Creams that have proven anti-aging ingredients are available in over-the-counter products. A little research will go a long way when looking to find the most effective creams to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Many expensive creams contain perfumes and dyes that do not have any effect on wrinkles. Always check the ingredient list for anti-aging compounds, which is the key to finding the best over-the-counter wrinkle creams.
Sunblock
Sunblock is first on the list because prevention is the best anti-aging treatment. Use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunblock with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Choose one that is waterproof for extra protection. Sun damage is the biggest contributor to wrinkles, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Copper Peptides
Copper peptides increase antioxident activity in the skin. They also stimulate collagen and elastin production. Copper peptides reduce fine lines, wrinkles and photodamage, according to the November 8, 2008, issue of the Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not only for the inside, but also the outside. Vitamin C stimulates collagen biosynthesis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It is an antioxidant and good over-the-counter wrinkle cream. Vitamin C has the added benefit of protecting against sun damage.
Idebenone
Allergan Inc.manufactures idebenone, which is a proven anti-aging ingredient. It is an antioxidant similar to coenzyme Q10. A clinical study at the Institute of Aging Research at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, concluded that idebenone reduces fine lines, wrinkles and photodamage and hydrates the skin.
Lys-Lastine
Lys-lastine is responsible for elastin cross-linking. It is important in maintenance of elastic skin fibers in adults. An August 2006 study at the Laboratoire des Subsitituts Cutanes at the Hospital E. Herriot in Lyon, France, concluded that lys-lastine increases elastin.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10, has shown anti-aging properties, according to the Mayo Clinic. It plumps and firms the skin, reduces fine lines around the eyes, and protects against sun damage.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Creams containing alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin, revealing new skin that has fewer wrinkles. AHAs dissolve the protein bonds that hold dead skin cells in place, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. They unclog the pores, lighten dark spots on the skin and reduce the signs of aging.
A sunblock should be used with AHA creams, as they increase sun sensitivity. Most alpha hydroxy day creams have a sunblock included for this reason.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: The Sun and Your Skin
- Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition: The Human Tri-Peptide GHK and Tissue Remodeling
- American Academy of Dermatology: A Closer Look at Aging Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology
- PubMed.gov: International Journal of Cosmetic Science: Effect of Vitamin C and Its Derivatives on Collagen Synthesis and Cross-Linking by Normal Human Fibroblasts
- PubMed.gov: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: Clinical Efficacy Assessment in Photodamaged Skin of 0.5 Percent and 1.0 Percent Idebenone
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