It’s true when they say that the best things come in small packages; like the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Advanced Serum. It is an ultra-lightweight serum to reduce signs of wrinkles, moisturize the skin, and offer deep cleansing. This anti aging cream contains ingredients that are full of life such as amino peptide, vitamin E, and carob extract. When you don’t want to miss out on the best, this best anti aging cream is what you need.
The Baebody Anti Aging Eye Gel is a good face cream for our step up pick. It contains cucumber extract, herbal infusion, aloe vera, and organic jojoba oil for deep nourishing. Even though it’s listed as an eye gel, this best anti aging cream works for your forehead and cheek area. You can also apply it all over your face for a complete deep-purifying and cleansing treatment.
The best bang for the buck is the St. Ives Timeless Skin Facial Moisturizer. It contains a collagen and elastin concentrate which firms your skin to reduce fine lines and other visible signs of aging. It also contains a good amount of safflower seed oil to fight black pores; all thanks to its non-comedogenic skin properties. This anti aging cream does a good job at nourishing your skin to feel and look smoother and softer.
A Little Background
Can you rely on the best over-the-counter anti aging products to reduce visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles? The answer depends on both the history and present times of cosmetic products. It also depends on a number of key factors which we will discuss in-depth moving forward.
From the very beginning, both women and men have looked for new ways to reverse signs of skin aging. Realizing this need to beat down wrinkles and fine lines, scientists worked to break down the root cause of aging and skin. In relation to age, your skin goes through a number of changes. So to treat aging skin, dermatologists looked for ways to slow down, if not completely eliminate the problem.
So what is the underlying cause of skin aging? It’s inflammation that causes a spark in the skin’s cellular processes, according to The International Dermal Institute. (1)
Many studies have been linked to inflammation and skin aging which can be taken into consideration for a better understanding how best anti aging creams work. According to one of these studies, your skin is prone to wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of elasticity, dullness, fine lines, and loss of firmness. This is a consequence of aging as well as the physiological and psychological stress that comes with it. (2)
There are 2 main causes of skin aging on how it increases inflammation on a cellular level:
Internal factors: As you age, your skin cells, along with other cells in your body, age too. This causes weakened cellular life span and loss of responsiveness and nutrient absorption. Not only that, skin aging also weakens your immune system towards responding to the nutritional needs of your epidermis and skin tissues.
External factors: Exposure to UV rays, environmental factors such as pollution and DNA damage lead to inflammation. This causes an increase in free radical damage which depletes most healthy skin cells.
It was then clear to dermatologists that only an anti-inflammatory substance or ingredient can reverse signs of skin aging. Ever since then, thousands of research studies have been devoted to the making of the right anti-inflammatory ingredients for fighting wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of skin aging. This is in addition to adopting healthy lifestyle choices such as juicing, limiting spicy and oily foods, and drinking lots of water.
Historically, women used the first anti aging cream comprising of beeswax, olive oil and water, which effectively cleansed and moisturized skin cells, the kind of ingredients used for formulating best anti aging creams 20th century in a bit different.
The first scientifically-engineered anti aging creams were brimming with specific hormones. The use of it then evolved into the use of retinoic acid to fight inflammation-induced wrinkles, fine lines, and skin sensitivity. Following that, the discovery of sunscreen to fight sun damage and premature aging took the shelves by storm. It became one of the most effective creams to reduce signs of skin aging and prevent cancer.
Now, companies and brands have adopted specially-formulated recipes for deep nourishing each skin cell. These include retinol, elastin, collagen, vitamins, and egg membrane to fight inflammation and boost collagen production in the skin. (3)
How We Picked
Just as how you need the right tools for effectively completing a job, you need the right kind of science-backed information to choose the best anti aging cream. The clinical efficacy of best anti aging products has long since been proven and agreed upon in the industry. But how can you tell the difference from good and bad? You’ll find answers to all your questions here.
Ingredients: You don’t want to get fooled by alluring products, lotions, and gels that do nothing to slow down aging and reduce wrinkles, skin pigmentation, and fine lines. Because the cosmetic industry consists of demanding consumers and profit-driven brands, the best way to weed out the unreliable ones is by looking for the following active ingredients with best anti aging properties.
These active ingredients have plenty of evidence to show that they are 100% effective and potent. Owing to the billions of dollars consumers spend every year on ineffective creams, finding the right active ingredients is necessary now more than ever.
Retinol
Retinol is a common ingredient for fighting wrinkles and fine lines. It is commonly used in over-the-counter, that are non-prescriptive,best anti-wrinkle products. Retinol is a naturally-occurring form of vitamin A. It is known for boosting elasticity of the skin. While there are hundreds of creams and lotions that claim to reduce signs of aging, if your anti aging product doesn’t contain retinol, it isn’t the best anti aging cream to use.
