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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, neurological condition. Doctors have yet to identify the cause of inflammation but attribute it to a complex link between genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. About 2.8 million people in the world were affected by MS in 2020, the number continues to increase worldwide. The condition can lead to loss of vision, immobility, chronic pain, muscle weakness, and other complications.

How does MS develop?
The function of the nerve cells in the body is to send and receive signals from the brain. Each nerve cell has three parts: the soma or cell body, the axon or the cell trunk, and the dendrites. Together they transport the nutrients necessary for the nerve cells, convert signals into electric impulses, and send them throughout the body. The organs and limbs receive these signals, make changes, and respond accordingly. A myelin sheath is a sleeve or a protective covering around nerve cells made of lipids, proteins, and fats. Multiple sclerosis occurs when our immune system becomes faulty and mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath in the brain and spinal cord. This damages the myelin or causes lesions, plaque, or sclerosis, disrupting the process of transferring a message from the nervous system. So, the communication from and to the nervous system breaks down. The messages from the cells now may be slow or inaccurate, or the recipient’s body parts may ignore them completely.

Warning signs
MS is a progressive condition more likely to affect women than men. Here, the damage to the nervous system gradually worsens. While some may experience one or two major symptoms, others may experience more. The severity of the symptoms also fluctuates from mild to severe, with periods of remission in between. Though there is no cure yet, with proper treatment, rehabilitation therapies, and lifestyle changes, one can manage the symptoms and live an active life. Recognizing the sudden and abnormal changes can help in the early identification of MS. Early treatment can prevent serious health complications like high blood sugar, bone loss, fractures, kidney problems, frequent bruising, and reduced adrenal gland function. A few early signs are:

Muscles stiffness and spasticity
Spasticity is when the muscle tone increases abnormally. It causes stiffness and pain and makes movement difficult. It can also lead to sudden spasms and jerks in the arms and legs. Other symptoms include the involuntary crossing of legs, muscle fatigue, and sudden development of deformities.

Problems with vision
MS is an inflammatory condition that can affect any nerve cell. If it affects the eye’s optic nerve, the inflammation may cause pain and redness. It typically affects only one eye; one can experience blurred or cloudy vision, double or poor vision, or an inability to see color. If untreated, the eyesight can deteriorate, leading to early cataracts or vision loss.

Pain
People with MS may feel aches associated with muscle stiffness and spasms and experience pain while moving an eye. Each person may experience different forms of mild or severe pain, interfering with their ability to carry out daily activities. The pain may be dull for some, while others may feel a squeezing, crushing, stabbing, or shocking sensation. Pins and needles or a tingling sensation are also common signs. Some may feel pain in their muscles and joints caused by muscle stiffness.

Lack of balance
The disruption in the communication process may cause a delay in the way messages are sent, processed, and received. Some messages may be incomplete or inaccurate. Consequently, different body parts may not be able to work together in sync. This causes a loss of balance, swaying gait, and inability to maintain posture. Some may not be able to feel the floor and misjudge their steps. Lack of balance can lead to frequent trips and falls, even while walking on even grounds.

Fatigue
Mild or severe fatigue without an apparent cause can be an early sign of MS. Fatigue may worsen through the day and affect the ability to carry out daily activities. Lack of bladder control is another symptom of MS, which may keep one from having a good night’s sleep. Symptoms like pain, confusion, and mood changes may also lead to depression, preventing them from sleeping and adding to fatigue.

Relapsing multiple sclerosis
New treatments have improved the prognosis for people with MS, improving their quality of life and helping them manage the symptoms. For some patients, the symptoms may flare up or recur after treatment. Between the episodes of flare-ups, one can go through periods of remission without experiencing any of the typical MS symptoms. This type of MS is called relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Most people initially experience relapsing multiple sclerosis, and it may take quite some time, a decade or more, for the pattern of symptoms to change. Doctors diagnose the condition as RRMS if the symptoms last for at least 24 hours, during which they also worsen. The relapses are followed by a period of remission where some or most symptoms completely disappear. The symptoms of RRMS include sensitivity to heat and humidity, vision problems, numbness and tingling in the feet, weakness, fatigue, confusion, frequent urination, incontinence, and balance issues leading to falls.

