How to Buy Wrinkle Creams

What the best wrinkle creams have

• More antioxidants: Experts say there is no single best ingredient, so it's important to look for wrinkle creams that offer several beneficial elements, since skin reacts better to a mixture of high-quality ingredients.

• Opaque packaging: Several anti-aging ingredients, namely antioxidants and retinoids, can become ineffective and damaged when they come in contact with light and air, say experts -- look for containers that limit exposure.

• Price is not indicative of quality: Experts say the ingredients list -- and not the price tag -- is the best indicator of quality and that some of the best wrinkle creams can be found at the drugstore for a fraction of the cost of department store brands.

Know before you go

What degree of wrinkle fighting do you need? If your main goal is to prevent future fine lines and wrinkles, a good antioxidant cream and daily applications of sunscreen are your best bet. If you're just starting to show some signs of aging, an over-the-counter retinol cream -- with additional preventative ingredients -- is a good place to start. Prescription retinol creams are needed for more prominent lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, no topical cream is as effective as professional procedures, such as Botox treatments. 

Is your complexion starting to look dull? A wrinkle cream containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids can help smooth skin texture and brighten your complexion.

Do you have dark spots and uneven pigmentation? Look for a cream that contains hydroquinone to even out your skin tone.

Can you be realistic? Wrinkle creams won't work miracles. Instead, results are often very subtle, and any changes take time. Fast, dramatic results are only available through cosmetic procedures. In addition, results can vary. Not everyone experiences the same reaction to a specific product, so it might take some trial and error to find a product you're happy with.