Friday, October 3, 2008

Are you throwing your money away on night time moisturizers?

By Dr. Grace Angel

Night time moisturizers in many circumstances have been a marketing success rather than a breakthrough in skin care. Some products, however, are quite helpful. The market is flooded with products that in essence do nothing, "You have a lot of high-priced night creams that really don't have the bang for the buck," according to Dr. Patricia K. Farris, a New Orleans dermatologist.

Night Cream Producers Blatantly Overstate Benefits

Producers hyperbolize the effects of their creams and moisturizers in order to sell, pandering to women's self esteem issues and insecurities. Dr. L. Baumann, professor of dermatology in at a highly regarded university in Florida believes that, "Companies make all kinds of statements the skin and its night-time activities. They say that the skin does all sorts of special processes that it doesn't do during the day. And this is just false. There's no proof in much of what they say."

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 time moisturizer, "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.

In order to work, night time moisturizers must (1) contain the proper ingredients in the proper concentration; and (2) be given time to work, a minimum of 5 hours a night for 8 weeks. If the creams are used only sporadically the desired results cannot be seen, "It's sort of like when you need a blood transfusion and instead of putting in an IV you just splash the blood on your skin. Similarly a moisturizer won't do any good unless it penetrates and to do so it must have time to work," says Seattle based dermatologist Dr. Sandy Read.

The Bottom Line

Just because a night time moisturizer is expensive doesn't mean its going to work. A quality product must contain the right ingredients in the proper concentration. Before you buy the wrong product, make sure that the one you do purchase contains proven age-fighting compounds like vitamin C, peptides, and retinol. It is possible to find a reputable brand online using search engines but I do recommend a reliable source, http://www.nighttimemoisturizers.com. This website is wholly dedicated to night creams and, of course, night time moisturizers. The site contains a treasure trove of information about the use and efficacy of night creams and moisturizers. Remember to do your homework do not be taken in by slick marketing, only buy those products that contain the right ingredients in the proper proportions. The right night time moisturizer will enhance the firmness of your skin by boosting collagen production and will help you fight the effects of aging. - 15255

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