Diagnosis and management
A neurologist will recommend multiple tests to rule out other diseases before confirming MS. They will conduct a detailed physical examination to check for vision and balance problems. They may also ask for brain and spine MRIs to locate the damage and functions affected. In a technique called “visual evoked potentials”, painless electrodes are attached to the scalp to measure the brain’s response to the objects one sees. Doctors may also do a spinal tap to check for abnormalities in the spinal fluid.

The goal of treatment for regular or relapsing multiple sclerosis is to reduce inflammation and the severity of symptoms and slow the disease progression, for which doctors may recommend prescription options. They may also recommend plasmapheresis—a procedure to cleanse the blood. Mobility devices like canes or walkers to maintain balance can also help.

Inflammatory bowel disorders refer to conditions that cause inflammation and trigger complications in the digestive tract. This tract comprises various organs, from the esophagus to the rectum, which helps break down foods for energy consumption. IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease majorly affect organs in the digestive tract and remain undetected till those advanced stages when the symptoms flare up. Here is a brief overview of the diseases and the best foods for managing flare-ups.

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease – An overview
Ulcerative colitis is classified as an inflammatory bowel disorder that develops ulcers in the organs of the digestive tract. These sores can affect the intestine’s inner lining, predominantly affecting the colon and rectum at the end of the digestive tract. In most cases, the symptoms and discomforts do not show up until the progressive changes of the disorder. Ulcerative colitis causes rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, increased incontinence, constipation, fatigue, and fever. The symptoms can flare up unexpectedly without any prior warning.
Crohn’s disease is another inflammatory bowel disorder affecting older adults, triggering inflammation in the digestive tract. While the disease can spread and affect any part of the digestive tract, in most cases, the small and large intestines are severely affected. Common discomforts and symptoms develop similar to that what one experiences with Ulcerative colitis. Outside of the intestinal tract, inflammation of the skin, vital joints, liver, bile ducts, and even the eyes are some unusual signs of developing colitis. Flareups can also trigger complications like kidney stones, iron deficiency, and delayed growth among young children.

Diagnosis and treatment options
Blood tests and stool studies help determine the type of inflammatory bowel disease. Further, endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy are done to determine the condition’s severity and progression. Doctors also recommend imaging tests like X-Ray, CT scans, and MR enterography to locate the size and extent of inflammation in the small and large intestines. For Crohn’s disease, further Magnetic Image Resource testing is done to confirm the progression of the digestive disorder. Post-diagnosis treatments generally include a combination of prescriptions and surgery depending on the stage and severity of the condition. Apart from this, gastroenterologists will suggest healthy daily nutrition and lifestyle changes. These changes help improve the outlook of living with symptoms in the long run.

Superfoods to manage ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
The following foods can help prevent and manage flare-ups during ongoing treatment.

Nutritious fruits
Fiber is one of the best nutrients to be consumed regularly to manage flare-ups associated with digestive disorders, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Low-fiber fruits are easy to digest and don’t pressure the organs excessively. Peaches, bananas, watermelon melon, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe are good sources of fiber, energy, and carbohydrates. These fresh fruits replace starchy foods and heavy proteins to ensure the body digests proper energy supplements. Small servings of assorted berries, including strawberries and blueberries, can boost antioxidant intake to counter inflammation and prevent healthy cell damage. Oranges can also boost immunity as the fruit contains vitamin C necessary for overall health.

Dense vegetables
Skinless mashed potatoes can help supplement the body’s daily potassium requirements without being too heavy on the digestive system. The vegetable pulp is low in fiber and provides a healthy source of carbohydrates to be broken down to supplement energy needs. Avocados are an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids that actively counter inflammation. Flareups of known chronic digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are generally triggered due to inflammation. Avocados are also rich in healthy B vitamins, Vitamin E and are a nutrient-dense source of soluble fibers that are digested quickly. Additionally, cooked carrots and spinach can supplement the body with essential vitamins A and K, both excellent fat-soluble vitamins that help manage discomfort linked to flare-ups.