Retinol is a super ingredient which also helps in getting rid of blackheads, clogged pores, and dead skin cells. Evidence proves that applying a retinol skin cream can lower the appearances of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin pigmentation. But, having said that, you should also know that retinol has a few side-effects such as tingling, stinging, and warmth.
This is because retinol is a strong active ingredient used in creams. If the side-effects continue to bother your skin, consult a dermatologist immediately. If not, you can continue using the same anti aging cream for healthy skin.
A good skin aging strategy, based on studies, is using this healthy cell regulator. It has a direct effect on collagen production and metabolism in the skin cells. Which, according to research, is essential for reducing wrinkles and fine lines. (4)
Peptides
As you age, the necessary substances that help your skin to maintain its smoothness, plump, and glow become less. This has a direct impact on collagen metabolism and production. As a result, your body produces extremely low amounts of both elastin and collagen.
Peptides are clinically-engineered proteins that boost cell growth, metabolism, and healing. The only way peptides work is by stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and other natural components necessary for reversing aging.
In a standard, double-blind study, collagen-imitating peptides were prescribed on 20 healthy women between the ages of 40 to 62 years. They used a gel-based formula containing 3% collagen peptide and 1% of booster formula. The latter was used to improve the generation and metabolism of skin cells.
The results showed that the collagen-imitating peptide improved visible signs of wrinkles much faster and effectively than the booster formula. This effective was conclusive in 70% to 85% of the volunteers. Proving that peptides act effectively by penetrating inside the skin cells to reduce wrinkles. (5)
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a known plant compound, commonly found in red wine and nuts. Resveratrol has a direct impact on a collection of enzymes called sirtuins. Sirtuins has responsible for regulating biological pathways that play a role in the aging process. In part, these compounds are necessary for slowing down the development of age-related skin problems in humans. (6)
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are much needed for reducing inflammation and free radical damage in the body. This heal damaged cells faster and boost the growth of collagen and other healthy skin cells. Look for ingredients and substances with the strongest antioxidant capacity. These include vitamins, beta-carotene, selenium, and lycopene. (7)
According to one study, vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant, boosts the growth of skin-building compounds to fight wrinkles. It is also responsible for improving the thickness and smoothness of the skin. This is because aging slows down protein collagen production which causes a build-up of dead skin cells; leaving only a thin layer of healthy skin cells. (8)
Studies also prove that antioxidants promote the production of two significant structural components of the skin: procollagen and glycosaminoglycan. A reduction in the latter causes water retention which is responsible for wrinkles and skin thinness.
Price: Always remember, if you’re buying an expensive anti aging cream, for the first time, that doesn’t mean it’s effective and honest. It’s good to buy the best anti aging cream at a good price. But don’t stop there. Make sure you read the ingredients label at the back of the product to look for the right anti aging ingredients. If the product consists of too many confusing ingredients- selling at a higher price- compare with those that are cheaper and with much less active ingredients.
This will give you a clear idea of what’s available on the market and for how much. With the right awareness, you can find the best anti aging cream at a lower cost, but with all the best anti-wrinkle and antioxidant ingredients.
Product Packaging: The right packaging is one of the true marks of a reputable brand. Apart from the multicolored bottles and jars you tempt you, product packaging has now become an integral part of the cosmetic industry. You must make sure the best anti aging cream you buy is sealed and protected from the environment. This means, look for a product that comes in a cardboard box that’s printed on all four sides with information regarding the ingredients, expiration date, price, and other facts.
In addition, the product bottle placed inside the cardboard box should have the brand’s name, product’s specialty, ingredients label, and instructions printed on it. Most best anti aging products come with a small folded pamphlet which prescribes what you need to know, in detail, about the product. This includes the side-effects, health concerns, and manufacturing and packaging details of the cream. It also includes ways you can contact the brand in case of a replacement, feedback, or query.
Our Pick
This best anti aging cream has a non-greasy and fragrance-free coat. Simply put, it provides a moisturizing consistency with active ingredients with effective antioxidant properties. Its silky texture and ultra-lightweight feel will make your day. This is my favorite of all because it smoothens and lightens skin complexion with its cell-boosting and deep-cleansing ingredients.
What’s more? It contains vitamin B3, which is known for its free radical-scavenging properties. It blends perfectly with all skin types. Plus, it works with all kinds of make-up too. If you have extremely dry skin, applying this cream with a moisturizer or oil should is essential.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
This anti aging product is good for boosting collagen production and skin moisturizing. However, it doesn’t include a sunscreen formula for protection against sun damage. Because sun damage and premature aging is a part and parcel of increased inflammation, this may be a problem for anyone look for an all-in-one best anti aging cream.
