The fountain of youth may be little more than a myth, but advancements in skincare have yielded products that closely mimic its fabled effects. Now, even damaged skin can be salvaged and rejuvenated with innovations such as acne pads, organic and natural skin products, and other cosmetic solutions for skin care. Not sure how to select the best anti aging products? Follow these tips to help narrow down your choices.

• Take your environment into account. One’s surroundings — and the pollutants that accompany them — can greatly affect the quality of your skin. Everyday air pollution, like pollution from traffic, increases pigment or age spots by as much as 20%. It can also lead to deeper lines and wrinkles. Consider the dryness or humidity of the weather in your locale as well; the amount of moisture in the air (or lack thereof) can take a toll on your skin.
• Walk down memory lane. Adolescence is often characterized by unsightly acne, and is a common trait among teenagers. By their mid-teens, more than 40% of teenagers have acne or acne scarring, which is no surprise — it is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting 40 million to 50 million Americans. Research shows that nearly 85% of all people have acne at some point in their lives, most often on the face, chest, and back. Unfortunately, most teenagers are prone to mistreating or neglecting their acne, and fail to use acne pads or other medications to remove blemishes. Consequently, scars often form and carry over into adulthood. Luckily, many skin care products are available to help undo the wrongdoings of the past.
• Acknowledge your budget, but don’t be afraid to splurge on quality. Generic products are readily accessible, but a number of aestheticians and other experts argue that private label skin care is often worth the investment. Higher quality skin care lines typically source better ingredients and reflect the most current innovations in skin care, and many private labels report higher customer loyalty. Although you can find many labels online, don’t forget to keep an eye out for them in spas and even doctors’ offices as well. After all, when it comes to putting your best foot — or face — forward, consider more than cost-efficiency before handing over your credit card.

Have a skin care product you swear by? Share it in the comments below! More.