Healthy probiotics
Gut bacteria in the digestive tract are critical in maintaining overall health. Any imbalance can cause chronic diseases to trigger flare-ups and, as a result, disrupt vital body functions. Introducing healthy dairy and supplement-based probiotics helps prevent several discomforts linked to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease from flaring up. Yogurt is an excellent naturally derived probiotic-rich with live bacteria and helps restore gut microbiome balance. Also, calcium deficiency is one of the complications linked to Crohn’s disease. Yogurt can also substitute calcium loss by naturally introducing the nutrient with each serving. Fortified milk and cheese are also excellent sources of calcium to be consumed in addition to yogurt. In addition, plant-based soy milk can supplement the daily requirements if one suffers from lactose intolerance.

Lean proteins
Protein is one of the most crucial nutrients the body should digest for bone and muscle health. It helps overall growth and prevents bone loss and muscle deterioration caused due to chronic disorders. However, it is important to include only lean sources of meats and poultry to ensure these foods are digested easily. Chicken meat, turkey meat, and whole eggs are the best sources of heavy fat-free proteins that are digested easily. These meats also don’t release any triggering compounds when cooked on high heat, for example, grilling, making them a healthy alternative over red cuts of beef, pork, and lamb. Whole eggs are also rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which counters inflammation and helps effectively absorb proteins and calcium.

Fatty fish
Healthy fats help manage flare-ups associated with known digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. And fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines, and trout are excellent sources of natural omega-3s that actively counter the inflammatory responses. Grilling the fish makes it easier to digest than cooking on high heat with shallow or deep frying. Fish can also be baked to prevent the loss of nutrients and vitamins and retain its fatty goodness. It is, however, best to add sauces and condiments in moderation since these store-bought products contain preservatives and additives that upset digestion.

A dry eye is a condition wherein the tear glands in the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes wet and comfortable. It is one of the most common eye conditions and can be extremely uncomfortable, with symptoms like stinging, burning, and red eyes. This article lists 9 home remedies to help manage dry eyes and keep them moist and wet. However, it is always best to consult a doctor before trying these home remedies.

Washing lashes
Inflammation is another symptom that needs to be managed for dry eyes, and another trick to know is to wash those crusty eyelashes. Keeping the surrounding skin and hair near the eyes clean ensures the inflammation does not worsen. One can use mild and gentle soap to wash the eyes lids and even the base of the eyelashes.

Eye massage
Gently massaging the areas around the eyes can provide numerous benefits. This simple act can help relieve tension, increase blood circulation, and promote muscle relaxation. Even though not touching the eye, stimulating the surrounding areas can help improve eye sensation and boost tear production. It’s important to ensure that the eye massage is always gentle and not painful. Unless one has experience with massage or acupuncture, it’s best to seek advice from a professional before trying it out.

Using warm compresses
The eyes need a mix of three things to stay moist, and these include water, oil, and mucus. These are produced by the oil glands along the edge of the eyelids. However, there are times when these oil glands can get clogged due to flaky eyelids and inflammation in the eye due to dry eyes, so warm compresses are a remedy that helps with this. Here’s what one can do – wet a clean washcloth with some warm water, wring out the excess water, and then place this warm cloth on the eyelids. Gently press on the eyelids while it is placed there for a minute or so. This can help unclog the oil glands. The heat from the warm cloth is enough to loosen up the clogged oils and provide instant relief. But one may need to continue this remedy on a daily basis to help the eyes feel comfortable.

Eating fish rich in omega-3
According to research, eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can help keep the skin hydrated. Not only that, but it also helps the oil-making glands in the body with healthy fats to keep functioning properly. This is essential for dry eyes as the oil glands often get clogged or do not produce enough moisture. Fish like salmon, tuna, trout, sardines, and mackerel all have good omega-3 fatty acids that help keep the oil glands healthy.

Apart from fish, other food sources rich in omega-3s include canola oil, soybean oil, walnuts, and flaxseeds.

