The No-Nonsense Guide to Younger Looking Skin

Better skin as you age? Yes! Follow our scientifically proven guide to transforming your complexion, starting with your at-home regimen. You'll look even more gorgeous tomorrow than you do today.

Here are the five skincare ingredients absolutely, positively guaranteed to help reverse the effects of aging.

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: A drugstore product can transform your skin just as beautifully as a cream with a triple-digit price tag.

In fact, many inexpensive products are made by large companies with hefty research-and-development budgets that generate terrific results. But sometimes it's worth paying a little more. For example, potent antioxidants are expensive and require pricey light- and airproof packaging to keep them stable. A prescription retinoid is also a significant but worthwhile investment—it's the most active anti-ager you can put on your skin. Of course, the most effective skincare product is the one you use every day. So if you love the texture of a $50 sunscreen and never forget to use it, then it's a better choice than an equally fine $15 sunscreen you're not going to wear.

At the top: Ingredients present in high concentrations

If you're looking for a specific active ingredient (say, retinol or glycolic acid), it should appear here.

At the bottom: Ingredients present in trace amounts

These usually include fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and fancy botanicals used more for marketing than performance.

These ingredients have more wishful thinking behind them than proven results.

Oxygen. Bottom line: Skin doesn't "breathe" and has no use for oxygen applied topically.

Collagen. Because it's a large molecule, collagen doesn't penetrate the skin. The only topical products shown to boost collagen levels are retinoids and vitamin C. Collagen is an effective moisturizer—but hyaluronic acid is a better one.

Stem cells. These regenerative cells have incredible potential—but there is so far little evidence supporting their effect when applied on the skin.

Precious metals. Gold has no moisturizing or conditioning effects. Silver has antimicrobial properties that are beneficial for the skin—but so does ethyl alcohol, which costs less.

Snake venom. Most products touting this poison include a compound (branded as Syn-Ake) that claims to keep muscles relaxed. There is very thin data supporting the claim. (See also: bee venom.)

Caviar. Just as fishy as it sounds.

If time and money are on your side, these proven innovations are worth a trip to the doctor's office.

Next: 7 fruits and vegetables that reverse the signs of aging