Anti-aging creams are
predominantly moisturizer-based cosmeceutical skin care products marketed with
the promise of making the consumer look younger by reducing, masking or
preventing signs of skin aging. These signs are laxity (sagging), rhytids
(wrinkles), and photo aging, which includes erythema (redness), depigmentation
(brown discolorations), solar elastics (yellowing), keratosis (abnormal
growths), and poor texture.
Despite great demand, many
anti-aging products and treatments have not been proven to give lasting or
major positive effects. One study found that the best performing creams reduced
wrinkles by less than 10% over 12 weeks, which is not noticeable to the human
eye. Another study found that cheap moisturizers were as effective as
high-priced anti-wrinkle creams. A 2009 study at Manchester University showed
that some ingredients had an effect.
A great anti-ageing serum can
take your skin from so-so to super. Here's our pick of the best.
In the beauty industry, the bestanti-ageing serums are relatively new. Yes, they’ve been in the background for
a while, but it’s only recently that serums have been touted as a skincare
essential. And, as with most beauty elements that gather hype, there comes a
slew of products to choose form, which can make it quite difficult to work out
which one you need. So if you’re in the market for one of the best anti-ageing
serums, you’ve come to right place, because we’ve done all the hard work for
you.
Over the course of time, and with
the help of several beauty editors, we’ve pulled together a list of the most
effective and subsequently, best anti-ageing serums out there. There are serums
that will help protect and prevent wrinkles and lines in the early stages.
There are those that will stop time in its place. And a few of the very best
serums can almost turn back the hands of time.
The Best Serums For Younger-Looking Skin While You Sleep
Who doesn't want fresher, younger
skin? If, like the rest of us you want to fight back against lines, dull or
pigmented skin, then you need a serum in your skincare regime. Never used one
before? Yes, it's an extra step, but a 10-second one at the very most, and the
benefits will far outweigh such a negligible stitch in time. So why are serums
such an essential beauty must-have?
The difference between your usual
moisturizing cream and an anti-ageing serum is vast: serums are more
concentrated and generally have smaller molecules, meaning not only are the
ingredients super potent, they are far more easily and deeply absorbed by your
skin. This makes them ideal for targeting specific problems, be it wrinkles,
pigmentation, dry patches and uneven skin tone. This also means that a little
goes a long way! So although some of the products below aren't cheap, a couple
of tiny blobs massaged in before bed will get you well on the way to better
skin. It's important to use a moisturizer too, which will nourish your skin,
make it feel comfortable and create a barrier of protection - just think of serums as your targeted
treatment.
Once you’ve found the best
anti-ageing serums, how should you use them?
After cleansing your skin, apply
your anti-ageing serum to slightly damp skin. Then, press the serum into your
skin with an open palm instead of fingertips to release the active ingredients.
Leave to sink in properly for at least 5 minutes. If you’ve come across the best moisturizer for your skin type, apply it afterwards. But, if your skin
feels nourished enough just from using the serum, simply add a sun protection
product (SPF) and you’re ready to go.
