While fine lines and wrinkles are a mostly unavoidable part of the aging process, the environment plays a role in how soon they will begin to form, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD. A seemingly endless array of beauty creams and lotions promise to make fine lines and wrinkles disappear. A handful of products may actually contain ingredients that will effectively diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALP, has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as an exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells, according to SkinTherapyLetter.com. ALP helps reduce fine wrinkles and has a smoothing effect on the skin. Alpha-lipoic acid is a fat- and water-soluble antioxidant, which means it can work throughout the body.
Coenzyme Q10
The nutrient coenzyme Q10 helps manage energy production in cells and may remove fine wrinkles, especially around the eyes, notes the Mayo Clinic. A study published in 1999 in the journal Biofactors found that CoQ10 may prevent many of the detrimental effects of photoaging that can include fine lines and wrinkles. The research was conducted by Paul Gerson Unna Research Center, Beiersdorf AG, in Hamburg, Germany.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a potent antioxidant that may significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as improve skin firmness when applied topically, according to SkinTherapyLetter.com. A study conducted by the Procter & Gamble Co. found that topical niacinamide improved skin elasticity and lessened the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The findings of the study were published in July 2005 in the journal Dermatologic Surgery.
Retionic Acid
Tretinoin, commonly known as Retin-A, is the only topical medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating photoaging, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Prescription-strength tretinoin helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and has an overall smoothing effect on the skin.
Retinol
Retinol is a vitamin-A derivative that is a weaker version of tretinoin available without a prescription that may have modest anti-aging effects. A study published in May 2007 in the Archives of Dermatology found retinol produced significant improvement in fine wrinkles after 24 weeks of treatment. The study was conducted by the Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, in Ann Arbor.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or L-ascorbic acid, may improve fine lines and stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein fiber that helps give skin its firmness. A 12-week placebo-controlled study published in July-August 2004 in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found the topical application of 3 percent ascorbic acid indicated a significant reduction of facial wrinkles. The study was headed by Thomas Raschke, of the Beiersdorf AG, Research & Development Cosmed, in Hamburg, Germany.
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