When you realise you need anti-aging products,
Shopping for an anti-ageing skin care product can feel like a hit-or-miss experience. With so many choices, it can be difficult to know which products to choose. These dermatologists’ tips can help you shop with confidence.

Start with sunscreen and moisturiser
Dermatologists agree that sunscreen and moisturiser are the two most-effective anti-ageing products you can buy. Using these every day can make a noticeable difference.

When shopping for sunscreen, select one that offers all of the following:

• Broad spectrum
• SPF 30 (or higher)
• Water resistance

An anti-ageing moisturiser helps to minimise fine lines. It is so effective that moisturising agents are the secret ingredients in many anti-ageing products.

Using a moisturiser with sunscreen is fine. Just be sure that the product offers broad-spectrum coverage and an SPF of 30 or higher.

If you will spend time outdoors during the day, you should apply a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 (or higher) with water resistance. Be sure to reapply your sunscreen every two hours while outdoors.

Treat your #1 ageing-skin concern
Give sunscreen and moisturiser a few weeks to work. Then look at your skin. Is there still a sign of ageing that bothers you?

By focusing on one concern, such as wrinkles or dark spots, you’ll get the best results. Look for a product that targets your concern. There are two reasons for this:

• No product can treat all signs of skin ageing.
• Using more than one anti-ageing product in a few days or weeks can irritate the skin, making you look older.

Buy a product formulated for your skin type
Your sunscreen, moisturiser, and other anti-ageing skin care products will work best if they are formulated for your skin type. For example, if your skin tends to be oily, select a moisturiser made for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, you want to see the words “sensitive skin” on the label.

This is important because no one product works for everyone.

Read product labels and select a product that offers all of the following:

• Hypoallergenic (The product can still cause an allergic reaction, but there is less risk.)
• Non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic (does not cause acne)

Have realistic expectations

Exaggerated promises, such as look 10 years younger overnight or quickly reduces all signs of ageing, are too good to be true. It’s important to remember that anti-ageing skin care products deliver modest results. You cannot get the results of a facelift from a cream.

TIP: “Clinically proven” means that the product was given to consumers to try. It does not mean the product underwent clinical trials and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Select a product within your price range
It’s human nature to think that the more expensive the product, the better the results. Effective anti-ageing products come in all price ranges.

10 tips to help you along

1. Start with one product: Using several anti-ageing products at the same time can irritate your skin. When you irritate your skin, signs of ageing become more noticeable.

2. Test the product before applying it to your face or hands: Even hypoallergenic products can cause a skin reaction. To test a product, apply a small amount to your inner forearm. Repeat this twice a day for 4 to 5 days. If your skin looks normal – free of redness, itch, and other reactions – you can apply it to your face and neck.

3. Stop using a product that stings, burns, or tingles: These sensations mean that the product irritates your skin. Irritated skin looks older. If you are using a product prescribed by your dermatologist, ask if this should be happening before you stop using it. Some prescription-strength products will burn or sting.

4. Follow directions: Some products contain active ingredients that can cause problems if you apply more than directed. You could end up with clogged pores, blotchy skin, or excessively dry skin. Read the instructions, and use as directed.

5. Give the product time to work: A moisturiser can plump up fine lines in a few days, but most products take at least six weeks to work. Sometimes it can take up to a few months. Be patient while waiting for the product to work.
Continue using, if you want to continue seeing results: People often stop using a product once they see results.

6. Protect your skin from the sun: Sun protection helps to reduce signs of premature ageing on your skin. It also allows your skin to repair and renew itself and reduces your risk for getting skin cancer.

7. To protect your skin from the sun, dermatologists recommend the following:

• Seek shade. Between 10am and 2pm and whenever your shadow looks shorter than you are, you should seek shade.
• Cover up in style. Wear pants, long-sleeves, and a wide-brimmed hat whenever possible. To protect the delicate skin around your eyes, wear sunglasses.
• Apply sunscreen every day before going outdoors. Use sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 (or greater), with water resistance. Apply your sunscreen to all skin that clothing will not cover.

8. Use moisturiser: Moisturiser traps water in your skin. This extra moisture can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and brighten your complexion.

10. Forget about tanning: Tanning speeds up signs of ageing on your skin. Tanning can lead to premature wrinkles, age spots, and other unwanted signs of ageing.

Avoid the temptation to improve results with a do-it-yourself cosmetic procedure: If you shop online, you may see lasers and other products that treat signs of ageing for sale. These products are often counterfeit or imported illegally. Using these products can be extremely dangerous to your health.

For a specific product recommendation, talk with a dermatologist
If you do not see the results you want after following these tips, you may want to see a dermatologist. Your dermatologist can examine your skin and discuss the signs of skin ageing that concern you. Keep in mind that creams, gels, and lotions cannot reduce all signs of ageing skin.