Drinking enough water
Staying hydrated is another tip to help one deal with dry eye symptoms. Drinking enough water throughout the day, not just when thirsty, ensures that one’s whole body is hydrated, including the eyes, and the irritation may be a little less. Also, focus on including hydrating foods in one’s meals, like cucumbers, watermelons, etc. Some days one can also hydrate by incorporating a lot of soups in one’s meals and juices made out of healthy and hydrating vegetables.

Using humidifier
Keeping a humidifier in the room or all the rooms in the house is an easy trick to ensure the air has some moisture and does not irritate dry eyes. If one does not have a humidifier, keeping a bucket or a pan of water near the radiator or the heater also has the same effect. One can also use an air cleaner as it can help clean the dust particles inside the house, and there will be fewer irritants in the environment to flare up the dry eyes symptoms.

Blinking often
Blinking is a reflex that comes naturally to most people, but for those who struggle with dry eyes, blinking more often can help. People who use screens regularly for their work should also think about doing daily eye exercises to keep their eyes healthy. To promote good eye health, individuals can follow the 20/20 rule, which suggests taking a break from the screen every 20 minutes and resting their eyes by closing them for 20 seconds. This may seem like a small step, but it adds a lot of value and relaxation when practiced regularly. It ensures that the eyes are not overwhelmed by looking at the screen constantly, and we often don’t take breaks for hours. Also, positioning the screen slightly below eye level can prevent the eyes from opening too wide, which can cause dryness and discomfort due to excessive moisture evaporation.

Using wraparound sunglasses
When leaving the house, it’s common to wear sunglasses. However, investing in a pair of wraparound sunglasses can be even more beneficial. These sunglasses not only protect one’s eyes from bright light but also shield them from harmful air pollutants that can cause dryness. Additionally, they can be used indoors while using appliances like hair dryers or sitting in front of air conditioners or fans, which can also be irritating to the eyes. Overall, wraparound sunglasses are a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to protect their eyes and maintain their comfort in any environment.

Sleeping well
Getting enough sleep is crucial for preventing dry eye symptoms from getting worse. Since dry eye is an immune disorder, sleep plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. It’s important to be well-rested to ensure optimal bodily function.

There are also many eye drop prescriptions available that can be bought easily to help with dry eyes. These drops are available for purchase, but it’s important to consult a doctor before using them. They can provide information on the differences between various brands and recommend which one would work best for an individual. Additionally, some ointments can ease dry eye irritation and inflammation, but it’s important to get a health professional’s perspective to choose the right product.

Eczema is a generic term that refers to a group of skin conditions that cause irritation. These conditions can affect infants, children, and adults. Dry skin, redness, fluid-filled boils on the skin, severe itching, and rashes of various forms and shapes are typical characteristics of eczema. It is a chronic condition characterized by phases of flare-ups and remission. Managing this condition is important as it can cause discomfort and interfere with one’s routine.

Early Warning Signs of Eczema
The condition can affect anyone, but early signs of eczema can usually be seen in infancy. Infant boys and adolescent girls are more prone to the condition than others. Infants who develop such skin issues may get cured, and their symptoms may disappear as they age. However, the symptoms could return once they reach adulthood. 

When suffering from this condition, a person can experience drastic changes in the way their skin feels and looks like. In its early stages, eczema can cause the skin to look bumpy or raised. The skin may also look inflamed, and one’s eyelids may appear swollen. Flaking or peeling of skin is another warning sign that appears early in eczema patients. Irrespective of the early warning signs, eczema can have a long-lasting impact. Some of its short-term and long-term impacts are thick leathery skin; deep lines in palms; formation of pus-filled bumps; and discoloration of skin.

Symptoms of Eczema
Since eczema is a skin condition, most of the symptoms are associated with changes in the skin. The symptoms may vary for infants, children, and adults.

