How to Find the Best Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but few of us can accept them. We turn to Botox and chemical peels or, at best, an anti-wrinkle cream. But are these creams worth their money? According to scientists, once a wrinkle is there, it's there. Nothing short of surgery is going to make it disappear. We can, however, do our best to prevent wrinkles by using a daily moisturizer and night cream.

Finding the best anti-wrinkle cream involves reading the label on the product.

Peptides

Olay Regenerist lists peptides as one of the ingredients. Peptides are short-chain amino acids that have the ability to penetrate the epidermis and encourage the skin's healing process. Peptides stimulate the fibroblasts to produce collagen, resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin. Sally Penfold of the International Dermal Institute says you shouldn't expect too much from an over-the-counter product, though, as it is unlikely to change the skin's structure.

Coenzyme Q10

Nivea has been tried and trusted for years by women the world over. Nivea mixes coenzyme Q10, a vitamin-based substance, in its anti-wrinkle creams. One of those creams is Nivea DNAge moisturizer and night cream, claimed to be as good as the more expensive creams.

Antioxidants

Creme de la Mer and Clinique CX make use of, among other ingredients, antioxidants. Even though Creme de la Mer is claimed to be the best all-around moisturizer on the market, Penfold is skeptical. She says the cream was developed for burns and scars but might be too rich for the average skin.

Retin-A

ROC Retinol Correxion uses Retin-A in its anti-wrinkle cream, which is vitamin A-based. Retin-A is said to increase cell production and encourage the increase of collagen. However, when used in too high a dosage, Retin-A can cause dry and flaking skin.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Neostrata Smoothing Cream is rich in alpha hydroxy acids, which improve the look and feel of the skin. Penfold expresses doubt about the effectiveness, though, saying that AHAs in over-the-counter creams are not as effective as manufacturers would like us to believe.

Penfold recommends using sunscreen to prevent wrinkles, noting that UV rays are the most damaging to skin and the leading cause of wrinkles.

She also recommends regular exfoliation, avoiding crash diets and reducing saturated fats and transfats. On the other hand, fresh fruits and vegetables, fatty acids, cereals and nuts are all beneficial.