Anti Wrinkle Cream

What to Expect From an Anti Wrinkle Cream

Have you ever wondered if an over-the-counter Anti Wrinkle Cream really works? The answer is yes, but it is dependent on a number of factors. These include the ingredients, the results you are expecting, and the extent of the wrinkles evident in your aging skin.

How Much Improvement Can You Realistically Expect?

Anti wrinkle products in the form of gels, lotions, and creams can be found widely available on the market in your local pharmacy or online. While they all promise to give you fast and noticeable results, understand that your results will vary depending on the extent to which your skin is damaged.

You should also be aware that the FDA does not rigorously test or examine research to determine the claims of effectiveness in most of these anti-wrinkle creams. Certainly none of them is going to act like a face lift in a bottle. But you can expect to see an improvement in the look of your wrinkles which includes skin firming, refining your pores and offering temporary tightening and plumping. Just like acne products aimed at teenagers, some cosmeceutical companies make outrageous claims, so buyer beware.

Anti-Wrinkle Ingredients

The most important factor in an anti wrinkle cream is the ingredients it contains. The following is a list of some of the more common and how they work:

•    Hyrdoxy/Alphahydroxy Acids – these include beta and poly hydroxy acids which are all versions of acids found naturally in various sugary fruits and manufactured synthetically. These acids work as exfoliants to remove the outermost layer of dead skin and promote the growth of new skin that is more evenly pigmented and smoother to the touch. If you are applying a day or night cream with any form of these acids, be sure to limit sun exposure and use a good sunscreen.
•    Retinol – this ingredient is derived from Vitamin A. It is considered one of the first antioxidants to be used in the fight against aging skin and wrinkles. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals that break down the cells in skin and ultimately cause wrinkles. A more effective form of Retinol is Tretinoin, which is available only with a prescription. Note that Vitamin A derivatives are not recommended for pregnant women because they have been linked to some birth defects.
•    CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) – this nutrient stimulates the skin cell’s energy production. There are no known side effects, and this substance can even protect against damage from the sun.
•    Copper Peptides – the trace cell element of copper is combined with peptides, or tiny protein fragments. Copper peptides help wounds to heal as well as stimulate collagen production and enhance the ability of antioxidants.
•    Tea extracts – natural antioxidants, green, oolong and black teas also contain anti-inflammatory compounds. Green tea extract is the most common ingredient in many of today’s anti-wrinkle cream formulations.
•    Kinetin – this substance is extracted from plant matter; it helps plants to grow. It is thought that it can improve the appearance of wrinkles and uneven pigmentation by aiding the skin in retaining moisture and stimulating collagen production. Kinetin could also be considered an antioxidant with further study.

It is clear that any Anti Wrinkle Cream that contains some or most of these ingredients could certainly have a beneficial effect on aging skin. Be wary of outrageous claims, but for quality products, you can expect to see at least minor improvement in the appearance of your wrinkles.