I really detest the term 'anti-aging.' It implies that: a) there is something wrong with aging, and b) aging can be reversed.
In my opinion, neither of these is true.
The cosmetics industry has advertised many miracles to prevent, arrest, or reverse the signs of aging on the skin, some of which are complete nonsense.
Water prevents aging on the skin. FALSE!
Unless you are extremely dehydrated, intake of water will not prevent wrinkles. Wrinkling is caused by sun exposure and genetic predisposition. Aside from choosing your parents, the best way to prevent wrinkles is to use a well formulated sunscreen and limit exposure to UVA and UVB light.
Moisturizers can stimulate the genetic code of the skin to make it younger. FALSE!
Cosmetics only sit on the surface of the skin and do not work at the cellular level. There is no over-the-counter product that manipulates the genetics of the skin.
Anti-aging products lift, firm, and tighten the skin. FALSE!
By definition of law, cosmetics cannot have an effect on the physiology of the skin. That means that they are legally prohibited from making the types of changes that these words imply. Next time, look at the copy carefully. It says: "the feeling/appearance of firmer, tighter, or more lifted skin," which is NOT at all the same as actually doing so.
Revolutionary ingredients are better for the skin. FALSE!
There are no revolutionary ingredients, only marketing. All cosmetics are comprised from a list called the GRAS—a compendium of allowed cosmetic ingredients. There are no revolutionary ingredients at all, rather made-up marketing terms to describe ingredients that are commonly used in most formulas.
Overall, well formulated cosmetics exist at every price level, in every retail channel, and are offered by many companies. There is, however, no such thing as an "anti-aging" formula.
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