(5 of 5)
Hydroxy acids, esters, shock proteins--pretty soon we're all going to need Ph.D.s to shop at the cosmetics counter. You'll do fine as long as you start with a product that contains a good moisturizer, for example glycerin and water. Next decide how many extras you really need. "I was just looking at a new [product], and it had 55 different ingredients," says Dr. Sheldon Pinnell, a dermatologist at the Duke University Medical Center who also consults for the company Skinceuticals. "How much of any one ingredient can it have?"
In the meantime, follow these commonsense rules: Stay out of the sun. Cleanse and moisturize your face every morning and evening. Often that's all you need to do to plump up those keratinocytes. If you have sensitive, dry skin, avoid products that contain vitamin A or hydroxy acids. Don't smoke. Use hydroxy acids sparingly. Whatever you do, don't get obsessive. There are worse things than sprouting a few crow's feet or age spots. Just remember that nobody ever died of a wrinkle.
--Reported by Cathy Booth/Los Angeles and Alice Park/New York
For more from Cathy Booth on cosmeceuticals, check out time.com