Step-Up Pick
The Baebody Anti Aging Eye Gel comes with ingredients that offer incredible antiwrinkle and non-irritating skin benefits. One of the major signs of skin aging is puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. This pick works on all skin types, including extremely sensitive skin, to fight these skin problem. It contains Aloe vera, vitamin E, and natural plant stem cells.
What I liked the most about this best anti aging cream is that it contains no fragrance, colorants, or fillers. The most valuable deal to steal, if you ask me!
Budget Pick
Containing natural mineral oil and glycol, St. Ives Timeless Skin Moisturizer is your go-to hydrating anti aging cream. It is non-grease, ultra-lightweight, and bodes well with all skin types. St. Ives is a well-renowned brand for its natural and hydrating face masks and gels. This cream penetrates deep inside the skin layers, diminishing your wrinkles, skin pigmentation, fine lines, and puffiness.
The only way this best anti aging cream works is when you use it daily. And on the bright side, it deep cleanses and soothes your skin at the end of the day. So you don’t have to worry about chemicals or pollutants entering your skin pores, causing acne or oily skin.
Best Anti Aging Cream for All Skin Types
The Retinol Anti Aging Cream Moisturizer is for anyone with extremely sensitive skin with deep wrinkles and lines. Plus, if you have acne scars from your 20-something years, this best anti aging cream can help smoothen and lighten the scars. It contains hyaluronic acid, green tea, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and shea butter.
This is my favorite pick for both women and men because it contains all active ingredients for reducing sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, scars, and uneven skin tone.
Best Anti Aging Cream for Night Use
Want something pure and light to be your best anti aging cream? Go for the Pure Biology Night Cream. It contains time-tested and efficient ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. The patented Fision Fix offers incredible results for reducing visible signs of wrinkles.
What I liked the most about this product is that it works on a cellular level to reduce signs of aging. It’s also backed by a 56-day clinical study in adult females which proves that this best product reduces 20% wrinkles depth and tone as compared to a placebo.
Best Anti Aging Cream with Vitamins
Looking for a vitamin concentrate cream? The Amara Organics Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains vitamins C and E along with hydrating vegan hyaluronic acid. It’s good for sensitive, dry, and oily skin. The serum is non-greasy, non-sticky, and ultra-light. A single coat of serum absorbs quickly into your skin; leaving no trace of dry skin to peel off with or without makeup.
This best pick works for both women and men who need a vitamins boost. You will notice a clear difference in skin tone and texture in less than 2 weeks. It’s that effective and valuable.
Best Anti Aging Cream with Peptides
The Organys Anti Aging Night Cream contains plant-based amino acids to boost natural collagen production in the skin. Rest assured, it’s free of artificial fillers, colorants, parabens, and sulfates. Making it one of the most effective and non-comedogenic night face products to rely on. The hydration and plant extracts leave your skin soft and supple. With reduced signs of deep wrinkles and fine lines.
This best pick is good for anyone who, after using other products, have noticed no change in skin tone or texture. This product contains peptides that boost collagen and elastin production for healthier and younger-looking skin.
Best Anti Aging Cream for Eyes
The good thing about the Pure Biology Total Eye Cream is that it works effectively for under eye improvement. This includes improving under-eye skin texture, tone, puffiness, and sagging. With its high antioxidant content, including amino acids, proteins, and polysaccharides, this product offers conclusive reduction of skin aging.
So if you’re struggling with dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles near your eyes, it’s time to make a switch to this total eye cream. It also firms your under-eye skin and skin elasticity in less than a 24 hours!
Best Anti Aging Cream for Sensitive Skin
The Pura D’or Argan Oil Cream comes from an organic and reputable brand. It does, in no way, conform to commercial cosmetic patterns. Which makes its product naturally-derived, BSE-free, and parabens-free. This argan oil face cream uses ingredients that reduce dullness of skin. It works as a moisturizer to penetrate deep inside your skin for maximum hydration and nourishing.
It works for all skin types and has a non-greasy and non-sticky coat. The bottle itself lasts for a long time as the texture is ultra-light and comfortable.
Best Anti Aging Cream with Glucose
The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum is an inexpensive and cost-valuable product. It comes with accelerated retinol and glucose complex to boost nutrient absorption for maximum rejuvenation and hydration. You can use this cream as your daily skin care routine. It has a light texture, softer consistency, and non-greasy effect.
