Consumer Reports says sunscreen better than anti-aging serums

Consumers are better off spending their money on sunscreens and moisturizers rather than expensive anti-aging serums, according to Consumer Reports Health.

The report, which appeared in the May edition of the publication, put nine face serums to the test on a number of consumers and concluded that there were only ‘minor and inconsistent' improvements in the subjects.

The serums used in the study included DermaSilk 5 minutes Face Lift, Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle, as well as Burt’s Bees Naturally Ageless Intensive Repairing – the latter being the only all-natural product to be tested.

Study involved 79 women

The study itself tested the products on 79 women, 67 of whom were between the age of 40 and 65, with each individual using a specific serum on one side of their face for six weeks – which is longer than the minimum time recommended by makers before results are visible.

Although every one of the serums tested produced visible results in at least one subject, even the effectiveness of the best product was described as ‘limited’, with wrinkle reduction said to be slight at best.

The products that showed the best results were said to be Dermasilk 5 Minute Face Lift and Neutrogena Ageless Intensive Deep Wrinkle, although these products were also said to have drawn fewer positive comments from testers.

Natural alternative least effective

Interestingly the product which was proven by the study to be the least effective at diminishing wrinkles and fine lines was the natural alternative from Burt’s Bees.

"Consumers should focus on getting back to the basics like moisturizing and shielding skin from the sun. Beyond that, if you want to try an over-the-counter anti-wrinkle product, realize that the results may be minimal if any,” said Jamie Hirsh, associate editor, Consumer Reports Health.

PS from Sweetsation: It is not as encouraging to find out that the only natural product from Burt's Bees delivered the least result. We don't know, however, what ingredients were there, in the tested product. So as a total supporter of non-toxic beauty we still would say that the Defense is the best protection from aging. Sun*Si'Belle SPF 30 is there to help.