Skin care is important at all ages, but as we grow older, production of elements critical for skin health, such as collagen and elastin, decrease and wrinkles appear. A skin care routine that includes anti-wrinkle creams is an important part of daily maintenance. As the American Academy of Dermatology recommends, "protect by day and repair by night." Finding the best product may require some trial-and-error, but some of the guess-work can be removed by following a few steps.
Step 1
Read the label for active ingredients. Anti-wrinkle creams should contain some of the following active ingredients. Retinol is a vitamin A compound that works as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage. Other antioxidants include alpha-lipoic acid and vitamins C and E. Vitamin C, which should be in the form of L-ascorbic acid, also stimulates collagen production. Hydroxy acids---alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid) and poly hydroxy acids---are exfoliants that remove dead skin and stimulate the growth of new skin. Coenzyme Q10 impacts energy production in cells. It may reduce fine wrinkles and protect against sun damage. Copper peptides stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are the essential elements supporting skin. Tea extracts (green, black or oolong) work as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a substance naturally produced in the brain that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles when applied to the skin.
Step 2
Look for moisturizing ingredients. No matter what other active ingredients are present, a moisturizer is a must. Moisturizers do not treat wrinkles, but they can diminish their appearance. More importantly, they provide essential nourishment and hydration by keeping water in the skin. Also called humectants, effective moisturizers found in skin care products include glycerol, urea and lactate (or lactic acid).
Step 3
Compare the type of sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology states that sunscreen is "by far the most beneficial age-fighting product on the market" because ultraviolet rays can cause age spots and wrinkles. Choose a sunscreen that protects from UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of at least 30.
Step 4
Research reviews for information to verify or debunk claims made by products and to learn which product might work best for your unique needs. If you can't find a review for the product you want, try searching drugstore.com because if it's sold there, you'll also find the list of ingredients and reviews.
Step 5
Determine if active ingredients are present in sufficient quantities. You usually won't find the actual concentration of ingredients included on the label, but the ingredients are always listed in order according to quantity, beginning with the one that's present in the largest concentration. If the active ingredient you want is near the top of the list in one product, but at the bottom of a long list of ingredients for another item, choose the cream that has it listed at the top.
Step 6
Evaluate the cost of products containing similar ingredients. Some people believe that "you get what you pay for," but many others advise that expensive is not always better. If two products have the same ingredients, a higher price does not necessarily imply a better product; it may mean that the packaging was more expensive.
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