Do Anti-Aging Moisturizers Really Work?
With all the hype around the mature skincare movement there are a lot of concerns and questions regarding the efficacy of anti-aging products, specifically the moisturizers. Yes, anti-aging creams have the ability to deliver noticeable results, but the key to achieving them is consistent usage, active ingredients, and a comprehensive routine.
Picking the Right Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Mature skin has a harder time retaining moisture which is why investing in the right face cream is especially important. Effective anti-aging moisturizers contain humectants – like Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Propanediol and Sodium PCA – that attract water from the atmosphere and draw it into skin.
Our skin also becomes thinner as we age making it more prone to transepidermal water loss (aka the amount of water that evaporates from the skin into the air) which can lead to a weakened barrier and dehydrated skin. Look for moisturizers infused with emollients like Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Squalane, Dimethicone and natural plant oils and butters like sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and jojoba esters as they create an occlusive layer that prevents moisture loss. The Deep Hydration Face Cream is made with plant oils which are rich in omega fatty acids that help support a healthy skin barrier.
A moisturizer with anti-aging specific actives is also a great addition to your skincare routine. Antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E help support your skin’s natural defense against environmental aggressors – like UV and pollution – that can lead to premature aging. Look for antioxidant-infused formulations.
Collagen is an important protein that occurs naturally in the skin providing structure, elasticity and strength. It begins to decline as we age leading to sagging, loss of firmness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Various types of collagen from vegan to marine-derived are common in anti-aging moisturizers but they’re not all created equal. Regular collagen, vegan collagen and marine derived collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, and therefore unable to produce long term anti-aging benefits. Hydrolyzed collagen means the protein has been enzymatically broken up into smaller segments, however the lack of control with this process means there is no guarantee that the ingredient is able to penetrate the skin, again reducing the long term anti-aging benefits. Polypeptide-121 is biomimetic (structurally mimics skin’s natural supporting elements of collagen), vegan, and made through a biofermentation process free of any animal inputs. It’s small enough to penetrate the skin and is clinically shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Know if Your Moisturizer is Legit
With the plethora of anti-aging moisturizers on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. When researching viable options look for products that have been clinically tested, before and after photos, and panel studies to narrow down your choices.
Because the term “clinically tested” can mean so many things, look for: the number of participants involved in the clinical protocol, the duration of the study, and information on the usage of the products (eg. 2X per day). Claims supporting the benefits and safety of the products are great signs of efficacy. Consumer perception claims are based on consumer feedback (eg. 95% of subjects agreed their skin felt more hydrated after 4 weeks) while instrumentation claims are based on quantifiable measures using instrumental devices (eg. 96% of participants had a significant increase in hydration after 4 weeks.)
Another way to determine the legitimacy of a moisturizer for mature skin is to peruse the ingredient list for scientifically proven ingredients, like peptides, that target visible signs of aging. Peptides are the building blocks of proteins found in the skin like collagen and elastin (both collagen and elastin polypeptides are found in Honest Ageless Firm + Smooth Cream). They are responsible for skin texture, barrier function, and firmness and elasticity. Peptides in skincare formulations can address multiple skin issues. The Everyday Radiance C+ Moisturizer features a peptide derived from biofermentation and niacinamide designed to target the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a brighter complexion.
B&As (before and after photos) are a powerful tool for selling products, but how can you determine whether or not they’re legit? The lighting conditions should be the same in both photos to not skew results. They should also cite testing conditions that ensure they were part of a formal clinical study.
The honest truth is there’s no magic cream that will completely reverse the signs of aging or stop the clock, but with the right products, a consistent routine and a lot of patience (results won’t happen overnight) you can minimize the telltale signs and achieve the more youthful-looking complexion you desire. Remember to look for key ingredients, consider your skin type and tone, and keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits all anti-aging moisturizer.
We aim to provide you with the most honest and credible information possible. This article was reviewed for accuracy by The Honest Team and its internal technical experts.
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