Monday, 24 November 2008

Anti Wrinkle Moisturizers – Creams v. Serums

The search for anti wrinkle cream products from baby boomers are at an all time high, beauty product makers are scrambling to deliver effective products that promise moisture plumped, wrinkle free skin. Anti-aging creams are the norm - a hybrid formula based on the tried and tested moisturizers.

The newer product is the serum, an over-the-counter variation on products that were originally used by aestheticians and dermatologists for advanced skin care. Now you can purchase either type at prices ranging from department store to discount store levels.

Creams are calming, luscious and manufactured to offer the additional moisture that premature aging, excessive sunshine and environmental toxins leech from the skin over a period of time. No more the huge generic glass container on your grandmas dressing table that was applied the entire body from head to toe, today’s anti-wrinkle creams are customed manufactured for the face and neck.

Creams likewise exist in formulas that are appropriate for dry, oily or combination skin types. Selecting a cream for your skin is exceedingly crucial. Retinal - the Vitamin A derivative - is found in creams at every cost levels.

Of course the more costly creams have a greater amount of retinal A than the lower-priced products. Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and grape seed oil are likewise popular additives in anti-aging cream moisturizers. Cream moisturizers for day-wear must have a high sun protection factor (SPF), although night creams don’t necessitate this characteristic.

Serums are getting much attention in the anti-aging market for their promises of faster, visible results than creams can deliver. As with anti-aging creams, the main ingredients in most serums are Retinal (Vitamin A) and peptides. 

It’s the delivery of peptides that are rapidly absorbed into the skin that gives the notable changes. Peptides act on the collagen levels, which make the skin appear more plump and cause wrinkles to be less obvious.

Continuous use of these serums is absolutely to stimulate collagen production. Erratic use of serums won’t sustain visible results. Top quality serums tend to cost more than creams.

Some serums have a two-step process compared with cream that you simply apply to the face. Another claimed advantage for serums is the inclusion of an ingredient – argireline - which works on the skin much like Botox, but without the toxin.

Argireline is a dependable way to relax the muscles, which removes facial lines. Serums with large concentrations of this ingredient claim up to 25% decrease in fine line and wrinkles after 30 days of sustained use. Argireline is also said to turnaround sun damage effects on skin.

The choice of creams versus serums for anti aging skin care is largely an issue of cost and ease of use. One way to get the best of both worlds at a price savings is to use a serum for several months to achieve the desired wrinkle reduction and then switch to an anti-aging cream.

If that works well to sustain your visible skin improvements, then you have a combination skincare regimen at a lower average cost. You can add back the serums for a month several times a year to boost results.

Or, you can conduct your own comparison. Use a serum for 30 days and take a close-up photo of the results. Then switch to a cream for the next 30 days and take a photo of the skin. Compare these closely to see whether serum or cream is the best anti wrinkle cream product for your skin, your budget and your daily cosmetic routine.

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