Striving4Zen

There are hundreds if not thousands topical skin rejuvenation treatments on the market, from wrinkle creams to eye serums to lifting gels. If all of them worked as advertised, anyone with a bit of extra cash could have a skin of a fifteen year old. In reality, relatively few topical agents are clinically proven to improve wrinkles and other signs of skin aging. Others are supported by some positive evidence but not enough to confidently say that they work. Numerous others aren't backed by any reliable science at all and can even be harmful. As you may know, cosmetics is not regulated by the FDA. Hence it is largely up to the manufacturer's conscience not only to ensure effectiveness but safety as well. Conversely, it is up to the consumer to buy wisely.

Clinically Proven Effective
Alpha-hydroxy Acids
Tretinoin (Retin A, Renova)
Retinoids
Estrogens
Vitamin C
Vitamin C derivatives
Anhydrous vitamin C combo

Possibly Effective but Need More Research
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 (Matrixyl)
Copper peptides
Alpha lipoic acid
Active retinol
Coenzyme Q10
Idebenone
Lycopene
DMAE
Green tea
MMP inhibitors
Furfuryladenine (Kinetin, Kinerase)
Progesterone
Niacinamide
Oat beta-glucan

Popular but Unproven
Beta-hydroxy acids
Acetyl hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

Labels: skincare