Alluring ads claim many anti-aging properties to go along with a high-ticket price. Unfortunately, many of these creams fall short of their promises. Being an educated consumer can save you money and frustration waiting for a particular cream to work. The best way to choose an effective wrinkle cream is by understanding their ingredients and what they can and cannot do for wrinkles. Wrinkle creams are usually named for the active ingredient, but it is a good idea to check the list of ingredients.
Retinoid Creams
Retinoids come from vitamin A and are available in natural and synthetic forms. Retinol creams, which are natural forms of vitamin A, and synthetic forms of retinoic acid such as trentinoin topical, are used to improve the appearance of the skin and reduce wrinkles. Synthetic retinoids are available only by prescription.
Topical tretinoin is the most popular prescription retinoid wrinkle cream. Studies at Shiseido Pharmaceutical Research Center in Yokohama, Japan, indicate that topical retinoic acid is a potent anti-skin-aging agent.
Retinol creams are available in over-the-counter products. Retinol creams come from vitamin A. They are antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that cause wrinkles, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Retinol products are approved by the FDA for treating wrinkles.
Sun sensitivity is a side effect of using retinoid creams, so you should also wear a broad spectrum--one that blocks both UVA and UVB--sunblock of 30 SPF or higher. Limit your exposure to the sun when wearing a retinoid cream. Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding should not use retinoid products, as they may cause birth defects.
Vitamin C Cream
Vitamin C is not only good for your body inside, but it's good for the skin outside. Vitamin C creams stimulate collagen biosynthesis, plump the skin and reduce the signs of aging, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. They are also antioxidants that protect against sun damage.
Turmeric Creams
Turmeric, Curcuma Ionga, is a spice commonly found in Indian and Chinese foods. It is also an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. In the February 2010 report presented at the American Academy of Dermatology, creams containing turmeric extract were found to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.
Coenzyme Q10 Cream
Creams containing coenzyme Q10, also referred to as CoQ10, help to reduce fine lines around the eyes without side effects, explains the Mayo Clinic. CoQ10 creams soften, plump and firm the skin for a more youthful appearance. They also protect against sun damage.
Sunblock
Sunblock is last on the list but most certainly not least. Wearing sunblock is the best way to prevent wrinkles. The sun's UV rays penetrate the skin and damage skin cells, causing wrinkles, brown spots other signs of aging. Sunburn is a sign of skin damage. The National Institutes of Health recommend using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
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