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As we age, wrinkles are a rite of passage. But it’s also our right to take proactive steps (like slathering on the best wrinkle creams to minimize their appearance) if we so choose. I’ve interviewed hundreds of dermatologists throughout my career as a beauty editor, and I’ve found that there are two things that experts consistently prescribe in an effective anti-aging regimen. The first is sunscreen, to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays and prevent damage. The second is a wrinkle cream that fortifies the moisture barrier and stimulates collagen and elastin production (what keeps skin plump and firm). And the best options out there not only moisturize the skin, but also help reduce and prevent visible signs of aging, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and Moh’s surgeon.
If you have mature skin, a wrinkle cream will help address dryness, fine lines, and crepiness—but they hold benefits for people of all ages. “Using anti-aging products preventatively over time will help skin remain younger looking in the long term,” says Dr. Engelman. “It’s always easier to prevent skin damage than correct it.” So, look for skin care products that contain hydrating and strengthening ingredients (like ceramides) along with collagen-stimulating ones (like peptides and retinol).
While it’s unlikely that any topical product will truly make deep lines disappear entirely, these are the wrinkle creams for eyes, face, and body that dermatologists say will help—including our top pick, SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Cream, which has a formula that firms, plumps, and hydrates the skin. But, if you’re looking for more budget-friendly picks, Neutrogena and Garnier are excellent choices that derms recommend. Ahead, read on for all the expert-approved products that our reviewers put to the test, and their honest take after trying out the creams.
The best wrinkle creams, at a glanceBest Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Cream, $185Best for Mature Skin: No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream, $21Best for Dry Skin: Eucerin Immersive Hydration Night Cream, $17Best for Sensitive Skin: Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Deep Moisture Miracle Cream, $58Best for Over 50: Kiehl’s Multi-Corrective Cream, $76Best for Under Makeup: Charlotte Tilbury 1-ounce Magic Cream, $65“Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of aging and due to the decrease in collagen levels in the skin,” says Anar Mikailov, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the cofounder of Skintensive. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that gives skin its structure, strength, and elasticity—the less of it you have, the more your skin starts to show signs of aging. “Not only does collagen degrade over time, especially under chronic UV exposure (a reminder to wear your sunscreen), our skin also produces less and less collagen as we age.” The amount of collagen and elastin your body produces starts to decline sometime around your late 20s, which means that as you get older, fine lines will eventually start to settle into deeper wrinkles.
By the time you hit your 40s, “there are noticeable signs of loss of collagen, the descent of facial fat pads, deepening of wrinkles on the upper face, and uneven pigmentation appears due to broken blood vessels and sun spots,” Brian Hibler, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC previously told Glamour.
Is there anything that really works for wrinkles?
“A ‘good’ moisturizer for wrinkles should be formulated with at least one collagen-stimulating ingredient and have a mix of humectants (ingredients that draw water into the skin), emollients (hydrating ingredients), and occlusives (ingredients that seal hydration) to truly moisturize maturing, fragile skin while strengthening the skin’s protective barrier,” says Dr. Mikailov. And “moisturizers with anti-inflammatory ingredients are helpful, as many anti-wrinkle ingredients like retinol can be irritating.” Lastly, look for ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or chamomile to balance out any potential irritation from harsh actives.
What is the most effective anti-aging product?
There’s no one-size-fits-all in terms of the “best” anti-aging cream—really, it’s all about finding what works for your skin and fits with your preferences. That said, there are a few ingredients that Dr. Mikailov recommends looking for in your formulations:
Retinyl and retinol: Vitamin A derivative that promotes elastin and collagen production; reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores; improves signs of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin textureBakuchiol: Gentle retinol alternative that stimulates collagenVitamin C: Potent antioxidant that protects against environmental stressors that cause visible signs of skin aging while also brightening skin and evening discolorationPeptides: Amino acids that stimulate collagen productionHyaluronic acid: A powerful humectant that’s famous for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water
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