Ingredients in over-the-counter treatments may help your skin look more youthful, but it takes time. For best results, continue to use treatments for 4-8 weeks and don’t expect results overnight!

Ultimately, what will work best for you depends on your skin and the results you’re trying to get.

A number of ingredients in over-the-counter treatments may help your skin appear more youthful, but it’ll take time. You may see improvement within a few months. But you shouldn't expect to look like you’ve stepped out of a time machine. 

What will work best for you will depend on your skin, and the results you're trying to get.

Treatments that contain peptides can help firm sagging skin.

Peptides are amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins needed by the skin, like collagen and elastin. When applied topically, peptides can lead to firmer, younger-looking skin.

Furthermore, peptides are less invasive than retinol.

Ceramides help prevent moisture loss and visible damage caused from environmental stressors, helping to keep your skin youthful and supple.

Hydroquinone is an over-the-counter drug that help fade dark spots. 

Retinoids may also work to even your skin tone and fade age spots. One study found that not only vitamin C helps reduce wrinkles, but it also may fade age spots after 12 weeks of usage. 

When you use any of these, make sure to wear sunscreen daily, even inside the house, as dark spots may begin to develop or return if skin gets too much sunlight.

If you have fine lines, retinoids that come from vitamin A like retinol work to make your skin more smooth and help your skin stimulate collagen.

Retinoid is easier on your skin than the prescription-strength version, tretinoin. Tretinoin is also called Retin-A, which can dry your skin.

Be sure to use a moisturizer when using retinoids, as they tend to dry out your skin. Add a hyaluronic acid to retain your skin’s hydration and glow.

Products with vitamin C may also work to reduce fine lines, as well as help decrease the sun damage.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that retains moisture in the skin. When applied topically, it helps increase skin moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Taking collagen supplements is an effective way to smoothen your wrinkles and fine lines. Collagen peptides provide natural, simple ways to slow down signs of aging and help your skin look youthful and radiant.

Any of these options can help keep wrinkles away.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) work to remove dead cells on the skin barrier and surface. This reveals new skin cells resulting in a more even tone. 

Be sure to test out the AHAs on your skin first, as they are known to cause skin irritation for sensitive or dry skin.

Retinoids also help turn over new skin cells and make skin tone more even.

If you smoke, suffer from dry skin, or don’t maintain a balanced diet, it’s known that you’re more likely to have skin that appears dull. 

Taking a collagen supplement helps your skin become more hydrated, plump, brighter, and have a natural glow.

Alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids, like retinol, also work to brighten your skin while removing dead skin cells.

While some over-the-counter products may only come in one strength, other products may offer different levels of the active ingredient. 

If you choose something that might dry or irritate your skin, like a retinol, start with the lowest strength and begin to introduce it to your skin before you use something stronger.

There are some products like vitamin C that should be applied in the morning. Others, like retinol, should go on at night, because factors like sunlight may stop it from working. 

Another product, like moisturizer, should be applied every day, morning and night, if you have dry skin or wrinkles. 

Skin vitamins like collagen peptides powder should be taken daily. For best results, consistency is key, with noticeable benefits in as little as 2-4 weeks, and consistent results in 4-8 weeks.  

If you are using more than one anti-aging skin product, put the one with the anti-aging active ingredient on first so that your skin absorbs it. 

For example, in the morning apply a vitamin C product first, sunscreen next, while applying makeup last. 

At night, cleanse and rinse face thoroughly, then apply a retinol first, then a moisturizer after. 

If you experience symptoms such as skin irritation from topical products, there are other options you can try such as ingestible beauty products or beauty supplements (beauty vitamins). 

Are you also having trouble finding the right anti-aging products or anti-aging product combination? If so, talk with a dermatologist to see what anti-aging products that are dermatologist approved will work best for you and your skin. 

For any anti-aging skin needs you may have, you can’t go wrong with a doctor recommended, high-quality collagen supplement, like Wholy Dose.