Do Anti Wrinkle Creams Work?

Everyone is looking for an anti wrinkle cream. With so many creams, serums and treatments on the market, how do you know which one is the real deal? No one can turn back the hands of time; we all have to face aging, but there are options for wrinkle treatment. Look for some key active ingredients in over the counter products. Talk to your Dermatologist about presription wrinkle cream treatment.

FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies creams and lotions as cosmetics having no medical value. The FDA does not evaluate cosmetic products for effectiveness, so there are no guarantees with non prescription over the counter wrinkle treatments. There is a prescription cream approved by the FDA for treatment of wrinkles. The FDA has approved Renova (tretinoin cream) 0.20% for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles associated with sun damage and natural aging. Consult with your Dermatologist to find out if this cream is right for you.

Retinol Creams

Retinol is a Vitamin A compound antioxidant used in non-prescription wrinkle creams. Antioxidants prevent oxygen damage to your body. Retinol works by neutralizing free radicals in the skin. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles. Creams containing Retinol should not be used if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, because they increase the risk of birth defects.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are derived from sugar containing fruits. These compounds remove dead skin cells from top layers of your skin, and through this exfoliation process, new skin cell production is stimulated. Alpha Hydroxy Acid increases sensitivity to the sun, so choosing a cream containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid means avoiding sun exposure and wearing sunscreen. The FDA does require creams containing this active ingredient to display sun exposure warnings.

Copper Peptides

Every cell in your body contains trace elements of copper. Creams incorporate copper with small protein fragments called peptides for treatment of wrinkles. Copper peptides are used in wound healing to stimulate collagen production, and they may have some role in enhancing antioxidants.

Tea and Kinetin

Green teas, black teas, and oolong teas contain antioxdants and anti-inflammatories which prevent redness and swelling of the skin, so you will see creams containing extracts from these teas. Kinetin is a plant growth factor. It may improve wrinkles by helping your skin to retain moisture and encourage production of dollagen.

Costs and Side Effects

Nonprescription creams contain lower concentrations of active ingredients. You may see results, but they may be short lived and limited, creams must be used once or twice a day for many weeks. Cost has no bearing on the effectiveness of any wrinkle cream. The amount and type of active ingredient in any cream is what makes the difference. Some preparations may cause skin irritation, rashes, burning or redness, follow product instructions and visit your Dermatologist for extreme reactions.

Tips

Wrinkle creams may lessen the appearance of wrinkles in your skin, but using a moisturizer daily, limiting your skins exposure to the sun, wearing sun screen, and not smoking are reliable ways to improve skins appearance over the the long term. Visit your Dermatologist and ask for advice on a skin care program to achieve your expectations.

References

• Wrinkle Creams Your Guide to Younger Looking Skin
• FDA Approves New Formulation of Renova