When you’re shopping for wrinkle-fighting products, the sheer abundance of potions, creams and lotions available can be overwhelming. Whether you’ve got $20 or $200 to spend, finding wrinkle products that work means looking for ingredients that actually make a difference in the appearance of your skin.
What You Need
To combat wrinkles, three types of products are essential, according to Ava Shamban, a dermatologist writing for "Women’s Health" magazine. You’ll need a product that contains a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid to promote cell turnover; an antioxidant cream for daytime use to prevent free radical damage; and a nighttime cream with retinol to stimulate collagen repopulation beneath your skin.
Why You Need It
Exfoliants help refresh the surface layer of your skin, removing damaged cells, improving skin tone and allowing other wrinkle treatments to penetrate your skin more effectively. Antioxidants, like green tea, idebenone and vitamin C help soothe irritation and inflammation that can exacerbate wrinkles and may help your skin retain moisture to make wrinkles less noticeable, explains MayoClinic.com. Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, helps stimulate collagen production beneath your skin to smooth away wrinkles.
More Expensive Doesn’t Mean Better
A more expensive wrinkle treatment isn’t necessarily a better one, according to MayoClinic.com. If you’re shopping for a new wrinkle cream, opt for the least expensive version that contains the active ingredient you want, and see how it affects your skin before springing for a pricey version. Also keep in mind that most wrinkle products have been developed only over the last few decades, so there are no long-term studies supporting their benefits.
Sun Protection
Products that contain alpha hydroxy acids and retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage, so protect your skin with sunscreen if you use them. Retinol can also cause redness, burning and itchy skin for some people who use it. If you experience serious discomfort while using retinol, discontinue use and see your dermatologist.
Expert Insight
Invest in a good sunscreen. Nearly 80 percent of wrinkles are caused by sun damage, and their effects may not show for several years after the damage has occurred. To protect your skin, look for a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB damage and increase its effectiveness by not smoking.
