With the weather warming up and the days getting longer, taking measures to practice good skincare is essential this time of year. It's also important to understand that many of the anti-aging creams promising to make facial wrinkles vanish may not hold up to their claims.

Those who want to avoid premature aging should be sure to protect themselves from the sun when heading outside. Many skincare professionals agree that UV radiation can cause damage to the skin that can be difficult to treat. This may explain, in part, the recent jump in the number of anti-aging creams and lotions available in stores, but how likely are they to help sun-damaged skin?

Market research company The NDP Group states that over-the-counter anti-aging skincare products increased by 12 percent over the course of 2010, according to the Boston Globe.
Consumers must bear in mind that nearly 100 companies that manufacture anti-aging creams or lotions can be found on the Food and Drug Administrations "Yellow List," which are believed to have "exaggerated anti-aging claims," according to the news source.

Products available via prescription may carry better results, but these can be costly, because individuals must use them regularly to see any benefits. Additionally, it's unlikely that an insurance company will help cover the costs of these medications.

There are ways to protect your skin to avoid unsightly spots or early wrinkles. For one, wearing hats, sunglasses and sunscreen when going outside can help, but it's also important to limit the amount of time spent in a tanning bed.

"We see people in their 20s who are using tanning beds, and they have brown spots all over their face," Dr. Susan DeCoste of the Harvard Medical School, told the news source.

When purchasing sunscreen, be sure to examine the Sunburn Protection Factor (SPF) rating on the bottle. This number does not dictate how much time one can spend in the sun, but rather what amount of harmful light is penetrating the lotion.

Those who do want to improve their appearance of their skin have many cosmetic procedures to choose from. In addition to injections of wrinkle fillers made from hyaluronic acid, individuals can also undergo microdermabrasion or a chemical peel, which can improve skin quality, according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.