All manufacturers supplying to the marketcosmetic industry anti-wrinkle creams, assure that their products are the highest quality, most reliable and the best. But, as you know, trust the advertising, but don't be lazy yourself! It is not always worth believing loud statements about the fact that they have discovered a new, previously unknown substance that in two or three weeks will remove even deep age and expression wrinkles, tighten the skin and make it smooth, elastic, like a baby's.
Cream for wrinkles: fiction or reality?
It's worth thinking about, rejuvenating cream isInnovative discoveries or a new invention of advertisers? Unfortunately, not every surgeon can turn back time, not to mention an ordinary jar of a new product. After all, if this product really had such unique properties, then it would most likely be considered a medicine, and not ordinary cosmetics. But still, you should not think that anti-wrinkle creams are a waste of money and time, because if you start using really good, certified and tested by specialists products on time, and not when a fairly large number of wrinkles appear on the face, aging can be postponed for ten to fifteen years. A distinctive feature of this category of goods is that its production has not yet been taken under strict control, so manufacturers can call their invention whatever they like, even "a remedy for expression wrinkles" or "a mixture of cucumber and honey." What exactly an effective anti-wrinkle cream should contain and in what quantity, some companies do not always know, not to mention the fair sex.
What does the packaging hide?
Everyone has long since learned the basic ruleregarding the fact that if a book cannot be judged by its cover, then a cream can be judged by its beautiful and bright advertising. But the fair sex still continues to make the same mistake - they buy an advertised product in a beautiful jar. In fact, this is not surprising, because the managers spent more than one hundred rubles (or dollars) to make the tube attractive even to those who did not plan to buy it. Therefore, before you put the selected product in the basket, examine it again and study its composition.
- Collagen
Despite the loud statements of manymanufacturers about the magical properties of this ingredient, this substance does not penetrate the skin, which is known to any chemist or biologist. Its molecules are simply not able to overcome the barrier put up by the human body, since their size is too large for this. In other words, they remain on the surface, and are completely washed off the first time you wash your face. But, on the other hand, these substances will not cause you any harm.
- Retinol
It is this component that is capable of stimulatingcollagen production in the human body, it also has a positive effect on the regeneration of small blood vessel cells, so its benefits are undeniable. However, there is also a "but" here - such products are usually sold in pharmacies, and most of them - only by prescription. In order for such a cream to remain effective as long as possible, it must be stored in a tight, airtight container (tube, jar) in a dark, dry place inaccessible to strangers, since direct sunlight is a time bomb for retinol. A few hours in the sun - and this product can be thrown away, since there will be no benefit from it. The only disadvantage of this substance is that it can cause serious allergies. Therefore, in order not to walk around with a red, spotty and rash-covered face for several days, first use the cream on a small area of the skin. If you have not used such a product before, introduce it into your complex care gradually (at first, no more than two or three times a week). Another nuance is the increased sensitivity of the skin to external irritants, which appears several hours after applying a product with vitamin A to the face. Therefore, it is advisable that retinol not be included in day creams, otherwise the effect of UV on the skin will lead to premature aging. It is also not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers to use such products.
- Coenzyme Q10
The presence of this component in cosmetics,intended to combat age-related changes - is a must, not just a nice-to-have. It only affects the upper layers of the skin, so it definitely won't be able to smooth out deep wrinkles, but it can easily get rid of newly appeared ones or prevent new ones from appearing.
- Vitamin E
Tocopherol together with Q10 do not give moleculescollagen to break down, thanks to which the skin remains smooth and even much longer. In addition, it will protect your face from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. And even small children know about the harm caused by sun rays. Remember, components that prevent UV from affecting the skin should be in any such cosmetic product.
- Vitamin C
Deficiency of this vitamin can lead torapid aging of the skin, as it is one of the main substances necessary for the production of collagen. Its presence in the cream is mandatory, especially if it also contains vitamin E (this antioxidant enhances its work). Plus, such products are recommended for women who have problems with acne.
- Alphahydrogen acids
AHA, if you don't use them too often and withmind, are quite useful, as they help to cleanse the skin of dead skin particles. But those who use products with, say, lactic acid every day, instead of healthy and smooth skin will get a completely opposite result. Remember what manufacturers of such products usually do not talk about - alpha hydroxy acids destroy the natural protective barrier, which is the cause of early wrinkles. European countries have already managed to express their protest against such cosmetics, as its uncontrolled use (and AHA is added to many creams) can lead to burns.
- Hyaluronic acid
Cream that contains this component,will cost two or three times more than usual, but many scientists are still arguing about its effectiveness. But the weighty argument that hyaluronic acid molecules are as large as collagen molecules makes you wonder whether it is worth buying such a product.
Caution, it's dangerous!
