How can you wade through mountains of anti-aging and anti-wrinkle products that are supposed to make you look younger longer? Is there any information about what works? Actually, there is quite a bit of research these days about how effective various products are in the battle to stay young. This article examines three of the most popular options that you might be considering.

Botox: Injection of the botulism toxin (Botox) has long been used to fight wrinkles, crow's feet, brow furrows, and frown lines. By temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause these obvious signs of aging, Botox has earned a top spot by many celebrities and every day people alike. Botox fans claim it's like getting a non-surgical facelift every few months, just with a quick injection.

Restylane: This injectable dermal-filling formula is made from non-animal sources. Research is showing that one set of restylane injections can last six months or more. Because the chemical is recognized by the human body, it is absorbed more easily, with less chance of rejection or unpleasant side effects. Restylane is known for it's quick effects, and quick administration. A set of injections in a small area can take as little as five minutes. This formula has become popular for treating frown lines, lips, brows, and more, in a way far less expensive than cosmetic surgery.

Juvederm: A fairly newly approved treatment, Juvederm is getting rave reviews in the wrinkle-fighting world. Like it's sisters, Botox and Restylane, Juvederm can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, brow lines, crow's feet, and other signs of aging. By acting as a filling agent for the areas that have lost collagen firmness, Juvederm helps particularly with areas that may need "plumping," such as the lips.

Deciding among these three products may depend on what you are looking for in terms of results. Botox has been around the longest, and remains a quick "pick-me-up" for aging skin. Restylane and Juvederm are "dermal fillers," injections of a collagen gel material that does not relax the facial muscles, but rather they fill in areas that are wrinkled due to collagen loss in the skin. Botox treatments are said to last approximately four months, while Restylane is reported to last for up to six months, and Juvederm is reported to last the longest, sometimes showing results for up to a full year.

Non-Caucasians have less risk of hyperpigmentation with Juvederm as compared with the other treatments. All of these injectable products come with some risk of mild side effects, usually just some bruising or tenderness at the injection site. More rare complications of the Botox treatments may include a change in facial expression due to over-relaxing of the facial muscles around the treatment area.

Fighting the war on aging is not easy, but there are many products that have been developed to help you maintain your youthful good looks as long as possible. Treating your skin properly for your entire life helps, but too many of us wait until the damage is done before we even realize what we've done. Check with your dermatologist to help you make the right decision in your fight against aging. Properly caring for your aging skin can definitely make a difference—you will feel younger when you look younger!

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