Look on any drug store shelf and you'll see an array of products with exotic ingredients promising to make your skin look younger and prevent the signs of aging.
But cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Alastair Carruthers says while many make big promises, they rarely deliver.
"If I had to point the finger at one class of things that people put on their skin that I don't think is reasonable then it would most certainly be moisturizers," says Dr. Carruthers.
What about special proteins and collagen?
"Topical collagen -- getting that stuff through the skin is a waste of time," he says. "It's just not going to go."
So what should you spend your money on that will help prevent or turn back the signs of time? Dr. Carruthers recommends products like Retin-A.
"They go through the skin more effectively," he says.
Retin-A products contain Tretinoin, a form of Vitamin A originally used to treat acne. There is good evidence that it helps prevent wrinkles and stimulates growth of underlying collagen in the skin. It is still only available by prescription because there are some risks associated with it.
"There is evidence that Vitamin A in excessive doses can damage the developing fetus, so you have to be careful with individuals who are pregnant, and you do need to be a bit careful in the way you use it," he says.
Vitamin A products also make the skin more sensitive, so protection from the sun is crucial. Dr. Carruthers says other ingredients also show promise.
"There is evidence that maybe using Alpha Glycolic acid -- maybe using topical Vitamin C, antioxidants -- that may be of value, but it's nothing like the benefit that you will get from the Retin-A-type products."
But according to Dr. Carruthers, the best anti-aging strategy of all is also the most simple.
"Sun avoidance, sun protection, and sunscreen -- in that order of importance. You can do so much good simply with sun avoidance."
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low
