Look Younger Without Surgery

If you're not happy with what you're seeing in the mirror lately, but afraid to go under the knife, the latest skin care products may be perfect for you.

Cosmeceuticals are skin care products that promise younger-looking skin. There are a wide variety of products. So to help find the best ones, Mikki Taylor from Essence magazine and the author of "Self-Seduction" will visit The Early Show Tuesday with her favorites.

Cosmeceuticals are a blend of cosmetic and pharmaceutical, Taylor explains. It merges high performance ingredients such as AHA's and stable antioxidants.

She says products in this category are most often developed by dermatologists and scientists — using biologically active ingredients — to offer consumers superior results at home.

Taylor explains that some doctors believe today's cosmeceuticals (non-prescription preparations) really do prevent wrinkles and will postpone a trip to the plastic surgeon.

The FDA, however, do not regulate those products. Therefore, there is no way to prove that the products do what they claim.

Some of the best-known ingredients in cosmeceuticals are:

• Glycolic Acid: A naturally occurring substance from sugar cane. The most common of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which shed surface cells, control oil and reduce fine lines and moisturize skin.
• Retin A/Retinol: The mother of all skin rejuvenation ingredients is vitamin A. Experts say it works for wrinkles and acne.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid: A potent fat and water soluble antioxidant with
  anti-inflammatory properties on the skin. It also lightens pigment.
• Vitamin C: An antioxidant vital for life. Works with vitamin E to boost the skin's protection from the sun.
• Copper Peptides: Antioxidants known for their firming qualities.
• Kinetin: A plant growth factor used in topical skin creams and lotions for rejuvenation. Gentle and well-tolerated.

Here are some cosmeceutical products demonstrated on The Early Show:

• MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Intensive Anti-Aging Lotion, $55: This is a multi-layered high-performing product that, the makers say, minimizes the appearance of deeper lines and wrinkles, while protecting the skin against future damage.
• Murad's Perfecting Night Cream, $34: The cream — made of alpha and beta hydroxy acids and vitamin A softens — hydrates and retexturizes skin during its resting phase with an exclusive AHA/BHA complex, vitamin A, oat protein and evening primrose oil, the manufactures say. Taylor says it is great for dry skin. .
• SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight, $45: This agent, the company says, restores a healthy, radiant complexion and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with vitamin E, botanicals and five hydroxy acids. The key ingredients are an AHA complex which includes the following - bilberry extract, sugar cane extract, sugar maple extract, orange fruit extract and lemon extract.
• Avon's ANEW Clinical Line and Wrinkle Corrector, $32: This product claims that it can do what no collagen injection can — it will resurface, lift, firm, plump, repair and de-age with clinical precision.
• Cellex-C Advanced-C Serum, $115: A patented and oil-free vitamin C formulation that dramatically reduces the signs of aging, sagging skin within 8 to 12 weeks of daily use, according to the company that makes Cellex-C.
• Philosophy's Resurface Vitamin C Micro-delivery Peel: Taylor says you'll get Instant gratification in an easy two-step process that delivers soft, glowing even textured results in minutes. Resurface is a two-step facial peel that gently polishes away dead skin cells while infusing active vitamin C into the newly revealed layers of the skin. Perfect for anyone looking to improve a dull, lackluster complexion, pigmentary concerns and fine lines.
• N.V. Perricone, M.D. Cosmeceuticals' Alpha Lipoic Acid Face Firming Activator, $95: A daily treatment that lifts, minimizes enlarged pores and reduces the appearance of discoloration, while creating a smooth and glowing complexion, according to the company. Taylor says the item is perfect for mature skin in need of retexturizing.
• Dr. Brandt Lightening Gel, $65: A gentle and effective combination of 2 percent hydroquinone, fruit and citric acids designed to fade hyperpigmentation and other skin discolorations associated with sun exposure, pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives. Taylor says it's perfect for all skin types, great for women of color whose number one concern is hyperpigmentation.
• Z.Bigatti Re-Storation Satin Elbow, Knee & Heel Treatment $110: A targeted treatment designed to restore hydration and retexturize elbows, knees and heels. Perfect for extremely dry, hyperpigmented, rough skin.