Wrinkles may be a natural part of the aging process, but that doesn't mean they are greeted with enthusiasm. Genetics and sun exposure are the biggest factors in wrinkle formation, according to the Mayo Clinic. As skin ages, it also loses firmness and elasticity. Seemingly countless anti-aging creams, lotions, serums and gels promise to make fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging vanish from view. A short list of skin care products may actually live up to these claims.
Retinoids
Retinoids are topical vitamin A derivatives that may reduce fine lines and wrinkles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Tretinoin is a retinoid sold commercially as Retin-A. Tretinoin is the only topical medication approved by the FDA to treat wrinkles.
A watered-down version of tretinoin, called retinol, is available over the counter. It's effects may be less noticeable than tretinoin.
Vitamin C
Topical vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is turning up in a growing number of skin care products for its apparent ability to reduce wrinkles.
Creams that contain vitamin C may also improve pigmentation and decrease skin inflammation, according to SkinTherapyLetter.com.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids are synthetic derivatives of acids extracted from sugar-containing fruits. Glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids may provide minimal improvement in wrinkles, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hydroxy acids help smooth the skin by clearing away old surface-layer skin, making way for new, more uniformly pigmented skin.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid may decrease fine lines and give skin a healthy appearance, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Alpha lipoic acid may slough off old, dead skin and give skin a glowing, healthy appearance.
Copper Peptides
Copper-containing compounds such as copper peptides may moderately reduce wrinkles, reports the Mayo Clinic. Copper peptides may also firm, soften and smooth skin more quickly than other anti-aging products.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 or CQ10 is a nutrient that may soften the appearance of wrinkles. CQ10 may be especially effective in diminishing wrinkles around the eyes, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Kinetin
Kinetin is a plant growth factor that may reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Kinetin may work by promoting moisture retention in the skin.
Vitamin E
Skin creams that contain vitamin E may diminish wrinkles. A form of vitamin E called alpha tocopherol helps decrease wrinkle depth, length of facial lines and smooth skin, the UMMC reports.
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 or niacinamide may reduce wrinkles, most notably around the eyes. Niacinamide is contained in some moisturizers and other skin care products, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Sunscreen
Spending too much time in the sun can make skin look older by causing premature wrinkles, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Applying a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, of at least 30 can help prevent fine lines, wrinkles and other skin damage while lowering the risk of skin cancer.
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