The best pick is good enough for anyone looking for a cheaper, yet better alternative to chemical-laden skin creams. It offers wrinkle reduction as well as many other additional skin improvements for women and men. It’s also good for all skin types.
The Competition
The efficacy of other creams and best skin aging creams did not meet the desired requirements. These 10 picks contain the right active and naturally-derived ingredients for healthy skin. You can find all types of anti aging products made up of different ingredients and compounds in any department store. But not all of them are trustworthy and reliable. It might be difficult to pin down what you really want and tell the difference between a good and bad product.
But we’ve put in the hard work to find the best products for you for every skin type and every budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I buy an anti aging cream without consulting my dermatologist?
A. To understand why you need the best anti aging solution, you need to be able to read a product’s label more clearly. Hence, selecting a product without your dermatologist’s consent is a good idea. Even though there are plenty of nourishing and cleansing product on the market, not all for ideal for skin aging and for reducing wrinkles, fine lines, or blemishes. If you’re shopping for a skin product, it’s ideal to buy a product that’s good for your skin type. There are many ways to look at and buy a skin care cream, lotion, or serum.
Many anti-aging products come with all the required information and nutritional facts to rely on. And newer and newer studies on the effectiveness of certain types of skin lotions, serums, and gels, renounce the protective effects of best over-the-counter anti aging creams. So purchasing such a product without consulting a dermatologist or a skin specialist is all right.
Q. How do I know which best anti aging product will suit my skin type?
A. If you’re looking for a skin type-specific product, the only factor you need to consider is the ingredients. There are many active ingredients found in skin care products ideal for sensitive, dry, oily, or sagging skin. You might be able to find your ideal fit based on these ingredient varieties found in best anti aging products.
If you have sensitive and dry skin, look for a product with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid has incredible skin hydrating properties. It penetrates deep inside the layers of your skin tissues to reduce puffiness and plump each wrinkle. A study conducted on treating skin hydration, skin elasticity, and wrinkles in humans proved that consistent application of hyaluronic acid can show significant improvements in skin structure and tone. This improvement was observed in a matter of 2 to 8 weeks of treatment. (9)
If your skin bruises easily and is sagging, look for a product that boosts collagen production. Collagen deficiency is the main cause of such skin problems. The skin tissues start to lose their elasticity, smoothness, and become extremely sensitive at the loss of collagen production. This makes your skin extremely likely to wound. According to studies, antioxidants such as green tea, vitamins, specifically vitamin E, boost collagen production. They play a role in collagen synthesis, which is beneficially for nourishing skin cells. (10)
If you want protection against sun damage, to prevent photo-aging, opt for a product with plenty of retinoids. Retinoids protect the skin, which is the largest organ of the body, against environmental factors. It impacts all 3 layers of the skin which includes the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissues. Sun damage causes the epidermis to become extremely thick which causes hyperpigmentation and loss of elasticity. The pores of the skin also increase in size, thus attracting more toxins and pollutants from the environment.
Exposed skin can lead to faster signs of deep wrinkles and fine lines. To avoid this, the presence of retinoids helps boost the protein structure and metabolism in skin cells. This treats and prevent skin damage cause by UV exposure. Another way retinoids prevent photo-aging is suppressing the activation of multiple cytokines which also impacts epidermal skin and inflammation. (11)
If you have oily skin, it’s best to buy a skin care product with glycolic acid. Having said that, a combination of retinol, hyaluronic, and glycolic acid is also the best remedy for oily and aging skin. Oily skin requires plenty of cleansing and deep nourishing. This means unclogging your pores to neutralize and destroy all bacteria in your pores. Glycolic acid has powerful antioxidant properties for treating inflamed and sensitive skin. (12)
In addition, it also treats skin irritation, skin pigmentation, and skin sagging. A recent study on Asian patients proved that glycolic acid peel reduced acne and improved skin texture 50% more effectively than other treatment in a matter of 10 weeks. (13)
Q. How can I reverse premature skin aging?
A. Premature aging is when you fail to take care of your skin on a day-to-day basis which affects the way your skin ages. The most common way to accelerate skin aging is resorting to unhealthy skin habits such as skipping sunscreen, constantly touching your face outdoors, or not drinking plenty of water. The use of essential oils for your skin is a great way to fight against age-related skin problems.
Along with age, there are many factors that cause your skin to age more quickly than it should. If you notice visible lines, wrinkles, blemishes, it’s a sign your skin is aging. It also can be that your struggling with dry skin patches, sagging, or dullness of skin. According to research, you can reverse premature skin aging with the help of these simple tips.
