How to select anti-ageing skincare products

Dermatologists share their insider tips

SHOPPING FOR an anti-ageing skincare product can feel like hit-or-miss experience. With so many choices, it can be difficult to know which products to choose. These dermatologists’ tips can help you shop with confidence.

1) Start with sunscreen and moisturiser: Dermatologists agree that sunscreen and moisturiser are the two most-effective anti-ageing products you can buy. Using these every day can make a noticeable difference.

When shopping for sunscreen, select one that offers all of the following:

I Broad spectrum

I SPF 30 (or higher)

I Water resistance An anti-ageing moisturiser helps to minimise fine lines. It is so effective that moisturiser is the secret ingredient in many antiageing products.

Using a moisturiser with sunscreen is fine. Just be sure that the product offers broadspectrum coverage and an SPF of 30 or higher.

If you will spend time outdoors during the day, you should apply a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 (or higher), and water resistance. Be sure to reapply your sunscreen every two hours while outdoors.

2) Treat your No.1 ageingskin concern: Give sunscreen and moisturiser a few weeks to work. Then look at your skin. Is there still a sign of ageing that bothers you?

By focusing on one concern, such as wrinkles or dark spots, you’ll get the best results. Look for a product that targets your concern. There are two reasons for this:

No product can treat all signs of skin ageing.

Using more than one antiageing product in a few days or weeks can irritate the skin, making you look older.

3) Buy a product formulated for your skin type: Your sunscreen, moisturiser, and other antiageing skin care products will work best if they are formulated for your skin type. For example, if your skin tends to be oily, select a moisturiser made for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, you want to see the words ‘sensitive skin’ on the label.

This is important because no one product works for everyone.

4) Read product labels and select a product that offers all of the following:

Hypoallergenic (The product can still cause an allergic reaction, but there is less risk).

Non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic (does not cause acne).

Consumer hotline (to contact for questions).

5) Have realistic expectations: Exaggerated promises, such as look 10 years younger overnight or quickly reduces all signs of ageing, are too good to be true. It’s important to remember that anti-ageing skin care products deliver modest results. You cannot get the results of a facelift from a cream.

TIP: ‘Clinically proven’ means that the product was given to consumers to try. It does not mean the product underwent clinical trials and received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.

6) Select a product within your price range: It’s human nature to think that the more expensive the product, the better the results. Effective anti-ageing products come in all price ranges.

Maximise the results you see.

Once you’ve selected a product, you can maximise its effectiveness by following tips that dermatologists share with their patients.