Look younger without going under the knife

Dr. Debra Wattenberg breaks down the three different categories of anti-aging creams, and explains whether they really work.

Faux Botox creams
Instead of having Botox injections, many women (and men) are turning to “Botox in a bottle” or “faux-tox.” The claim is that the cream will work just as well as the Botox injections. The makers of the various products below insist “faux-tox” is safe because it does not use the key ingredient of Botox injections — a diluted strain of deadly botulinium toxin.

The makers of “faux-tox” creams say they work by simply locking moisture beneath the skin's surface, making it appear plumper.

Freeze 24/7
Freeze 24/7 is the latest product on the market. The manufacturers of Freeze 24/7 do not use botulism, but instead use the active ingredient “gaba” (gamma-amino butyric acid) — a muscle relaxant that is produced naturally in the body. The manufacturers compare “gaba” to melatonin (melatonin is produced as the body's natural sleep-inducing agent). “Gaba” works to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the facial area quickly, safely, and effectively with no side effects — just results. Freeze 24/7 says 100% of the study respondents experienced a 50-90% visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within 10 minutes of a single application.
1 oz. jar = $115

DDF Wrinkle Relax
DDF Wrinkle Relax is another anti-aging cream. It is a combination of two non-toxic anti-aging peptides chemically combined from naturally derived amino acids. Its main ingredient is argireline magnesium ascorbyl (collagen builder) and hyaluronate shea butter. DDF Wrinkle Relax claims to help prevent fine lines induced by repeated facial movements without the loss of expression. Increases collagen and elastin production. Helps prevent premature aging. Visible results within two weeks.
5 oz. jar = $80

Strivectin-SD
Strivectin is the product that started the whole “better than Botox” craze. Strivectin was originally touted for its ability to visibly reduce the depth, length, discoloration and roughness of existing stretch marks. It's only when women in clinical studies started putting the cream on their face that they saw some of their facial lines diminish. Strivectin claims to: decrease the depth of indentations in the skin, increase stimulation of collagen synthesis, correct skin coloration irregularities, increase the smoothness, thickness and firmness of the skin. Strivectin SD uses a combination of agents, elasticizers, and skin hydrators, all designed to address every issue of stretch mark repair.
6 oz. jar = $135

Hydroderm
Hydroderm is a patented collagen infusion delivery system developed over the last several years by scientists. The manufacturers of Hydroderm say that by using its technology, women are now able to get collagen molecules directly to the skin. Hydroderm claims to: decrease fine lines and wrinkles, deliver whole collagen to the skin, and boost skin's natural glow, tone and texture. In addition to the patented collagen infusion delivery system, hydroderm contains the collagen-promoting power of matrixyl 3000 peptides, which work to significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkle depth and density, and skin promote smoothing. Its key ingredients are “matrixyl 3000” peptides, which reduce the appearance of wrinkles by 45%. A user study shows matrixyl 3000 fights the appearance of wrinkles with: 45% reduction in the area occupied by deep wrinkles, 15% reduction in the mean depth of the main wrinkle, 18% reduction in complexity.
Hydroderm Wrinkle Reduction System = $79

Olay Regenerist
Olay Regenerist claims to regenerate skin's appearance, without irritation, by renewing its outer layer one cell at a time. The result is skin that looks, feels, and behaves more like new skin. This next generation line of three products — a serum, cream, and lotion — helps improve the skin's moisture barrier and renew its outer layer to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, delivering optimal skin health.
1.7 oz. = $18.99

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