10 Anti-Aging Products That Are Totally Useless And 10 That Actually Work


10 Anti-Aging Products That Are Totally Useless And 10 That Actually Work


Don't Waste Your Money

If you're reading this you're probably all too familiar with how confusing the skincare world can be. A simple Google search will send you down a rabbit hole of misinformation, conflicting claims, and an overwhelming amount of beauty products asserting to be the magic solution. You'll surely end your search with more questions than answers. That's why we've done the research for you: here are 10 anti-aging products not worth the hype and 10 that are scientifically proven to work.

Pexels-Angela-Roma-7479812


1. Topical Collagen

Our skin ages because our bodies produce less collagen. Although adding collagen to the skin to combat aging makes logical sense, the molecular weight of this protein is too large to penetrate the top layer of the skin so creams and serums containing collagen aren't going to do much. 

Pexels-Mikhail-Nilov-6706870Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels

2. Beaded Exfoliants

Beaded exfoliants contain small sand-like pieces that scrub away dead skin cells. Although exfoliation is a necessary part of any successful skincare routine, it's not recommended to use these types of exfoliants as they are too harsh and irritating. 

Pexels-Lapushkina-10650877Photo by Anastasiia Lopushynska on Pexels

3. Wrinkle Fillers

If the idea of a product that instantly erases wrinkles makes you skeptical, you should be. While many of these creams work temporarily, the effects wear off quickly, leaving a dry residue on your face. 

Curology-Llxwlqehkzy-UnsplashPhoto by Curology on Unsplash

4. Cellulite Creams

These creams work by tightening the upper layer of skin which may reduce the appearance of cellulite impermanently, but they don't address the underlying issue which is the fat cells.

Advertisement

Unfortunately, only a combination of exercise, diet, and treatments can reduce cellulite. 

Pexels-Shvets-Production-9775225Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels

5. At-Home Red Light Therapy Devices

LED light treatment works to reduce lines by increasing collagen. NASA developed it to accelerate skin healing for astronauts in the 90s before it became a popular aesthetic treatment. However, at-home devices aren't nearly as effective as in-office treatments because the devices have much less powerful lights so you'd be better off booking a professional session. 

Pexels-Dinc-Tapa-691009-7216285Photo by Dinç Tapa on Pexels

6. Face Sheet Masks

You've probably seen those single-use sheet masks at your local pharmacy that make it seem like their ten minute "treatment" will result in perfect, porcelain doll skin. But while some types add hydration, they won't provide lasting benefits. 

Pexels-Shiny-Diamond-3762555Photo by Shiny Diamond on Pexels

7. 24K Gold Creams & Serums

Another ingredient in skincare that has been all the rage in recent years is gold. While gold-infused products look fancy and have a high price tag, there is no scientific evidence backing up the claims that gold boosts collagen, or has any anti-aging benefits. 

Pexels-Kaderdygnn-7819476Photo by Kader D. Kahraman on Pexels

8. Oxygen-Infused Creams

The practice of using oxygen in anti-aging products comes from hyperbaric oxygen therapy which is used to treat wounds by encouraging cell turnover. There is no scientific research to backup claims that oxygen in skincare products has anti-aging properties. 

Pexels-Gabby-K-6977352Photo by Monstera Production on Pexels

9. Home Microdermabrasion Kits

Microdermabrasion is the process of gently sanding away the top layer of skin.

Advertisement

Although there is positive evidence to suggest professional microdermabrasion treatments have anti-aging effects, at-home kits simply don't have the same efficacy. 

Pexels-Lespa-S-1-V-Di-U-Tr-M-N-Nam-S-O-R-3370719-5042636Photo by Lespa số 1 về điều trị   mụn, nám, sẹo rỗ on Pexels

10. Neck & Décolleté Cream

If you're a woman of a certain age, you're probably familiar with the crepey skin that starts forming on your neck. Neck and décolleté creams and serums are designed to combat this but unfortunately, they're usually no more effective than regular moisturizers and are very overpriced. 

Pexels-Feyzayildirimphoto-20469562Photo by Feyza Yıldırım on Pexels

Now that we've covered the products you shouldn't waste your money on, let's go over the ones that are worth every penny.

1. Retinol

Retinol is the most used and most studied anti-aging compound. It increases the production of collagen and encourages the creation of new blood vessels which work together to reduce the appearance of fine lines and even out skin tone. 

Sayan-Majhi-Pucpkytp4Se-UnsplashPhoto by Sayan Majhi on Unsplash

2. Collagen Supplements

Studies have shown collagen supplementation to be effective in reducing wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, and hydration. Collagen supplements work by replacing some of the collagen we lose each year as we age (1.5 percent annually starting at 25). 

Pexels-Jellybee-45758002-8940739Photo by Jellybee on Pexels

3. Sunscreen

There are endless theories and routines surrounding skincare, but one thing they all have in common is sunscreen. UV damage is the number one cause of premature skin aging so make sure you're lathering it on every day.

Advertisement

 

Pexels-Mikhail-Nilov-8158580Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels

4. Topical Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce harmful free radicals in your body and promotes collagen. Some products infused with vitamin C have molecular weights that are too heavy for your skin to absorb so make sure to choose a serum or cream that includes L-ascorbic acid: a form that can penetrate the skin. 

Vya-Naturals-M3L24Oeny2C-UnsplashPhoto by Vya Naturals on Unsplash

5. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a slippery goo that's produced naturally in your body as a lubricant for joints and eyes. It has been proven to increase skin elasticity and hydration by drawing in moisture. 

Isaac-Wolff-Hfc2Dpjoym4-UnsplashPhoto by Isaac Wolff on Unsplash

6. AHAs 

Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs are a much more effective alternative to beaded exfoliants, especially for sensitive skin. In addition to gently scrubbing away dead cells and rejuvinating skin, AHAs attract and lock in moisture and smooth fine lines. 

Pexels-Nati-87264186-9656214Photo by Nati on Pexels

7. Peptides

Peptides are chains of amino acids that, studies have shown, encourage collagen and elastin production, increasing skin firmness and elasticity. They're optimized as part of a routine alongside hyaluronic acid and retinol but keep in mind results take time. 

Pexels-Shiny-Diamond-3762871Photo by Shiny Diamond on Pexels

8. Squalane

Squalane is an oily substance found naturally in plants and humans. It's absorbed quickly into the skin without leaving a residue so it's a popular ingredient in moisturizers, lip balms, and sunscreens. Studies have shown it to improve skin hydration and plumpness.

Advertisement

Pexels-Vandana-Vankhede-322740014-26733176Photo by Vandana Vankhede on Pexels

9. Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is an antioxidant found naturally in every cell of the body. It has been shown to stimulate collagen and elastin production, reduce sun damage, and energize skin cells. A pillar of Japanese beauty for decades, it only recently came to be known in the west but it's making a big splash. 

Pexels-Tima-Miroshnichenko-6763862Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels

10. Growth Factors 

Growth factors are proteins that aid in wound healing. Studies have shown them to also be effective in boosting collagen synthesis. They're an effective alternative to retinol for anyone who's sensitive to it. 

Pexels-Ron-Lach-8140913Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels