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Frequently asked questions
What causes wrinkles?
“Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of aging and are due to the decrease in collagen levels in the skin,” says Anar Mikailov, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the cofounder of Skintensive, which makes skin care products. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that gives skin its structure, strength, and elasticity—the less of it you have, the more your skin starts to show signs of aging. “Not only does collagen degrade over time, especially under chronic UV exposure (a reminder to wear your sunscreen), but our skin also produces less and less collagen as we age.” The amount of collagen and elastin your body produces starts to decline sometime around your late 20s, which means that as you get older, fine lines will eventually start to settle into deeper wrinkles.
By the time you hit your 40s, “there are noticeable signs of loss of collagen, the descent of facial fat pads, deepening of wrinkles on the upper face, and uneven pigmentation appears due to broken blood vessels and sun spots,” Brian Hibler, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC, previously told Glamour.
Is there anything that really works for wrinkles?
“A ‘good’ moisturizer for wrinkles should be formulated with at least one collagen-stimulating ingredient and have a mix of humectants (ingredients that draw water into the skin), emollients (hydrating ingredients), and occlusives (ingredients that seal hydration) to truly moisturize maturing, fragile skin while strengthening the skin’s protective barrier,” says Dr. Mikailov. And “moisturizers with anti-inflammatory ingredients are helpful, as many anti-wrinkle ingredients like retinol can be irritating.” Lastly, look for ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or chamomile to balance out any potential irritation from harsh actives.
What is the most effective antiaging product?
There’s no one-size-fits-all in terms of the “best” antiaging cream—really, it’s all about finding what works for your skin and fits with your preferences. That said, there are a few ingredients Dr. Mikailov recommends you look for in your formulations:
- Retinyl and retinol: Vitamin A derivatives that promote elastin and collagen production; reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores; improve signs of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin texture
- Bakuchiol: Gentle retinol alternative that stimulates collagen
- Vitamin C: Potent antioxidant that protects against environmental stressors that cause visible signs of skin aging while also brightening skin and evening discoloration
- Peptides: Amino acids that stimulate collagen production
- Hyaluronic acid: A powerful humectant famous for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water
What do dermatologists recommend for wrinkles?
“My primary approach to treating wrinkles involves a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy,” says Maryam Safaee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. ”Daily photoprotection and sunscreen use are critical, as ongoing sun damage is the main cause of skin aging, rendering other treatments ineffective without it. Additionally, I recommend topical retinoids as they serve as a foundational element. Lastly, for skin rejuvenation and optimal results, I recommend in-office procedures such as chemical peels and laser treatments.
What ingredients work best for wrinkles?
In general, dermatologists recommend looking for antiaging skin care products that contain hydrating and strengthening ingredients (such as ceramides) along with ingredients, such as peptides that can help build collagen and improve skin firmness. Additionally retinoin or retinol can assist with cell turnover. Dr. Moy also recommends creams with niacinamide to help with barrier function, tone, and fine lines, and she says that humectants—such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid—do well to hydrate and plump. Finally, “Broad-spectrum sunscreen for daytime use is the most important antiaging product of all,” she says.
Do wrinkle creams work on existing wrinkles?
“Yes, but results depend on the wrinkle,” says Dr. Farahi. She explains that moisturizers soften dehydration-related lines, while retinoids can gradually improve fine wrinkles and texture on mature skin. “Static wrinkles—those visible when your face is relaxed—are harder to treat, especially when deeply etched,” she says. “Creams may soften them, but procedures generally deliver more noticeable improvement. Think: months of consistent use, not overnight results.”
How do I use a wrinkle cream?
“For aging skin, I prioritize protecting existing collagen, stimulating new collagen and maintaining the skin barrier,” says Dr. Ugwu-Dike. “When my patients come to my clinic, they know I'm going to tell them that this means SPF 30 always, a retinoid every night, and a thoughtfully curated moisturizer.” Depending on their ingredients, moisturizers can be used day and/or night; during the day, follow with SPF.
How we tested
To find the best wrinkle creams, Glamour editors and testers—many of them in the 40-plus age range, slathered on day creams, night creams, and anytime creams in all price brackets and for all skin types. For each formula, we evaluated how easy it was to work into an existing skin-care routine, how it felt on our skin over the course of the day, and how effective its ingredients work to tackle dryness, crepiness, fine lines, deep wrinkles, and more. We also tapped top dermatologists to help us weigh the pros and cons of each formula we tested, and only selected the clear winners for our final list.
Meet the Experts
- Lauren Moy, MD, a triple board-certified dermatologist and facial plastic surgeon
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
- Jessica Farahi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Asterwood Beauty
- Maryam Safaee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Pearl Ugwu-Dike, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Anar Mikailov, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the cofounder of Skintensive
- Brian Hibler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist