Fun

Your Guide To Fighting Wrinkles

Jan 15, 2022 ByLaura Lee

If you have been looking at skincare products for a while, you may have noticed that there are so many different options to choose from. There are probably more than a hundred brands of all kinds of creams and serums alone on the market today. How do people find out what works?

What causes wrinkles?

Wrinkles and fine lines are created when the elastin and collagen fibers that give your skin its structure break down. Your body starts producing less of these fibers as you age, making your skin more likely to wrinkle over time. Sun exposure breaks down elasticity even further, causing wrinkles to appear earlier in life.

How can serums help?

First, serums tend to contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than moisturizers or creams. Serums also penetrate your skin more quickly and deeply, allowing the ingredients in them to get straight to work on the elasticity of your skin. Because they are applied directly to your face, serums are also less likely to irritate your skin than other types of skincare products.

What about anti-aging creams?

Anti-aging creams often contain retinol, an active ingredient that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production in your skin. While they don’t penetrate your skin deeply like serums, anti-aging creams are often formulated with humectants that prevent moisture loss in your skin.

Close-Up Of Woman Applying Serum On Face

GettyImages/Artem Varnitsin/EyeEm

Serum or cream?

There are benefits to both serum and cream skincare products, so you can choose which option is right for your skin by considering your general skin type. Serums tend to be thinner and more lightweight, which makes them better suited for normal to oily skin. Creams are more common for dry or combination skin because they tend to have richer moisturizing ingredients that really hydrate your complexion.

What should I avoid?

Many of the most popular skincare products on the market today contain harsh chemicals and other ingredients that may actually damage your skin over time. Parabens, sulfates, and phthalates are all common skin care products that can lead to irritation or even breakouts. Many products also contain harsh fragrances, which can trigger allergies in some people.