Shopping for anti-aging beauty products can be overwhelming and confusing. Let us take some of the guesswork out by identifying the most potent ingredients in the fight against fine lines and wrinkles. Here are 10 proven wrinkle erasers, plus some of our favorite products that utilize them so well.
1. Niacin. Niacin, otherwise known as vitamin B3, promotes cell turnover while it repairs sun damage and protects from further assault. Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regeneration Lotion SPF 50 protects against the sun’s rays and supplies the skin with vitamin B3 to replenish skin’s moisture barrier.
2. Vitamin A. This powerful vitamin is essential for proper cell function and not only fights off wrinkles, but will reduce oil and the size of the sebaceous glands that lead to acne. Not everyone can tolerate taking vitamin A orally, but a topical application will work well, due to its ability to turn over cells. Try The Duchess Marden Damascena Anti-Wrinkle Serum, high in vitamin A and other natural oils for intense hydration.
3. Retinol. This is a type of vitamin A, and a go-to ingredient often used in products for its collagen-boosting properties. A favorite among NewBeauty editors, SkinMedica’s Tri-Retinol Complex ES, claims to have the highest concentration of retinol available without a prescription.
4. Peptides. These amino acids are proven to speed healing and restore collagen, which helps smooth the skin and ease wrinkles. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Ultra Lift and Firm Moisture Cream SPF 30 includes SNAP-8, a new version of peptide that with extra collagen-boosting properties.
5. Hyaluronic acid. This powerful, naturally occurring molecule is found in abundance in young skin. As we age, it diminishes. Plastic surgeons often opt for a hyaluronic acid-based filler, such as Juvederm, to restore facial volume. But you can get good results with topical products like Kiehl’s Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler.
6. Marine botanicals. Manufacturers of wrinkle-reducing creams and serums turn to plants from the sea for their ultra-hydrating effects on human skin. La Mer has created its entire line centered on marine plant stem cells blended with minerals, citrus oils and more. To protect against moisture loss, La Mer’s Hydrating Infusion serum should be smoothed on prior to a moisturizer.
7. Glycation fighter. Sugar is not only bad for your waistline, it also causes inflammation and prematurely wrinkles skin. Glycation occurs when oxidized glucose covers the surface of proteins in the body and makes them work less effectively. When this happens to collagen, wrinkles and aging skin emerge. Dr. Brandt’s Lineless Anti-Glycation Serum works to counteract sugar’s effect on the skin.
8. Antioxidants. Inflammation caused by bad choices (like smoking) and environmental stress (like pollution) can lead to premature aging that often results in wrinkles. Antioxidants can repair and protect against the damage inflammation causes, inside and out. And there’s no more delicious antioxidant than chocolate, which you can find in Glymed Plus’ Chocolate Power Skin Rescue Masque, which pairs cocoa with resveratrol and acai berry.
9. Infrared light. Exposing the skin to warm infrared light is believed to engage the fibroblast cells that, in turn, boost collagen and elastic production. The result? Smoother skin, smaller pores, fewer fine lines and better overall tone within a few weeks. This Anti-Aging Light by LightStim covers a larger area than other at-home handheld tools.
10. Glycolic acid. You may have heard of this when speaking to your plastic surgeon about a chemical peel, but it’s also found in many products. This acid easily absorbs into the skin, making it ideal for topical application. Not only does it exfoliate away fine lines and discoloration, but it also fights acne. One to try: B. Kamins, Chemist Glycolic-10.
