Part 2
Fall In Love With Your Skin Series
We’re going to focus on anti-aging products. They are a multi-million dollar enterprise, preying on our desire to maintain a youthful appearance. But, do they work? In short, it DEPENDS as they are not all created equal. Just as there is a difference between the amount of pain control between Tylenol and Vicodin, anti-aging products that are sold in physician offices tend to be more potent, not to mention curated to include the best of the best.
What Are Anti-Aging Products?
Anti-aging products can broadly be classified as ones that diminish the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, lighten solar lentigines (age or “liver” spots), improve texture/tone, and brighten the skin making it less dull. Anti-aging products often boost hydration and protect the skin from damage from free radicals.
Different Types of Anti-Aging Products
There are many different types of anti-aging products available, including creams, serums, and supplements. People ask us all the time about collagen supplements and the truth is–don’t waste your time or money. Given that collagen is a peptide that is broken down into smaller pieces by the gut (like insulin & Ozempic), oral collagen offers very little benefit over eating a big bowl of bone broth.
In terms of topical products, creams & serums are where it’s at. Many of these anti-aging products contain ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. For example, retinoids (a type of vitamin A) have been shown to increase collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Other popular anti-aging ingredients include vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Since they are topical products, these are not an instant fix and should be used consistently for best results. Furthermore, topical products are by nature only skin-deep, so while they are a great asset in your anti-aging toolbox, it is unreasonable to think they can replace neurotoxins and collagen stimulators such as Sculptra, or do the work a laser or Broad Band Light treatment can do. Think of an anti-aging routine like a wonderful, comfortable bed. You need a supportive frame, box springs & mattress but you also want soft sheets that smell nice. It’s a waste to put 800 thread count sheets on a 30 year-old saggy mattress, but it also feels silly to put scratchy sheets with holes on a fancy new Tempur-Pedic. And finally, we cannot overemphasize the importance of daily use of a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) mineral or physical sunscreen to protect from the sun’s rays. More on that in the coming weeks.
Goals of Anti-Aging Products
Reduction of Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Improvement in Skin Texture and Tone
Protection Against Environmental Damage
Hydration
Below, we share our staff’s favorite anti-aging products.
JENNA (Aesthetician and Senior Laser Tech)– NECTIFIRM ADVANCED by Revision Skincare
Jenna says: “Nectifirm Advanced is an amazing product because the skin on your neck ages differently than the skin on your face. The neck elasticity stretches more frequently, with repetitive movements that do not impact the face. This product is ideal for those with moderate to advanced signs of aging and is suitable for all skin types. Nectifirm helps the skin appear brighter, firmer and more lifted while the appearance of adipose tissue and crepey skin is reduced (no more “tech neck.”) It dramatically smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves the appearance of photoaging. Nectifirm contains industry-leading microbiome technology that is supported with thorough clinical review to deliver powerful results.”
How to Use Nectifirm Advanced: Dispense two pumps into the palm of hand. Using upward strokes, gently apply onto décolletage, working your way up the neck to the jawline AM and PM
AMY (Director of Operations) – AlphaRet Overnight Cream by SkinBetter Science
Alpharet is the latest innovation in retinoid renewal, delivering remarkable results, with little-to-no irritation often experienced with retinols and other retinoid products. This product significantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles in as little as four weeks, with minimal or no redness/peeling and provides moisture to help counteract dryness associated with traditional retinoid-based products. Alpharet combines a blend of antioxidants that helps neutralize free radicals as well as a retinoid and a lactic acid that minimizes irritation, enhances satisfaction for effective and tolerable skin rejuvenation.
How to Use AlphaRet Overnight Cream: Use as part of your evening skincare regimen.Apply a thin layer to a clean, dry face. Begin with two evenings per week (e.g. Monday & Thursday), advancing by adding one evening each week as tolerated. AlphaRet can be applied all over the face, avoiding the eye area. Use caution with thinner skin of the neck and advance slowly. Protect with sunscreen during the day for additional skincare benefits.
Cat (Nurse Injector)—Revox Line Relaxer by Revision Skincare (AKA “Botox Booster”)
Revox is an advanced, targeted serum specifically formulated to work synergistically with a neuromodulator such as Botox or Dysport. This breakthrough formula utilizes patent-pending technology to not only help optimize in-office treatments, but also to deliver clinically-proven benefits on its own. Revox contains 5 peptides and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid that reduce the appearance of expression lines and rebalance the skin’s microbiome to support long-term skin health and improve hydration. Revox smoothes vertical and horizontal expression lines including under-eye wrinkles and provides antioxidant benefits that visibly increases skin radiance. Good for all skin types.
How to use Revox: Apply to clean skin prior to moisturizer. Dispense a small amount and use the applicator to massage serum onto any fine lines and wrinkles. You will feel a cooling effect from the customized metal tip. Avoid direct eye contact. Use twice daily. NOTE: A thin layer of product is all that is needed. No need for heavy application.
Dr. Porter— Growth Factor Serum Plus by ZO Skin Health
Growth Factor Serum Plus is formulated with a combination of plant and enzymatically derived growth factors and is clinically proven to improve overall health of skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Growth Factor restores hydration and reinforces the skin’s protective barrier. Helps promote brighter skin and naturally replenishes hyaluronic acid. Good for all skin types.
How to Use Growth Factor Serum Plus: Apply to clean, dry skin at night as the last step in your skincare regimen.
Limitations of Anti-Aging Products
It’s also important to remember that anti-aging products have their limitations. While they can help improve the appearance of your skin, they can’t reverse the natural aging process. Over time, your skin will still experience the effects of aging, such as sagging and loss of elasticity. Certain behaviors can help slow down the aging process such as good nutrition, restful sleep, avoidance of tobacco products, and minimizing sun exposure during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm. And, as above, an anti-aging skincare routine is just one tool in your arsenal of slowing down the anti-aging process and should be coupled with treatments that help slow down aging from the inside out.