If you look down the cosmetics aisle at a nearby drugstore, you would be hard pressed to miss the abundance of creams that promise to make you look younger. But they're not all of the same quality, and many won't give you the results you're hoping for, according to MayoClinic.com. Know which active ingredients are thought to be the most helpful before you consider buying a wrinkle cream.
Effectiveness
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers wrinkle creams cosmetics, which means the FDA doesn't interpret wrinkle creams as having any true medical value. As a result, the FDA implements fewer safety regulations and it doesn't test wrinkle creams to determine their effectiveness. Because over-the-counter wrinkle creams aren't put to the test, they aren't guaranteed to make any dramatic difference in your skin, says MayoClinic.com.
Safety
Companies that produce wrinkle creams are allowed to sell products without first gaining FDA approval, according to the Office on Women's Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. However, if a company making a wrinkle cream doesn't perform tests to prove product safety, it is obligated to place on its front label a statement warning that it hasn't undergone safety testing. Also, if the FDA receives reports that a certain ingredient in a cosmetic has caused adverse effects, such as skin peeling and burning, it may require cosmetics with that ingredient to have a warning label.
Helpful Ingredients
Over-the-counter wrinkle creams that contain active ingredients retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, tea extracts, copper peptides, coenzyme Q10 or kinetin may modestly reduce the appearance of some wrinkles, according to MayoClinic.com. Most over-the-counter wrinkle creams work by removing a top layer of dull, dead skin or hydrating and plumping the skin, says the American Academy of Dermatology. The AAD and MayoClinic.com say that such creams are less potent than prescription creams and your wrinkles are likely to return as soon as you stop applying the wrinkle cream. Prescription topical retinoids are thought to be the most effective in reducing wrinkles, says MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
Decide what you are hoping to find in a cream before you buy one. If you don't mind the idea of minimal and temporary results, consider using an over-the-counter product rather than seeking a more potent prescription variety. MayoClinic.com also recommends considering how much you're willing to spend, noting that the cost of the product doesn't necessarily correlate with how effective it is. Finally, keep track of latest wrinkle cream research, as new evidence may point to more potent ingredients in the future. No matter cream which you choose, you will likely need to devote some time and patience to a daily regimen for at least a couple of weeks before you notice any results, says MayoClinic.com.
Reliable Alternatives
Regular skin protection is your best way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Whether or not you decide to rejuvenate your appearance with a wrinkle cream, wear protective clothing and hats, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, use a facial moisturizer every day and don't smoke, says MayoClinic.com. If wrinkles continue to be a problem, despite your best efforts, talk to a dermatologist about skin treatments such as dermabrasion, soft tissue fillers, laser treatments and face lift surgery.
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