How Effective are Anti-Ageing Products?

Skin represents the major organ in which changes of ageing are visible. Two components are responsible for skin ageing: Intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic (photo ageing). Intrinsic ageing is related to genetic background of individual. On the other hand, extrinsic ageing which can be prevented and delayed, is mostly related to smoking, alcohol intake, increased sun exposure, poor nutrition and hormones. Since life expectancy has increased, interests to anti-ageing have been increased. There are many topical preparations that are now being used or under investigation for anti-ageing. Even though topical medications such as tretinoin have been demonstrated in the literature to reduce the signs of ageing, patients often seek over the counter anti-ageing products. Some of the most popular ingredients used in these products are vitamins, minerals and botanical extracts. In this article, ingredients of the anti-ageing products are reviewed. (Turkderm 2009, 43 Suppl 1: 2-6)