Aging skin is a natural phenomena that happens to everyone and includes the development of wrinkles and a coarse or rough appearance.

According to a study conducted by The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, skin creams are an effective method of making skin appear younger.

“Facial, eye and lip creams are effective anti-aging products that reduce the appearance of both fine and coarse lines and wrinkles, dramatically increase the moisturization of the skin, and, in the case of the face and eye products, reduce transepidermal water loss,” the study says. “These changes last for at least 56 days without significant adverse effects.”

Many people interested in reducing the lines on their face and looking youthful again can effectively use skin creams to turn back the clock on their skin. However, consumers should be aware that a lot of products used on the skin are simply marketing gimmicks, preying on people’s vanity in order to draw in sales, as noted by Inquire.

“Companies have every reason to persuade you to use multiple products that cost a lot of money,” the Inquire article states. “They will play on every insecurity you have. If there is a problem out there with nothing that will actually work and a company puts anything at all on the market claiming to fix it, people will buy it. Sure, by sheer chance and law of averages, some people will improve.”

The Mayo Clinic states that consumers need to keep in mind the length of usage, as well as review the ingredients listed, in order to determine if a product is a legitimate method of reducing those wrinkles: “Do they work? That often depends on the products’ ingredients and how long you use them. Because these over-the-counter (OTC) wrinkle creams aren’t classified as drugs, they’re not required to undergo scientific research to prove their effectiveness.”

Aside from using skin creams to improve the appearance of your skin, one should adopt the following guidelines, according to Dr. Mayli Davis of Advanced Eyelid Surgery Center in Colleyville, Texas:

• Quit smoking
• Use sunscreen products with SPF
• Get plenty of sleep
• Reduce the use of foundation
• Use moisturizers, mud or clay to promote skin hydration
• Wear hats and clothing to keep dirt and pollution off your skin
• Avoid eating right before bedtime
• Lessen time spent out in the sun
• Stay hydrated

“While skin creams are not a definitive, scientific method of making skin look permanently youthful, adopting the above methods can increase the chances of better-looking skin,” said Davis.