Disappearing Act
February 29th, 2012
Spackle for wrinkles.
No, I haven't had Botox- yet! Ever since my early '20's, I've had obvious vertical frown lines between my eyes. The outcome of not wearing sunglasses in my youth and squinting all the time. However, looking at photos from years past, I swear they have become less pronounced (thanks to a switch from help me to Renova), but definitely still noticeable. Funny, but true, at a recent dinner party I had with a few friends, I pulled out Olay's Wrinkle Revolution in my kitchen and began applying it on my forehead as I shared, "This is my BOTOX-substitute until I cave in for the real thing." "Wow, I really see the difference," one friend said, while my other two friends looked on with disbelief and mouths shaped in the "wow" stage, not sure if it was due to my 'wrinkle disappearing act' or what exactly I just did.
So instead of the toxin injection, I continue to try all those products that promise to 'spackle up wrinkles' to a diffused state, visually making them less obvious overtime. Do they work, yes, and how well depends on the depth and length of the wrinkle.
Road-tested and approved:
Product: Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution, $29.99
Texture: It is a gel/cream texture that is light, but cushion-y to touch.
How it works: "The formula contains a proprietary combination of three different particle sizes that fill in the 'valleys' between lines and wrinkles helping to eliminate the shadowing or specular reflection that creates the contrast of a wrinkle. In turn, this combination effectively diminishes the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles in an instant." ~ Rolanda Johnson Wilkerson, Ph.D., P&G Beauty Senior Scientist
Why I like it: It goes on smoothly, immediately 'filling' in lines and creases with non-shimmery "light diffusing particles". I like that there is no mica in the product leaving the skin dry, but still the formula absorbs quickly into the skin. LOVE that they recently changed the application dispenser, so much easier to use, thank you Olay!
Product: PRAI Beauty Freeze Frame Wrinkle Eraser, $40
Texture: A thick cream in a nude-color base (more like a souffle) in a pot
How it works: Contains elastomers and GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) which help to relax the facial nerves and muscles that create lines and wrinkles.It offers a quick-fix, which temporarily makes wrinkles appear to vanish right in front of your eyes- not kidding!
Why I like it: The pot makes application easy to use and I like the fact that you can layer it over your makeup if needed without disturbing your application. It also gives a light, tingling effect to let you know it is doing its job.
Product: GoodSkin Labs TRI-AKTILINE Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler, $39.50
Texture: It is more of a thick, white 'putty-like' cream in a tube.
How it works: It contains matte silicones, which instantly fill in creases on the skin's surface, temporarily veiling them, while sodium hyaluronate, avocado oil, cholesterol and shea butter hydrate the skin to further plump fine lines all over the face. Optical diffusers help eliminate the appearance of wrinkles on contact.
Why I like it: Its thicker formulation works well with deeper more stubborn lines.
Tips on using these types of products:
After cleansing, lightly tap, almost lightly pressing the lightweight cream directly into wrinkles (some of these products can be applied all over the face, acting as a makeup primer), and let it set before applying other treatment products or makeup. For best results, use twice a day and if I have a big event or meeting, I will apply it right before, similar to lipstick, for that instant gratification.
A Doctor's Point of View:
Dr. David Bank, a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, says, "The right chosen ones can temporarily hydrate the skin , giving the temporary improvement in the appearance of wrinkles."
Final verdict: Despite adding another product to my beauty routine, these products are my new best friends until I decide to fall for the injection.
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Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin.