen:
1. Use products that contain ingredients with science backing up their claims. This means treatments supported by several clinical studies in peer reviewed journals. Ingredients including retinoids (as in Green Cream), antioxidants (vitamins C, E), sunscreens, alpha hydroxy acids fit into this category. Keep in mind that due to individual variability that not all ingredients/products will work the same way in every individual.
2. Use and apply products as directed. Effective ingredients need to be applied as directed – sometimes they can’t be combined with other ingredients or they need to be applied to dry (and not wet) skin. Follow instructions.
3. Be patient. Your skin changes slowly so results can take time. For examples, keratinocytes found in the skin’s outer layer are replaced about every 4 weeks. Changes in the dermis (the deeper layer), where wrinkles begin, usually take longer. A month isn’t long enough; allow 2 to 3 months as a reasonable trial period. And, don’t expect miracles. Changes may be subtle.
4. Topicals can improve skin texture, fine lines and small to medium wrinkles, but probably won’t do much for deep wrinkles. If this is the case you may want to consider Botox or other cosmetic procedures including fillers, peels or laser.
