While beauty itself may be only skin deep, according to the old adage.   For those chasing a youthful look forever, they may need depths to their pocketbook more than anything in order to keep their appearances vibrant and without the signs of aging. This is this because while the beauty industry has always been known for placing a high value on porcelain wrinkle-free features, the search to stay forever young has taken on the market on its own two feet. The anti-aging market is geared towards anyone and everyone. They aim to keep adolescents and those in their early 20s young forever .  All the while catering to the aging with promises of regaining a look that naturally would fade as the years add up. So, when looking for anti-aging products, it is always important to remember that this is an industry driven by money and their intentions aren’t always pure.  Their promises not always entirely truthful.

Anti-Aging Through the Ages 

To truly understand the drive to remain young forever, one needs only look back to the dawn of humanity. Perhaps cavemen and women were even drawn to erasing aging, we will never know because there is no written history of the sort. What we do know is that as far back as antiquity, that both men and women have been trying to fight the wrinkles of time since the dawn of antiquity. Cleopatra is said to have bathed in goats milk.  This practice has proven effective since goats milk contains both skin softening and exfoliant properties. Men have sought the holy grail and even in more recent history the beauty industry has literally been overshadowed by the anti-aging market. 

A Booming Industry

In the roaring 20s, the first anti-aging cream was born. Before that all sorts of methods to increase elasticity, soften skin and to reduce wrinkles including tinctures, adhesive strips and even raw meat! Today, the anti-aging industry is booming. In 2016 it was reported to be worth around 290 billion dollar and the numbers keep climbing. 

Modern Grails in a Bottle 

Modern solutions for anti-aging include a number of relatively recent discoveries, such as the use of botox and retinol A for reducing wrinkles.  The use of sunscreen to fight signs of aging.

 Creams with a host of ingredients to keep skin firm and fresh looking and protein based creams to reduce swelling. 

Understanding how each of these actually work and knowing the truth behind the claims will help those seeking to retain a youthful appearance to make the most educated decisions. Also, they might just be able to get the results that they are actually looking for. 

Differentiating the Possible from the Not So Possible

It is always wise to go with what works in any endeavor, and this includes the search for eternal youth. So, first of all, the truth is that to date, there is no known or surefire solution to aging. While the anti-aging industry may promise a face that can look forever young, that is just not entirely possible. 

Facing the facts head on is the most important thing one can do when considering what to do about retaining their youth. People get older, even those that don’t look like they do. Wrinkles are normal. Aging is a natural process that is only avoided through not taking part in the process, which for the time being anyway, is impossible. 

Coming to Terms With the Aging Process

Once we step away from the impossible claims that have been fed to us by the anti-aging and beauty industries, we can come to terms with what is actually possible. 

The good news is that all that has been said about anti-aging abilities aren’t lies! 

Understanding Anti-Aging Possibilities 

The truth is, serums, creams and other ways to defy aging can all help reduce the symptoms but there is nothing that can completely erase or eradicate the process other than death. That would be a bit counter productive though.  So first thing… stick with a realistic and doable goal and you’re more likely to be happy wit the results. 

What is possible when seeking anti-aging solutions: 

• There are products that can reduce lines and wrinkles 
• Skin can remain elastic and youthful for much longer than people typically expect 
• Sun damage can be avoided and repaired 

What Works 

When it comes to finding things that work for aging concerns, you first need to identify your issues and concerns. For most, they have a blanket goal of wanting to look younger. Most beauty products are designed with this in mind. The anti-aging industry is a whole different thing. This industry is based on claims, not of covering or hiding the signs of growing older.  They rather capitalize on reversing or avoiding the process all together. We already know that this isn’t possible. So, now explore what is possible. 

The Good, the Bad and the Feeling Beautiful at Any Age

Wrinkles may be tell tale signs of growing older, and in reading between these lines it was once easy to guess a person’s age. These days, there are actually options to make that more difficult to do. However, it is important to make sure that all anti-aging products that are used for this goal in mind are ethical, sanitary and that they actually work. 

What to keep in mind: 

1. Over the counter anti-aging products typically don’t work.
2. For anything to truly be “anti-aging” it would need to change the structure of the skin or effect it on a cellular level. Products that are sold that can do this are considered drugs.  These drugs need to be certified, tested and approved by the FDA.
3. Natural supplements, like drugs are not guaranteed to work. Supplements are also not approved by the FDA. 
4. Non-medical anti-aging products change the appearance of skin rather than actually changing things. 
5. Sunscreen will work to reduce sun damage, but it doesn’t actually heal or repair in its own right. 

Understanding the wording and what goes into anti-aging products is the next step to getting desired results. So, let’s take a look at the ones typically on the market. More specifically, let’s look at what goes into these products. The following ingredients are often listed with radical claims about what they can do for your skin. 

Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

These sound really fancy, but when you call them what they are glycolic, citric and lactic acid then you may find that they sound a bit more familiar. If you do recognize them it is because they are all acids that make up the AHA groupings and they can be found in the grocery store. 

Antioxidants

The term antioxidants really gained clout in the 90s when they were said to fight off environmental toxins and reduce or repair the damage caused to the skin by the sun, smoke and other sources. The truth is, antioxidants are a blanket term for common vitamins such as E, C and B. The most common are:

•  Vitamin C which clears debris and oil from the skin and helps to increase elasticity
• Vitamin E which works with natural collagen production to boost fullness of appearance and supplements skin cells

Antioxidants are not approved as drugs but do show promising results in studies. When used regularly they can help the skin appear more clear and bright. They can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but they will not make it so skin doesn’t wrinkle or remove wrinkles that are already formed. Additionally, antioxidant supplements can be used topically as well as being ingested from natural sources with a well-balanced diet. 

Glycolic Acid 

This kind of acid is derived from sugar cane and is a common compound in many moisturizers and serums because it can temporarily reduce swelling, fine lines and wrinkles. You find this ingredient often in sugar scrubs and lotions. It can act as an exfoliant, which increases the slough of dead skin cells.

Citric Acid

Citric acid is derived of fruits, more commonly tropical or citrus fruits. It has a genetic makeup that is a bigger than glycolic acid and tends to be sold in topical washes and lotions. The claims for this ingredient is that it can reduce oil and freshen skin. 

Lactic Acid 

Derived from milk products. This is the reason that Cleopatra got her results from her gallons of goats milk baths. Lactic acid moisturizes the skin and helps to boost collagen function. This allows for the skin to appear younger and remain tight. 

Peptides

A protein based component, typically found in youth serums, peptides seem to help stimulate elastin and collagen. This can produce a firming effect on the skin and alleviates wrinkles, but not permanently. Depending on the skin, the larger molecule structure will not always permeate deep enough to give lasting effects. For this reason, it is far more likely that peptides are best for battling fine lines by reducing their appearance. Studies suggest that peptides are best for daily application and used regularly. 

Retinol A (Retin-A) 

First approved by the FDA in 1995 as the drug Retin-A.  Retinol A and Retin-A retinoids have been used since the early 70s as a means to reduce wrinkles and make skin appear brighter. They are both derived from the same ingredient, with retinol being a natural form of vitamin A.

Finding the Right Solution to Aging Issues 

When you decide to purchase anti-aging products you want to consider not only what is in the product, but what exactly you are buying. The fact is, not every product will work for everyone. A lot of the products out there are designed for certain issues. The best way to find the right product or products for your skin and issues is to discuss any conditions with a dermatologist. While there are products out there designed to give a better appearance, there is likely a cause that is the root to dissatisfaction. Many factors, including diet, toxins, and sun may be causing the issues and based on the contributing factors there will be specific products that will work best.