The Best Ways to Keep Your Skin Looking Younger

I've completed an experiment with wrinkle cream products trying both department store skin products and products that you find at the discount stores. My results were that you don't need an expensive product, unless it also offers some of the listed ingredients below. Most of the moisteriers don't. A costly product often doesn't work any better than a cheaper product. Many products from both the department stores and discount stores don't contain the recommended ingredients.

I did find the more expensive products are usually creamier. Oftentimes these companies will offer a special where you can get a sample bag of their other products for free if you make a minimum purchase. Some of these products are large sizes and it does give you an idea if they are worth purchasing.

According to the Mayo Clinic, certain ingredients may work for minor wrinkles and some products may help your skin form collagen. It is stated that all of these products still need more research. It might be a good idea to speak to a dermatologist before starting any skin regimen.

Most products whether purchased off the counter or online do have ingredient lists somewhere online. If they don't, check the box. Online products that don't have ingredient lists, I'd pass on.

According to the Mayo Clinic, these products may work. They do need more research.

Coenzyme Q-10 - Your own body does produce this enzyme on it own and it is necessary for your cells to function correctly. The enzyme is used throughout our bodies. The highest concentration is found in the body when we are young and this leads researcher to believe that it promotes more youthfulness and longer life.

Many people take Q-10 for other conditions from diabetes to blood vessel disorders. It is a vitamin like substance that some believe increases energy, and helps the immune system. The substance is used for so many other things that it might be worth trying.

Q-10 produces biochemical energy in the cell and is an antioxidant. This is an oil soluble vitamin like substance found in some fish and shellfish.

Copper Peptides - These were discovered for use in the healing of wounds and to stop scar formation by Dr. Loren Pickart in the early '70s. They worked well in minimizing scarring and repairing tissue to its previous condition. The use of copper peptides has been researched and documented to work well for scarring, but more research needs to be completed to prove it works well for wrinkles. Since wrinkles are caused by skin damage especially from the sun, it does make sense that they should work.

Copper peptides also help the skin produce more collagen. You do need to use these products exactly as directed, because it is possible to get too much of this ingredient. If used in excess it can actually damage the skin and cause faster aging. More research needs to be completed because some individuals seem to be very sensitive to peptides and for those, even the normal use can cause damage leading to more aging.

Hydroxy Acids - There are two types of hydroxy acid, one is called Alpha Hydroxy and the other is called Beta Hydroxy. These acids are used in both chemical peels by a dermatologist and used in products that you can purchase yourself. The ones available to consumers must have less than a 10% concentration of hydroxy. These products erase fine lines and give the skin a smooth appearance by exfoliating the skin and showing a fresh new layer of skin. They penetrate the skin killing dead skin cells. The products erase fine lines, but do not remove deep wrinkles. They are recommended for acne scars and enlarged pores. They also remove fine wrinkles, but not deep ones.

Doctors can use as a high as a 50-70%. The trouble is that the higher the concentration, the more likely irritation will occur. A doctor's treatment will not need to be repeated for 5 years, but an at home treatment may need to repeated as soon as 6 months.

A warning before you try these products is to apply a sunburn protecting product if you are going to be in the sun. Otherwise you may get a bad burn.

My sister had this procedure done by a dermatologist to get rid of acne scars and it did remove the wrinkles on her skin. She was around 50 when she had this procedure, so it does work for that age group anyway.

Retinol - Retinol is a form of vitamin A. It encourages a cell to renew itself, helps clear pores, helps even out color, and boosts the production of collagen. It is recommended to use it at night before going to bed.

This product can cause your skin to turn red, scaly, and cause a sensitive reaction. Don't use it every night when first starting use. You can see results as quickly as a month for fine lines.

I tried this product when I was younger and I did get red sore skin. It looked like a sunburn, so follow the warning. Keep it away from sensitive eye areas. I didn't know this either and my problem occurred high on my cheeks around my eyes.

Tea Extracts - Usually green tea is added, but also oolong and black tea will work. Tea has antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties, so should be helpful.

There is now a non-invasive technique that plastic surgeons are using. They inject liquid through your mouth into your cheeks to add more volume to make up for lost collagen. The procedure will last for one year. It also helps your skin produce collagen on its own. No bruising results.

You can also have botox shots, but be sure to get a certified doctor to do it for you. Botox needs to be repeated every 3 to 6 months.

None of these procedures are cheap. I myself am just going to use creams and try to age gracefully.

There are some strategies that you can use to prevent wrinkles.

1. Sleep on your back instead of your side. If you sleep on your side, you'll be sleeping on one side of your face and it will eventually create wrinkles. If you have already started getting wrinkles, you can prevent more by changing your sleeping habits.

2. Use sun protection at all times. I've always been an outdoors person and it shows.

3. Wear a hat when you are in the sun. This will help protect not only your skin, but your scalp and eyes.

4. Wear sunglasses. You won't squint which causes wrinkles around your eyes.

5. Use a moisturizer. This doesn't require an expensive product, but using anything that keeps your skin moist will give it more elasticity that helps wrinkles from being created.

6. Eat properly including healthy fruits and vegetables in your diet. Stay away for snack foods.

7. Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.

8. Getting enough rest always keeps you looking younger.