How to find Good Anti Wrinkle Creams

Many wrinkle creams promise good results.

Anti-wrinkle creams are ubiquitous, from cosmetic sections at the grocery store to department store counters. Determining which product is right for you and your skin type, however, isn't an easy task; finding a product that works best for your skin type requires testing. To make shopping for an anti-wrinkle cream easier, here are some steps that will help you choose the right product.

Instructions

1. Look at the active ingredients listed on wrinkle cream labels and packages. Products with ingredients like retinol, kinetin, hydroxy acids, coenzyme Q10, salicylic acid and tea extracts may prevent or improve facial wrinkles; however, it's best to consult a dermatologist to determine which active ingredient will work best for your skin. Dry skin, for example, may work best with ingredients like kinetin because the ingredient helps retain moisture. Research active ingredients, online, on reputable websites written by or reviewed by dermatologists. Also ensure that the content is unbiased and not on websites intended to sell you products.

2. Determine which part of the skin you want to treat. Wrinkle cream for the eyes and face may require different products because of skin delicacy.

3. Skip over wrinkle creams with extravagant claims. Some anti-wrinkle creams state in their advertising that they can make wrinkles disappear instantaneously or promise that you'll look 10 to 20 years younger in as little as 24 hours. Promising dramatically younger skin overnight is a sign that the product may be ineffective.

4. Choose anti-wrinkle creams that contain a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30, as is suggested by the American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreens prevent future wrinkles and sun damage that may occur because of sun exposure.

5. Add a moisturizer to skincare regimen, if the anti-wrinkle cream doesn't contain moisturizing ingredients. Moisturizers may not prevent future wrinkles but they do plump out existing wrinkles, reducing the appearance of those wrinkles.

Tips & Warnings

• If over-the-counter wrinkle creams are ineffective, a dermatologist can prescribe more potent skin creams such as Tretinoin, which is approved by the FDA for the treatment of skin aging.

• An important part of a skincare regimen is consistency. Apply the cream daily or as directed on the label.

• Even though the cream may include a sunscreen, consumers should reapply sunscreen every few hours to remain protected to the sun.

• Skincare is individual. Work best for someone else may not work best for you. Consider your skin type before choosing products for your best skincare regimen.

• Take precautions with anti-wrinkle creams containing retinol and hydroxy acids. Because hydroxy acids are exfoliants that remove surface skin cells, hydroxy acids may increase a person's chance of receiving skin damage from the sun, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hydroxy acids and retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) should never be applied around the eyes because of potential irritation.

• Watch for potential side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, some anti-wrinkle creams may cause redness, rashes and skin irritation. Signs of a skin allergy include bumpiness, itchiness and swelling. If this occurs, a dermatologist or other healthcare provider should be contacted as soon as possible.

References

• MayoClinic.com; Wrinkle creams: Your guide to younger looking skin
• American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology; Allergic Skin Conditions: Tips to Remember
• American Academy of Dermatology; AgingSkinNet Article; 10 Tips: Selecting Age-Fighting Topicals
• NIH MedlinePlus: 8 Areas of Age-Related Change