Friday, October 17, 2008

Your Dermatologist Doesn't Use An Average Night Cream, Why Do You?

By Dr. Isis Beauty

Night creams 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 Makers Exaggerate the Benefits

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.

Dermatologists Concur: Some Ingredients Have Proven Anti-Aging Effect

Retinol, Vitamin C, and certain Peptides (proteins) have been proven anti-aging compounds. "Night time moisturizers should contain retinol because sunlight renders retinol inactive," according to Dr. Baumann. Dermatologists unanimously agree that a good night cream should contain Peptides and Vitamin C because they boost collagen production. Doing so reduces wrinkles and helps increase 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."

In Sum

A night cream need not cost arm and a leg but quality creams should contain Peptides, Vitamin C, and Retinol. Many reputable brands can be found online using search engines but I do recommend a quality source, http://www.nighttimemoisturizers.com . This website is devoted solely to night creams and, of course, night creams. They have a wealth of knowledge and research on the matter. Do your research, do not fall prey to advertisers that promise much and fail to deliver the right ingredients in the right proportion. A quality night cream can help you fight the effects of aging, soothe the skin, and boost collagen production. - 15438

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