Is 'anti-aging' possible? Dermatologist explains how to beat the heat, skin care myths
Clarified examines our obsession with looking young 鈥� dating back hundreds of years 鈥� and what you can actually start doing now
Clarified examines our obsession with looking young 鈥� dating back hundreds of years 鈥� and what you can actually start doing now
Clarified examines our obsession with looking young 鈥� dating back hundreds of years 鈥� and what you can actually start doing now
For centuries, people have been searching for the 鈥渇ountain of youth鈥濃� a mythical spring filled with water granting eternal youth.
Nowadays, elixirs labeled as 鈥渁nti-aging鈥� products 鈥� creams and serums claiming to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging 鈥� have become a hot commodity.
In 2020, the value for anti-aging products across the globe was estimated at $165 billion. By 2028, experts estimate its value will explode to $284 billion.
Myth-busting skin care
鈥淲ith a product, you can only do so much, you鈥檙e probably not going to remove a wrinkle with a wrinkle cream. You can reduce the appearance of a wrinkle,鈥� Dr. Ingleton said.
鈥淣one of us are supposed to be saying things like we can remove wrinkles with products. That鈥檚 what people want to see,鈥� Dr. Ingleton said. 鈥淏ut the truth is, the FDA controls what you can say.鈥�
According to the , the FDA is concerned about skin care products overpromising their potential by making claims that would classify them as drugs.
Federal law defines a cosmetic as a 鈥減roduct designed for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.鈥�
If a product is marketed to make lines and wrinkles less noticeable by moisturizing the skin, the FDA labels it as a cosmetic. Cosmetics must be safe according to product labeling but the law does not require cosmetic products to be approved by the FDA before they go on the market.
Drugs, however, must have FDA approval for safety and effectiveness before they go on the market.
Recommended by a dermatologist
Since the start of her career, Dr. Ingleton stands by products with fruit acids to bring out radiance.
鈥淲hether they鈥檙e alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids, I love what they do for all skin types,鈥� Dr. Ingleton said.
She also recommends products containing peptides, as they are 鈥済reat for helping with pumping your collagen.鈥�
Vitamin C is also another recommended ingredient that can protect the skin.
鈥淰itamin C is great as an antioxidant,鈥� Dr. Ingleton said. 鈥淪o I think of it as your armor that you put on before you go out each day. That鈥檚 going to help combat some of what the environment and sunlight does to your skin.鈥