The Best Wrinkle Cream

With all the products available on the market, selecting an anti-wrinkle cream is difficult, to say the least. It seems every few months the marketing mavens come up with a new mystery ingredient that promises to deliver breakthrough results. But the key players in all the anti-aging products tend to stay the same. Knowing how to navigate the non-prescription anti-aging market to select the best wrinkle cream for you, involves having a basic understanding of the power players; the ingredients that get the job done.

Retinol, a vitamin A derivative loaded with antioxidants, is the first ingredient you should look for in your anti-aging cream. Why? It’s a more gentle variation of tretinoin, also derived from Vitamin A, which is prescription-only. Retinoid skin-care products help create healthier skin cells, increase collagen production and boost radiance in your skin. While you’re at it, consider eating a Vitamin A supplement as well!

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) exfoliate the outermost layer of dead skin to improve the skin’s texture and overall appearance. And it’s not just AHAs; beta hydroxy acids (e.g. glycolic, lactic, salicylic), and poly hydroxy acids also get the job done too! Remember to wear sunscreen regularily, since these acids make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and look for products with emollients (e.g. shea butter) to help retain moisture.

Peptides, like retinol, stimulate collagen production, but they also enhance the work of antioxidants. They are essentially a small protein which, if a 2008 study by G. Pauly, et. al. of Cognis France is to be believed, help prevent aging. The study, published in an issue of Cosmetics and Toiletries, found that peptides can lead to cellular adhesion.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that has many benefits: anti-aging properties, increases energy levels, and improves cardiovascular health. Preliminary studies have found that this nutrient leads to a reduction in fine wrinkles around the eyes, and applying products with CoQ10 before sun exposure protects against sun damage. CoQ10 is available in a supplement form for daily consumption as well.

Ultimately, make sure your wrinkle cream is packed with antioxidants whether it be retinol and CoQ10 or other ingredients such as vitamins C and E, alpha lipoic acid, green tea extract, pomegranate or resveratrol from grapes. Additionally, look for an ingredient that has emollient properties since hydrated skin is less likely to show fine lines and wrinkles.