Your best shot at maintaining a youthful, year-round glow is to have a few go-to anti-aging products in your skincare regimen, especially a wrinkle-fighting cream or two.
Do wrinkle creams really work?
The short answer is, yes. But the long answer is, it depends on your current skin goals. According to Ted Lain, an MD, Austin-based board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer at Sanova Dermatology, there are two types of categories that wrinkle creams fall under: collagen producers and hydrators. Before you can choose the best wrinkle cream for your skin, it’s important to understand the difference between the two types. Collagen producers, says Lain, contain ingredients that increase collagen in the dermis, which is the second layer of the skin. These types of products can take months to make a noticeable difference, but the new collagen can last for years. Hydrators, on the other hand, contain ingredients that increase water content in the skin, plumping the surface and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While these types of creams can reduce the appearance of wrinkles relatively quickly, the effect also may only last a few hours. Lain recommends looking for a couple of key anti-aging ingredients to narrow down your search for the best wrinkle cream. “If you are playing the long game,” says Lain, “look for creams with retinol or retinaldehyde. Other ingredients that may help [long-term] include peptides and growth factors. If you need immediate reduction, look for creams that give you an ‘instant lift’ and contain hyaluronic acid.”
Where to Buy the Best Wrinkle Creams
In addition to deciding what type of wrinkle cream you’re in the market for, the best wrinkle cream for you will also depend on your skin type and budget, among other preferences. With the expert’s advice in mind, we narrowed down the absolute best wrinkle creams to shop, according to online customer reviews. Whether you’re looking for a fix to dark circles under your eyes or an effective night cream for sensitive skin, there’s something to boost every anti-aging skincare routine below.