The Truth About Wrinkle Creams

Wrinkle creams can do some things for your skin.

There are literally hundreds of anti-aging wrinkle creams out there that claim to be the miracle cure for fine lines and deep-set wrinkles. The truth is wrinkle creams are not wrinkle removers and their effects are not permanent; however, by hydrating the skin and removing dead skin cells, these wrinkle creams can give the appearance of removing fine lines and wrinkles and reduce the visible signs of aging.

Ingredients

Wrinkle creams contain a variety of ingredients.

The active ingredients are far more important than the brand name when it comes to choosing an anti-aging wrinkle cream. Typical wrinkle cream ingredients that may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are alpha and beta hydroxy acid, retinol and Vitamin A, Vitamin C Ester, Vitamin B5, coenzyme Q10, copper peptides, kinetin, tea extracts, caffeine, antioxidants and collagen and elastin.

Effects

Wrinkle creams prevent and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Wrinkle creams exfoliate the skin by removing the outer, dead layer and giving a natural, healthy looking glow to the skin; stimulating the growth of evenly pigmented skin; and relaxing the wrinkle creases, which gives the appearance of smoothing out fine lines. Collagen-producing wrinkle creams firm sagging skin and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Time Frame

The apperance of fine lines may be reduced in as little as four weeks.

Most wrinkle creams advertise visual improvement in a minimum of 28 days when used once or twice a day. Some creams state up to eight-weeks before a noticeable improvement may be visible. Since wrinkle creams affect only the top layer of the skin, their effects are short-lived, unless they are used continually.

Misconceptions

Successful anti-aging treatments begin before the signs of skin damage appear.

Waiting until you see wrinkles to begin treatment is a common misconception among women. Skin loses its elasticity not only by aging, but also by exposure to the sun and smoking. Since collagen and elastin cannot be absorbed into the skin, wrinkle creams featuring these as the active ingredients are basically worthless.

Cost

Cost has no relation to effectiveness.

Reducing the appearance of aging can be an expensive endeavor. Wrinkle creams can cost hundreds of dollars, yet some can be found for a few dollars. A plain inexpensive moisturizer can hydrate skin just as well as its costly counterparts.

Warning

Many of the ingredients in wrinkle creams have not been tested or undergone scientific research to prove their benefit. The only way to effectively reduce the aging process is to avoid smoking, stay out of the sun, and use a simple moisturizer that contains UVA and UVB protection.

References

• The Mayo Clinic
• Eyecream.org

Resources

• The Skin Care Guide