The promises wrinkle creams make seem too good to be true---and many of them are. As cosmetics expert and trusted consumer reviewer Paula Begoun points out, there are an abundance of over-the-counter treatments for wrinkles that can reduce the appearance of those fine lines on your face, but nothing, aside from the skills of a plastic surgeon or dermatologist's prescription, can make them disappear. Certain active ingredients in wrinkle treatments provide a temporary fix and can even prevent existing lines from becoming deeper. When shopping for your skin-care products, read the labels to see if they contain one or a combination of the below.
Sunscreen
Your best weapon against wrinkles is a skin-care product with sunscreen. These should be used daily, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Begoun concurs, advising choosing a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher (the AAD recommends an SPF of at least 30). You can choose to use a moisturizer with sunscreen added, or makeup foundation with an SPF, but the product should provide adequate protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Begoun notes that the ingredients to look for on the product label include avobenzone---which also goes by the names of Parsol 1789 or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane---titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Retinol
Retinol is the first antioxidant---an ingredient that prevents the breakdown of skin cells that leads to wrinkles---to be used in commercial nonprescription wrinkle creams, according to the Mayo Clinic. Retinol is a vitamin A compound. Compared to its prescription treatment, tretinoin (Retin-A), a vitamin A derivative, retinol is far less potent. "Simply put, it [retinol] helps skin cells create better, healthier skin cells and increase the amount of skin-support substances," says Begoun.
Hydroxy Acids
The Mayo Clinic describes alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA) and poly hydroxy acids (PHA) as a synthetic type of acid derived from sugary fruits. Hydroxy acids act as a sort of exfoliant, removing the outer layer of dead skin and encouraging the growth of newer, smoother skin underneath. Begoun, a huge proponent of hydroxy acids, points out that a product containing these ingredients can enhance the effects of the other skin-care products you use, such as moisturizers. The Mayo Clinic indicates that hydroxy acids can make your skin more prone to sun damage, so always wear a good sunscreen if you intend to use them.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone doesn't target wrinkles specifically, but addresses an unfortunate side effect that comes with sun-weathered skin: discoloration (hyperpigmentation). Hydroquinone acts as a bleaching agent, slowly fading sunspots over a period of time by reducing melanin production. Begoun indicates that the strongest skin lightener you can find over the counter contains 1 percent or 2 percent hydroquinone; to get a stronger cream or gel, you need a doctor's prescription.
Other
The Mayo Clinic gives the nod to other over-the-counter treatment for wrinkles, including skin-care products that contain coenzyme Q10, copper peptides, kinetin and green, black and oolong tea extracts. Regardless of which wrinkle creams you choose, remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration treats these as cosmetics, not medicine. The products aren't regulated or rigorously tested to ensure that they work as they claim. For more pronounced results, your dermatologist can customize a medical treatment for wrinkled, weathered skin, which may include using prescription topicals or undergoing a medical procedure, such as Botox injections or laser resurfacing.
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