Do Creams Really Reduce Wrinkles? Ask the Experts
Aging is a fact of life, so many of us wonder if creams and other skincare products are effective at preventing or removing wrinkles. Our answer is yes, since they help hydrate skin, exfoliate buildup, and can deliver nutrients that promote cell health. Different creams will work well for some skin types, and not so well for others. Knowing how skin creams work to keep our skin clear, tight, and vibrant will help you understand which one is the one for you.
What to Know About Wrinkles and Creams
What Are Wrinkles?
Wrinkles are creases or folds in the skin that develop over time. When skin is dry, it flakes off in small pieces, rather than large pieces like when it’s hydrated, and this disorganized shedding can result in cracks where new skin grows and sets a wrinkle in place. It happens mostly in areas where our skin is creased from movement, like around our lips, the corners of our mouths and eyes, and our foreheads. While this is a natural process that comes from sun exposure and general aging, there are many options for wrinkle reducing treatments, including exfoliants like chemical peels and laser resurfacing, muscle relaxants like Botox, and soft tissue fillers like Juvederm that inject fat, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. These all aim at keeping skin evenly hydrated.
How Do Skin Creams Work?
Like other methods, skin creams seek to hydrate the skin by adding moisture and holding it in. They also contain vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that support cell health. Creams with retinoids (derived from Vitamin A), help reduce lines and wrinkles by absorbing deeply and boosting collagen production in your skin. These can be harsh on more sensitive skin types, so check with a dermatologist to be sure you’re using the right kind of topical cream. Many skin creams have sunscreen in them, which is very important for preventing sun damage and dehydration. Some also contain antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which reduce inflammation and skin damage while supporting cell healing and growth.
Knowing What You Need
Before you pick up the first moisturizer you see, make sure you have a solid understanding of what your skin needs. If you have oily skin, you might want an oil-free moisturizer. Acne-prone skin may need a moisturizer with salicylic acid as an active ingredient. If you’re not sure what kind of moisture your skin needs, it’s important to consult with your dermatologist. Keep in mind that your skin will change over time, so if your current moisturizer isn’t doing it for you, it could be time to invest in a moisturizer and wrinkle reducer that is better suited to your skin’s unique needs.
Do Creams Work?
Skin creams work because they promote maintaining skin hydration, cell growth, and exfoliation of dead cells that accumulate in the creases of our skin. For intense wrinkles, there are many options that a dermatologist can recommend that focus on deep repair or prevention, based on your needs.
Everyone’s skin is different, so finding the right solution to maintaining your youthful and bright condition will keep you happy in your skin. Schedule a consultation with one of our experts today to find out what would be best for you.