BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Cosmetics Are serums treatment or cosmetics?

I'd like to buy a collagen-building serum or treatment system. Should I consult a dermatologist or buy an OTC serum?

Can you recommend a good one that works for aging skin?

Well, Lori, in my personal opinion, I think you should always consult with a dermatologist before beginning any serious skin regiment, especially one introducing new chemicals and ingredients to your skin. They will be able to assess the current condition of your skin, any serious and possibly life threatening sun damage, and inform you of any possible medical interactions using a new product could incur.

When it comes to OTC treatments that won't tank your budget, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, which delivers peptides to the skin below the surface to diminish the appearance of fine lines and ultra moisturizes the skin of face, recently won the 2010 Allure Readers Choice for facial moisturizer. Their Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller also won an award for eye cream. It works by supplying caffeine to the skin below the eyes, eliminating puffiness.

For a more serious OTC anti-aging regiment, I recommend Olay Professional Pro-X Intensive Wrinkle Protocol. It's a kit of 3 products: a moisturizer with UVA and UVB protection to prevent further aging sun damage, a Niacinamide cream for collagen boosting, and a Peptide and Glycerin laced cream you can use whenever you feel the need to moisturize that fattens up the crevices caused by lining in the face and which also helps to fight the onset of new wrinkles forming.

You can purchase the kit from Wal-Mart for around $59.97, a steal for three products.

I hope this helps

sigh. Sixty dollars is probably a bargain when compared to dermatology treatments or plastic surgery but it's still an ouch for my budget.

What are other ways to boost collagen under the skin?

Beans, dark green veggies, and soy milk.

Do I smear them on my skin?

Put them in your belly on a regular basis.

Soy products contain genistein, which has collagen production qualities and blocks the enzymes that tend to break down and age the skin.

Dark green vegetables contain lutein, which French research suggests boost skin hydration and elasticity, fighting wrinkles. They are also full of Vitamin C which helps to utilize protein more effectively and strengthens the bodies ability to produce collagen.

Beans turn into hyaluronic acid in your digestive system. HA is good not just for your skin, but also for bones and joints.

If you don't particularly care for green leafys, beans or soy, you can get Lutein, Genistein, and Hyaluronic Acid as supplements.

YOu can also do inexpensive facials and glycolic acid treatment with mega antioxidant serums as part of the treatment. If you find a good facialist, they usually have packages which then reduce your overall cost because they set you up on a regular schedule.

Additionally, drink plenty of water, use moisturizers, don't smoke, limit alcohol, and get plenty of SLEEP! Those help the body repair itself and to naturally maintain the condition of your skin in a more natural alignment.

Lori, you should get lots of Vitamin C into your system. Additionally, facial exercise and/or massage (making circular motions) stimulates blood flow and distributes the nutrients.

I also find that a product called Vitanol A which has A, C and Beta Glucans, works very well. I get it online for $24 a bottle, & it's a serum you use under moisturizer. That bottle lasts about a month. Beta Glucans, btw, are from foods such as mushrooms which have a great affect on the skin. It does make my skin appear firmer.


Nancy Welker
BellaOnline Yoga Editor
Editor, "FitBeautiful!" eMag