Do Anti-Wrinkle Creams work?

Anti-wrinkle creams could help reduce the appearance of aging. Generally, these creams are not permanent wrinkle removers, but either help remove the dead outer layer of skin or hydrate the skin and plump it up, giving the appearance of removing wrinkles. Some results can be seen after about 30 days. But, once you stop using the product, the wrinkles return, so ongoing product use can become expensive depending on which cream you buy. In addition, the effectiveness of particular brands have not been scientifically studied and published in medical journals.

Given the limitations as to their success, here are some recommended products that have been reviewed:

1. Products with Vitamins C & E: The American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org, published a paper, “Facing the Age Old Question…How to Turn Back the Hands of Time.” Dermatologist, Arielle N.B. Kauvar, recommended “over-the-counter topical products with ingredients such as the anti-oxidants vitamins C & E.” However, Dr. Kauvar did not specify any particular brand.

2. Products with AHA (alpha hydroxy acid): According to Dr. Kauvar, products with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) can “help remove the dead outer layers of skin, leaving the face with a fresh, younger appearance. AHAs are particularly beneficial for wrinkles around the mouth and eyes.”

Dr. Kauvar did not recommend any particular brand, and pointed out that the most important way to prevent aging skin is to protect it with sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sun exposure is the number 1 cause of aging skin (www.aad.org).

3. Avotone and Hydroderm: A website that claims to have examined over 17 different wrinkle treatment products ranked the two most effective. Avotone was ranked #1, and Hydroderm was #2. Avotone uses acetyl hexapeptide in their cream and costs about $90 for 1 oz. Hydroderm’s ingredients include collagen and costs about $80 for 1 oz. (see www.wrinkle-treatment-reviews.com)

4. Prescriptives Intensive Rebuilding Moisturizer: The Oprah Winfrey Show (www.Oprah.com) featured a segment on anti-aging. Guest dermatologist, Dr. Karyn Grossman, recommended Prescriptives Intensive Rebuilding Moisturizer, a product that she helped develop. Dr. Grossman says, “the progressive build and fill technology of the product works within the skin to strengthen, firm and lift while it also works on the outer layer of the skin to decrease the appearance of surface line and wrinkles.” This product costs $95 for a 2 oz jar. (For more information, see www.prescriptives.com)

5. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream with SPF 15: Neutrogena had high ratings from consumers at www.epinions.com and is also recommended by a website that claims to review the reviews at www.ConsumerSearch.com. Neutrogena’s product contains Retinol and a Sun Protection Factor, SPF 15. The cost is about $10 for a 1 oz. tube which is considerably less expensive than the other products listed above.

You could try a less expensive anti-wrinkle cream like Neutrogena rather than spend a lot of money on expensive products whose effectiveness has not been substantiated by scientific studies.

It’s best to prevent aging of the skin by having a healthy lifestyle and protect the skin from the sun. Below are 12 ways below to help prevent wrinkles.