You might want to look more closely at the formulas you’re using if you’re spending a lot of money on anti-aging products but getting little to no results.
Since different skin conditions have different causes, the products you use to treat them should be specific to those problems yes, even over-the-counter products. For instance, you can’t use anything to fix wrinkles and dark spots. Therefore, we sought the advice of board-certified dermatologist Robyn Gmyrek, who practices in New York City, on five anti-aging skin care products that people should really stay away from and what to use instead. The finest aspect? At Amazon, they are all under $55 Dr.
Dr. Gmyrek affirms that lifestyle decisions like wearing sunscreen, exercising, and eating healthily play a significant role, even though she acknowledges that genetics may influence how we age.
She tells REAL SIMPLE that prevention is crucial. “The rest is an uphill battle to repair damage and restore structural support to the skin.”
Dr. Gmyrek founded Columbia University’s Cosmetic Skin and Laser Center while serving as division chief of cosmetic dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center prior to joining Union Derm in New York City.
She has lectured across the country about laser surgery, Botox injections, sclerotherapy for the removal of veins in the legs, and filler injections for wrinkle correction. Over the course of her 25 years of practice, she has seen over 90,000 patients with mature skin, specializing in both cosmetic and general dermatology.
Use RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream in its place.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer $35 at Amazon; $25 at Amazon
According to Dr. Gmyrek, many creams tout ‘collagen’ as an anti-aging ingredient, but collagen molecules are far too large to penetrate the skin. Furthermore, she points out that although they can hydrate the surface, they won’t truly restore collagen in deeper layers. The most common misconception is that topical collagen will penetrate your skin and just become a part of its structure. It won’t.
Rather, she suggests products that have active components like vitamin C, peptides, and retinoids. According to her, these can eventually improve fine lines and skin texture by encouraging the skin’s natural production of new collagen. For boosting collagen, plumping the skin, and enhancing elasticity, Dr. Gmyrek favors this RoC retinol night cream. She added that its oil-free, non-comedogenic formula contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep your skin hydrated, retinol to minimize wrinkles and vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects your skin.
Avoid using harsh physical exfoliants.
Use Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant instead.
Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Exfoliant at Amazon $15
Dr. Gmyrek claims that rather than lessening the appearance of aging, scrubs containing sugar crystals walnut shells, or apricot pits can cause microtears in the skin, hastening irritation and weakening the skin barrier.
“A chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid lactic acid, or mandelic acid is a better choice because it gently dissolves dead cells, increases radiance and promotes new cell turnover without harming the skin.” She recommends Paula’s Choice exfoliant with lactic acid, which can be applied to sensitive skin and helps with texture and discoloration.
Avoid using “tightening” or pore-minimizing toners with alcohol.
Tula Skin Care Clarifying Tonic Alcohol-Free Toner is an alternative.
Amazon TULA Skin Care Clarifying Tonic Alcohol-Free Everyday Toner: $28 at Amazon; $28 at Tula.com
According to Dr. Gmyrek, alcohol-heavy toners may provide a momentary tightening effect, but over time they may dry out and weaken the skin’s barrier, making dullness and wrinkles more noticeable. To soften fine lines and plump skin she suggests using hydrating toners containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
“Simple alcohols like ethanol isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol can be excessively drying and irritating to the skin, but not all alcohols are harmful in skin care,” she says. Conversely, fatty alcohols such as cetyl stearyl and cetearyl alcohol are hydrating and advantageous.
She enjoys this Tula face toner, which tightens pores and gently exfoliates the skin. According to Dr. Gmyrek, it contains niacinamide to maintain the skin barrier and witch hazel to calm skin.
Avoid Using Retinoids That Are Too Potent for You
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Cream is a better option.
Amazon La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Cream: $55 at Amazon
Some people believe that if a product burns or stings, it must be effective, but this isn’t always the case. According to Dr. Gmyrek, most people choose the strongest retinoid they can find in order to get faster results, but this isn’t a good strategy when it comes to retinoids, which can already be irritating.
According to her, “you can actually damage the collagen and elastic tissue as well as the skin barrier when your skin gets inflamed and irritated.” Dr. Gmyrek advises starting with a low-potency formula or reducing the frequency and working your way up to a level that your skin can handle.
Her choice? The retinol cream from La Roche-Posay has a hydrating light formula that works for most skin types. The product stimulates collagen to improve fine lines, skin texture, and tone, according to Dr. Gmyrek.
Avoid using foaming or stripping cleansers.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Gentle Face Cleaner is a better option.
Amazon La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser: $16 at Amazon
Cleansers that leave your face feeling tight or “squeaky” clean should be avoided. These are frequently high-foaming gels with sulfates or high-pH soaps that can actually damage the skin barrier and accelerate dehydration and irritation, according to Dr. Gmyrek. Both of these, she observes, exacerbate dullness and fine lines.
“A gentle, low-pH cleanser with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid that supports barrier health while successfully removing dirt, oil, and sunscreen is a much better choice.” She recommends this La Roche-Posay cleanser, which leaves the skin hydrated while cleansing it with niacinamide ceramides and thermal water. “Healthy, balanced skin is always more resilient to aging,” says Dr. Gmyrek.