In babies

• Scaly and itchy rashes on the scalp and cheeks
• Dry, scaly, itchy, and patchy skin
• Bubbled rashes that begin to ooze
• Unexplained discomfort
• Constant rubbing against bedding to find relief from the itch

In older children

• Rash in elbows, knees, ankles, legs, and buttocks
• Itchy, scaly, and patchy skin
• Lightening or darkening of the skin
• Thickening of skin
• Constant itchiness
• Swelling on the skin
• Slightly warm or hot skin
• Discoloration of skin

Eczema Symptoms in Adults
If a person has had eczema as an infant or a child, the symptoms might return when they turn 50. However, they tend to be milder than the episodes experienced previously. In a few rare cases, a person can suffer from the symptoms when they become an adult. These can be seen at the back of knees, neck, elbow crooks, and face in most adults. Sometimes, adults may also get eczema around their eyelids. Eczema in the eyes increases the risk of early cataracts. Typical symptoms noticed in adults are:

• Very dry skin
• Bumps and rashes in the affected areas
• Raw or bleeding skin
• Severe itch
• Thickening of skin

Home Remedies for Eczema
When using home remedies, it’s advisable to not discontinue formal treatment without consulting a doctor. Home remedies need to be used alongside other treatments. Make sure to use certified products to prevent the worsening of symptoms.

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can prevent skin infections. It has healing properties and is an effective moisturizer that prevents dry skin and itching. One can buy certified aloe vera gel and apply it to the affected areas. 

Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been used for a long time to treat dry and rough skin and to reduce scaling and itchiness. One should opt for colloidal oats. Make a fine powder and add it to a warm bath. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rinse well and apply a moisturizer after.

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a well-known moisturizer and can prevent inflammation. Those suffering from skin irritation must continuously use coconut oil for at least four weeks to see benefits in the skin. Take a small amount of pure or virgin coconut oil on your palm and apply it to the affected areas. You can also apply it before sleeping to moisturize the skin at night.

Cool Compress
The constant urge to scratch is one of the biggest concerns of eczema. Use a cold compress in areas that are affected. Though this will provide temporary relief, it can relieve the itch almost instantly and help a person from the agony of scratching. Once the compress is removed, one should apply moisturizer to keep the area from becoming dry again.

Bleach Bath
Bleach baths with plain bleach, without any fragrance or colors, can help prevent bacterial infection in the skin. It can also help alleviate some symptoms. This can be particularly beneficial for babies. Look for mild bleaches with strength ranging between 2% and 4%. Fill a baby’s bath with water and add two milliliters of 2% strong bleach or one milliliter of 4% strong bleach. Ensure that you do not immerse the baby’s head in the water. Soak for 10-15 minutes, and wipe the skin with a soft disposable towel. Do not rinse the skin after a bleach bath, and apply moisturizer immediately after. You can do this twice a week. Remember to dilute the bleach well to avoid reactions and side effects after a bleach bath.

Management of Eczema
There is no cure or a similar treatment strategy for all patients. Doctors create a personalized approach for each patient depending on the severity of their symptoms, age, and overall health conditions. They use one or many of the following approaches to manage the symptoms:

• Understanding the triggers and avoiding exposure to them
• Use of dermatologist-recommended moisturizing creams
• Use of prescription treatments, including immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory treatments
• Phototherapy
• Treatment with Biologics

Important Tips to Remember
Since eczema is a chronic condition, one can use the prescription treatments intermittently or continuously as per the doctor’s advice. Certain creams can cause side effects like skin thinning, acne, stretch marks, and skin lightening. Some people may experience burning and tingling when they apply the creams. Others may experience inflamed hair follicles, contact dermatitis, reddening of the skin, and hair growth in the area of treatment. Before using a product, use it in a small patch to see if it worsens the symptoms or triggers any other allergic reaction.

With an overwhelming range of anti-aging products available in the market, how do you know which ones will improve your skin’s appearance? You must first understand what ingredients work best for different skin types and conditions to reduce wrinkles. For example, you may consider factors like price, product labels, and conducting product patch tests to compare different products. This blog discusses eight valuable tips to help you choose anti-aging products that suit your needs.

What are anti-aging products?
Anti-aging products include a range of face wash, body wash, toners, serums, moisturizers, body lotions, etc., that help alleviate the physical signs of aging from your body.
Anti-aging products are essential to any skincare routine. They are designed to reduce facial wrinkles and improve the appearance of fine lines on the face and neck. These products often contain various natural oils and vitamins, like retinol and collagen, that help keep skin looking younger and refreshed throughout the day.
While anti-aging products can’t stop your skin from aging, they can help protect it from further damage by imparting hydration to delicate facial areas. Whether dry or oily skin, an anti-aging product is available to meet your needs.

