Wrinkle creams vs. moisturizers

Although there's certainly a lot of crossover, there's one major difference between daily moisturizers and wrinkle creams: sunscreen. Anti wrinkle creams, which don't usually include sunscreen, are best used as night creams Wrinkle creams also contain a higher percentage of antioxidants and other wrinkle-preventing ingredients such as retinol. In addition, some of the most powerful ingredients are best used at night.

Antioxidants work to counteract the presence of free radicals. These environmental compounds wear on skin, damaging healthy cells over time, an occurrence which ultimately leads to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, works to increase the production of skin-plumping collagen to soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In small concentrations, you can find retinol in over-the-counter wrinkle creams and in higher concentrations by prescription. While both options improve skin, prescription creams have been shown to be more effective. However, many users say retinol can cause temporary side effects such as skin flaking, redness and irritation and significantly increase sun sensitivity.


Packaging matters

Formula aside, the reviews we encountered also revealed that product packaging is key, since this factor has the ability to significantly downgrade the quality of an item's ingredients. For instance, some products, such as Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream (*Est. $26 for 1.7 oz.) and Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Treatment (*Est. $19 for 1.7 oz.), have excellent formulas full of antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients, but experts say they are essentially ruined by their packaging. That's because antioxidants and retinol begin to degrade in the presence of light and air, according to New York City doctors Michael F. Roizen (anesthesiology and internal medicine) and Mehmet Oz (cardiothoracic surgeon), and authors of the book, "You: Being Beautiful." These formulas, and several others on the market, are packaged in clear glass jars, which exposes key ingredients to light and air every time they are used, rapidly minimizing their effectiveness. For this reason, experts recommend looking for anti-aging skin treatments that are packaged in opaque containers.

Here's a summary of what you should know about wrinkle creams:

  • You still need sunscreen. The most important factor in the fight against wrinkles is prevention, with experts suggesting that as much as 90 percent of wrinkles are caused by sun damage. Additionally, some wrinkle creams (like those that contain retinol) can leave skin more vulnerable to sun damage, further increasing a user's need for sunscreen. For some highly reviewed products, read our report on sunscreens.
  • More antioxidants are actually better. There is no single best ingredient. Instead, say experts, look for the best wrinkle creams which offer several beneficial elements, since skin reacts better to a mixture of high quality ingredients.
  • Opt for opaque containers, rather than clear ones. Several anti-aging ingredients, namely antioxidants and retinoids, can become ineffective and damaged when they come in contact with light and air, say experts. So, sleuth out products and packaging that limit exposure.
  • 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 doctors.
  • Results can vary. Not everyone experiences the same reaction to a specific product. While there's no definitive reason, Amy Newburger, a dermatologist in Scarsdale, N.Y., says, "Each person's skin has its own unique requirements and responses." So it might take some trial and error to find a product you're happy with.
  • Wear sunglasses. Shades protect eyes from the sun's damaging rays and help individuals avoid squinting, an action that can lead to wrinkles over time.
  • Quit smoking. The nicotine in cigarettes naturally depletes the body's levels of nitric oxide (a gas that helps skin retain its elasticity), and this can cause premature wrinkling, especially around the eye and mouth areas, say Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet Oz, authors of "You: Being Beautiful."

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