Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Is your night cream a waste of money?

By Dr. Isis Beauty

Night cream have been hugely successful selling millions of dollars of product every year. In some instances they might not be worth the container they are packaged in. The internet, drugstores, and beauty boutiques have been bombarded with a multitude of night creams, each promising to be the new fountain of youth. Many doctors agree including Dr. Patty Farris, a Louisiana dermatologist, "there are a lot of expensive night cream that don't have the bang for the buck."

Night Cream Manufacturers Provide Misleading Information About Their Products

Manufacturers oftentimes make extravagant claims that its product will revitalize your skin and turn back the clock, but these claims are just clever packaging. "Companies say that your skin rejuvenates itself at night, or it does these special processes that it doesn't do in the day, and there's no proof of that at all," says Dr. Leslie Baumann, professor of dermatology at the University of Miami.

According to Doctors There are Several Proven Anti-Aging Compounds

Proven anti-aging compounds do exist: Retinol, Peptides (proteins), and Vitamin C have been shown to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. And the use of Retinol in a night cream, "makes perfect sense because retinol can be rendered inactive by sunlight," says Dr. Baumann. Peptides and Vitamin C boost the skin's product of collagen, which smoothes wrinkles and improves skin firmness.

To be effective a night time moisturizer must (a) contain the right ingredients (retinol, vitamin C, and peptides) in the right concentration and (b) be used for a long enough period of time to activate and work. Typically for at least five hours a night for eight weeks. If the creams are used inconsistently, the desired results will not be achieved. According to Seattle, Washington dermatologist Dr. Sandy Read, "A moisturizer will not do any good unless it is given enough time to penetrate the skin."

The Bottom Line

Price does not necessarily indicate the quality of a night cream. Before you purchase though, look for those that contain proven anti-aging products like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides. A resource that I recommend is http://www.nighttimemoisturizers.com. This site focuses exclusively on night creams and night cream. This online portal contains a wealth of information regarding the use and efficacy of night cream and research on the subject. Do not succumb to the unwarranted claims and do not purchase products that don't contain the right compounds in the proper concentrations. A good night cream will help soothe the skin, increase collagen production and fight the effects of aging.

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