These Anti-Aging Wrinkle Creams Will Smooth Out Your Fine Lines and Wrinkles

While we like to think we actually get better with age, we totally understand that there might be some pesky skin changes, you want to address as the years pass. And while there are a variety of medical procedures and spa treatments, there's no reason why you can't pamper yourself (and your skin) with anti-aging creams in the comfort of your own home.

But, we get it: Not all anti-aging creams are equal, and with thousands of options available on Amazon alone, online shopping can feel complicated. To help you navigate the over-saturated world of anti-aging creams, we spoke to several skincare experts to give us the low-down on all things anti-aging creams.

Best Anti-Aging Creams

When to Use Anti-Aging Creams

It isn't easy to pinpoint exactly when to start incorporating anti-aging products into your routine, but most experts agree on one thing: You should at least get the basics into your anti-aging routine started in your 20s. According to cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, M.D., your rate of cell turnover and collagen production starts to slow down, which is one of the main causes of physical signs of aging.

Need more incentive to start using an anti-aging cream early? Regardless of which anti-aging cream you use, it'll take you two or three months to notice visible results.

Anti-Aging Creams and Your Skin Type

Greenfield, who practices at Schweiger Dermatology Group, says your skin type plays into when you should start using anti-aging creams.

• Oily skin: The most important factor to consider in an anti-aging cream for oily skin is its consistency — look for a light, gel-based product because they're non-greasy and won't leave your face sticky and shiny.
• Dry and sensitive skin: The Manhattan-based derm suggests starting with gentle products, low concentrations of active ingredients, and incorporate anti-aging cream slowly until you can comfortably build up to using it as directed on the label. Thicker anti-aging creams are also your friend because they help surge your skin with hydration.

Best Anti-Aging Active Ingredients

We asked Greenfield, Green, and a slew of her fellow board-certified dermatologists about the all-time best anti-aging ingredients and why they're effective.

Retinol

• What is it?: Retinol is a buzzy vitamin A-derivative that dermatologists can’t get enough of, and it’s easy to understand why.
• Pros: It promotes cell turnover and enhances collagen production, creating a smooth and plump appearance while preventing clogged pores.
• Cons: The effects of retinoids tend to fade away once you stop using them and they’re notorious for causing irritation and sensitivity.

Vitamin C

• What is it?: Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., says this potent antioxidant protects skin against UV light, increases the production of collagen, and brightens your complexion for a more even look and feel.
• Pros: Mixing vitamin C with your sunscreen is one of the best combinations your skin could ever have since they both work together to protect your skin against UV light radiation.
• Cons: Pretty much anyone can use vitamin C, but people with ultra-sensitive skin might want to introduce it very slowly into their routine — think once or twice a week to start, and adjust the frequency as necessary.

Hyaluronic Acid

• What is it?: “Hyaluronic acid can hold more than 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a great anti-aging ingredient,” says Green.
• Pros: It’s fast-absorbing, skin plumping, and pairs nicely with pretty much every skincare ingredient, including retinol.
• Cons: Hyaluronic acid is safe for all skin types, but anyone with dry skin should combine it with emollients and occlusives to prevent any moisture loss.

Glycolic Acid

• What is it?: Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is known to help chemically exfoliate your pores and shed dead skin cells.
• Pros: Beyond being a supercharged exfoliator that removes gunk in your pores, it has been shown to increase collagen production. Glycolic acid evens out skin discoloration, softens fine lines and wrinkles, tackles rough, dry, and bumpy skin, and helps your skincare actives penetrate better. Like hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid also attracts water to plump skin for an anti-aging effect.
• Cons: You can use glycolic acid if you have dry skin, but don’t apply it over skin that’s inflamed, red, or peeling. Also, anyone with strawberry or blueberry allergies should skip using glycolic acid.

Niacinamide

• What is it?: “Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3, and it contains anti-inflammatory properties and can protect the skin from sun damage,” says Green. Who can pass that up?
• Pros: Everyone can use niacinamide to achieve a brighter, more hydrated, and even complexion. It’s also compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs and beta-hydroxy-acids (BHAs), other antioxidants, and peptides.
• Cons: Niacinamide is well-tolerated by all skin types, even sensitive skin.

The Bottom Line

There are a handful of anti-aging ingredients that stand out from the rest, all of which our experts agreed should be incorporated into your skincare routine. Read on to learn more about their favorite anti-aging creams across all budgets. Each recommendation was also vetted by our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, who also considered their consistency, texture, active ingredients, scent, and user feedback.