For several years now, many famousScientists are declaring publicly: anti-wrinkle cream can be addictive! Whether this is true or just another black PR stunt, no one can say for sure. Their main argument is that if you apply such a product to your face constantly, the positive effect will be noticeable after four to five weeks, but as soon as girls stop using it, everything will go back to normal. However, on the other hand, how can the skin remain as smooth, even and fresh without cream if it stops receiving the vitamins and components that nourished it before. The only thing that may alarm you is that the effects of using some components have not yet been fully studied. Therefore, how you will feel and what age you will look in thirty to forty years remains a mystery even for scientists, not to mention technologists. But, as they say, if you are afraid of wolves, do not go into the forest.
How to choose the right cream
Of course, to guarantee that you from the firstNo one (even experienced sales consultants) can help you find the right option for yourself, but in order not to play roulette and not risk your health, you should follow several basic rules.
- Consider skin features
Dry, oily, combination skin - everyoneThis type requires certain elements and substances, so you can't take creams without first making sure that they suit you. To find out which category you belong to, it is enough to visit a professional cosmetologist once or conduct a small test with a napkin. If after you wipe your face with it, there are streaks on it, then you have oily skin. By providing proper daily care, you will also get rid of some defects (pimples, acne, etc.), but if the product is intended for dry, and you have problematic oily skin, you will only aggravate the situation.
- SPF not less than 15
Remember, the sun is the skin's biggest enemy,therefore, such cosmetics should reduce its impact. The presence of substances that protect against ultraviolet radiation should not affect the cost of the product in any way, therefore, only the cream in which the SPF indicator exceeds 15 - for winter use, 30 - for summer is considered effective. Please note that it makes no sense to buy an anti-wrinkle cream if it does not contain, for example, zinc oxide, avobenzone, titanium dioxide, etc.
- Moisturizing - the pledge of young skin
With age, human skin loses its former elasticity.and smoothness, and the main reason for this is the lack of moisture, so the anti-wrinkle product must necessarily contain components that prevent its loss. It is best if the entire series of day and night creams are from the same manufacturer, since in this case all such nuances are taken into account.
- Do not buy cream in dubious places
Even the best and most expensive cream won'teffective if it is stored incorrectly. It is unlikely that in passages, markets and at home there is a specially equipped room where huge boxes with this product are stored. Moisture and sunlight are not the worst thing that can happen. Unsanitary conditions are what can lead to serious skin diseases in the future for those who use the product purchased in such places. The ideal option is a store or pharmacy. In addition, there you can be given first-class advice, they will tell you what exactly is right for you, provide certificates and documents confirming the quality, and also show the annotation. If necessary, a legal trading establishment will be able to exchange the product for you if you provide a receipt.
- Study the composition
Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients.from most to least: what is at the very beginning of the list will be the most useful, and what is at the end will be the least useful. So if the advertisement said that, for example, cucumber extract will make your skin smooth, and this component is twentieth on the list, then they are simply trying to deceive you, since its effectiveness will be very low.
We use the cream correctly
When you buy an anti-wrinkle cream, don't expect it tothe second or third day your face will become completely smooth. At least a month should pass before the positive effect appears. But, unfortunately, your face will not become the same as that of the young girl advertising this product. If you use such a product occasionally, then you will simply throw money down the drain. You should start using creams not when deep wrinkles are already visible, but much earlier. Of course, while the skin is young (up to twenty-five), such serious products should not be used, it is better to stop at ordinary moisturizers with UV protection. After thirty, anti-wrinkle cream is already a must-have for every girl, regardless of whether she has age or expression marks or not. Before each application of the cream, be sure to wash your hands and face. It is not only a matter of personal hygiene, but also the fact that the fewer germs get into such a product, the better. This is why many manufacturers release products in tubes with a thin opening, and not in the usual and familiar packaging. Thanks to this, such cosmetics last much longer. Anti-wrinkle cream should never be applied to the area around the eyes, as specially designed products should be used for such delicate and sensitive skin. Nourishing cream should not be applied to areas where hairs are located on the face, otherwise they will start to grow much faster. Remember that you cannot experiment with such cosmetics. Always follow the instructions, and if it is indicated there that the night cream can be applied, for example, only an hour and a half before bedtime, do not do it later or earlier. If it has not been completely absorbed during this time, remove the remains with a dry paper napkin or cotton swab. Also, do not use the cream during the day, as it should not come into contact with sunlight. Any cosmetic product should be applied carefully! Rubbing the cream into the skin, strongly patting the cheeks and forehead with your fingertips, you only worsen the situation, as new wrinkles will appear faster due to microtraumas. The movements should be light, circular and barely noticeable. For greater effectiveness, pre-apply masks or wipe the skin with tonics, lotions, so that the active components can more easily penetrate. If you cannot clean your face, wipe it with wet wipes to remove dust and dirt. And last but not least! Never use more than necessary. A thick layer of cream will take a long time to absorb, and if you leave it on overnight, you will find dry residue in the morning. There will be no benefit from this, but there is plenty of harm, from infection to premature wrinkles. Usually a small drop, the size of a pea, is enough for one time. We recommend reading: