When you look good, you feel good, so shouldn’t your beauty regimen deliver your best skin yet? For some, the best wrinkle creams—to tackle fine lines and texture—are part of the equation. Unlike what many might refer to as the best anti-aging cream (essentially, a dated catch-all term for formulas that target all visible like and dullness), experts say wrinkle creams differ in that they look to specifically prevent and treat fine lines and wrinkles as a result of the natural aging process.
To find the best, we tapped seven skin-care experts to weigh in on their picks.
Yes, wrinkle creams do actually work to smooth, plump, and firm the look of skin over time. However, experts emphasize that continual use and choosing one with a host of rejuvenating ingredients is key; and that’s not all. Pair your anti-aging regimen with a retinoid, a Vitamin C serum and moisturizer to achieve all your skin goals.
When dermatologist Dr. Worden must recommend a wrinkle cream, she looks for three qualities. “The most important is the type and quality of ingredients, as this will dictate efficacy in minimizing wrinkles,” she says. Next, “the vehicle [or] formulation as this will dictate if it is a good choice for your specific skin type, and third price point, as there should be an effective yet affordable option for everyone.”
Peptides, growth factors, ceramides, and retinoids are the ingredients experts say comprise the best anti-wrinkle creams, along with hyaluronic acid. Here are some more important ingredients dermatologists highly recommend to minimize fine lines and wrinkles:
* Vitamin C
* Green Tea Extract
* Niacinamide
* Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
* Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
Dr. Worden explains that by incorporating these rejuvenating ingredients into your regimen, you can expect the following results:
* Fewer wrinkles and fine lines
* Even toned skin
* Improved texture, dullness, and hyperpigmentation
* Increased elasticity
Read on to discover the best wrinkle creams our expert dermatologists and estheticians have actually tested and recommend—along with important ingredient callouts and application best practices.
“If your goal is to avoid all wrinkles, I would recommend starting one when you see the first signs of wrinkles, which is usually in your mid-20s,” Dr. Greenfield notes. “A cream will not prevent the formation of all wrinkles, but it can boost collagen production, an important step in anti-wrinkle skin care.”
As you can never be too cautious, start with one active ingredient at a time when testing new additions to your skincare routine, instead of opting for multi-action products. Dr. Shirazi shares a bit more helpful application guidance on using a retinoid for wrinkles: “If you are starting a retinol, avoid or reduce your exfoliation until your skin gets acclimated. For those with sensitive skin, avoid a retinol with other potent actives like vitamin C or glycolic acid at the same time. Wait 2–4 weeks before adding one or the other. Some may not tolerate strong acids like glycolic or salicylic acid with a retinol. I suggest skipping the retinol the nights you exfoliate with a strong acid.”
Applying your chosen wrinkle cream isn’t much different than that of your favorite moisturizer. Generally speaking, it’ll be the last step in your skincare regimen. However, because these formulas are most often packed with potent ingredients, it’s best to apply them according to the provided instructions.