Eight tips for picking the best anti-aging products

Pick a sunscreen
Common skin aging signs are wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines. They are caused by dehydrated skin and prolonged sun exposure. To avoid this, apply sunscreen on the skin, even at home. Ensure the following conditions when selecting sunscreen:

• Look for an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher for protection against UVA and UVB rays (which may cause sunburn).
• Avoid sunscreens that contain artificial fragrances, harsh chemicals (like PFOA and acrylamide), alcohol, or preservatives (like parabens) if you have sensitive skin.

Recognize your primary concern
You should combat one anti-aging concern at a time. These concerns may range from wrinkles to inelastic skin, rough skin, and dull skin. However, no single product can address all signs of aging. Additionally, multiple products designed to address different issues simultaneously can cause more significant damage than benefits. Therefore, examining your skin type, understanding your concern, and choosing your product is necessary to avoid any side effects.

Choose a retinol-based cream
Retinoids are a compound derived from vitamin A. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps stimulate collagen production and elastin support resulting in brighter, smoother, younger-looking skin.
Depending on your skin type, choose between retinol cream and serum. While creams are better suited for dry skin, serums are effective for reducing excess oil, opening skin pores, and treating wrinkles and acne.

Read product labels
Choose a product that mentions the following on its package label:

• Hypoallergenic (the commodity can still cause an allergic reaction, but there is less risk).
• Non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic (it does not cause acne).
• Customer service hotline (you can ask for queries).

Conducting a patch test
Before you apply a product to your face, make sure to do a patch test. This is an easy and effective way of knowing if it’s suitable for your skin. If you notice no visible side effects, it’s safe to use.

Price
Although branded products usually assure the highest-quality ingredients and results, they may be too expensive. Therefore, you must keep your budget in mind while selecting the right anti-aging product because cheaper, more effective alternatives are also available.

Skin type
Dry, acne-prone, sensitive, oily, and combination skin have different needs and must select suitable product formulas accordingly. For example, if you have dry skin, you must focus on creams that moisturize and nourish deep within the layers of the epidermis. On the other hand, combination skin may benefit from moisturizers with essential body oils.

Drop unrealistic expectations
Anti-aging skin care products, while helpful in slowing down the signs of aging, cannot deliver drastic results. Unfortunately, those too-good-to-be-true promises of looking ten years younger in one week or getting facelift-like results are false.

Essential ingredients to look for in anti-aging products

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are one of the key ingredients in anti-aging products because they help to protect the skin from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and cause premature aging. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing damage. Antioxidants may also reduce inflammation, enabling the skin to regenerate and mend some damage.
There are many antioxidants, but some of the most common ones used in anti-aging products include vitamin C, E, and green tea extract.

Argireline
This peptide calms the muscles around wrinkles and fine lines, reducing their appearance. It helps prevent skin sagging, giving a more youthful look overall. This powerful compound may heal the skin over time by encouraging collagen production, improving elasticity, and delivering antioxidants. It also protects your skin against aging-related environmental stressors, like sun exposure and pollution.

Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, making up about 30% of the total protein amount. It’s what gives our skin strength and elasticity. Unfortunately, as we age, collagen production slows down, and we start to see aging signs like wrinkles and sagging skin. That’s why many people turn to anti-aging products containing collagen, hoping to turn back the clock. Moreover, many people notice effective results after a few uses.

Hydroxy acids
Hydroxy acids are a compound that effectively reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They can be found in many anti-aging products, including serums, creams, and masks. These compounds work by increasing the production of collagen, helping keep skin looking firm and young. Hydroxy acids are also effective at exfoliating the skin, which may help brighten the skin complexion and reduce the appearance of age spots (small, dark skin spots).

Wrapping up
The bottom line is that there is no magic solution regarding anti-aging products. However, following the tips mentioned above, you can stack the odds in your favor of finding products that work well for you and help you look and feel the best. Thus, take your time, research, and be bold and experiment until you find a routine that works for you.