Use a sunscreen: Best anti aging creams can be used in combination with sunscreens. This is applicable to anyone who steps out during the day. Be it for running errands, going to the beach, or heading for work. The only way you can reduce skin pigmentation, dryness, or bacteria formation is with the help of a sunscreen. Look for a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF higher than 30.
The best way to apply sunscreen is to all skin parts that aren’t covered by clothing.
Use a skin cleanser: Your skin is home to a lot of substances that remain in your pores and epidermis. This causes skin irritation. Hence, gently cleansing your skin to get rid of makeup, pollutants, and other chemicals or toxins is important. For that, using a skin cleaner before you apply your anti aging cream is important. It gets rid of all skin irritants that cause sensitivity and accelerate the collection of dead skin cells.
Many prescription-based anti aging products contain skin irritants: Many cosmetic ingredients are also common skin irritants. And if your skin becomes red or sensitive and starts to irritate after applying a particular cosmetic gel or brand, it’s time to switch to something natural. The common skin irritants found in cosmetic products, especially those that are prescription-based include. (14,15)
Types of Skin Irritants/Chemical Irritants | What are they used for? | |
Skin dyes | Tartrazine, FD&C blue, D&C yellow, and FD&C yellow | Skin dyes are used to disguise the color of the actual product. Skin dyes generally match the color of the skin. |
Preservatives | Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone | Used to reduce microbial growth in skin tissues. |
Parabens | Benzylparaben Butylparaben Ethylparaben Methylparaben Propylparaben | Parabens protect the skin layers against fungus, mold, and bacterial species. |
Masking fragrances | Cassia oil, Alpha Amyl Cinnamic Alcohol, Benzaldehyde, Balsam of Peru or Myroxylon Perierae, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylene Brassylate, and more | Used to disguise the strong and unfavorable odors of the ingredients present in the product. |
These substances can also be a leading cause of many skin allergies. The best way to reverse premature aging is to opt for skin care products that do not contains parabens, fillers, preservatives, skin dyes, or fragrances. Due to the restriction of such harmful substances, you skin is exposed to only naturally-derived and active ingredients for deep nourishing.
Q. When should I start using an anti aging cream?
A. According to many time-tested research, signs of aging start to appear from your mid 20’s. Recent studies also prove that these signs appear sooner than expected.
A group of scientists took into consideration more than 900 people in New Zealand. This study set out to determine the exact age at which young people showed visible signs of aging. And based on the data collected, it showed that cell metabolism started to show signs of aging at the age of 25-27. (16)
Thus it can be concluded that the right time for an anti aging treatment is around your mid 20’s. The right active ingredients and care can increase bio-energy and reduce free radial damage in skin tissues. It also increases the activity and production of a metabolic enzyme, which is significantly impacted with increasing age.
Anti aging creams reverse the decline in bio-energy and, as a result, target healthy metabolic enzymes and cells to multiply. (17)
Q. How quickly does an anti aging product make a difference in my skin?
A. The efficacy of a best anti aging cream depends on many factors. But with the help of recent studies, we can determine the duration in which such a treatment is effective. Do you want quick results? Or you want slow, but 100% efficient progress in a matter of weeks? Let’s find out.
In one study, women between the ages of 35 and 64 used anti-wrinkle creams on their face. The observations made in this study were calculated in a matter of 6 weeks. The results, conclusively, proved that an anti-wrinkle cream is far more effective at reducing visible signs of fine lines, blemishes, and wrinkles than a regular moisturizer. (18)
The use of antioxidants for the treatment of skin aging also has proven effects. Vitamin C, E, and B3 are significant and effective antioxidants for their ability to boost collagen production. Several studies have shown that 15% vitamin C in anti aging creams can dramatically boost collagen production in less than 3 weeks. During the same period, vitamin B3, alone, promotes better cell regeneration and metabolism when used in an anti aging product. While vitamin E reduces inflammation associated with wrinkles and skin pigmentation. (19)
To slow down visible signs of wrinkles and fine lines, applying anti aging products on a daily basis is necessary. Only then will you see a change in skin texture, feel, and tone is a matter of weeks. If used for long enough, it can extensively boost collagen and elastin production while also being responsible for complete cell regeneration and metabolism.
Age-related skin problems are genetically influenced. It is also influenced by environmental and psychological factors such as sun damage, extrinsic factors, and stress. While plenty of studies have finally proved the efficacy and preciseness of best anti aging products, the time taken for improvement is not the same for every individual. (20)
Wrapping it Up
In this article, I have summarized all that you need to know about the use and effectiveness of the best anti aging cream. Latest research has confirmed the link between age and skin health in the most succinct manner. And because skin is the largest organ of the body, it is the first to get affected by age. And also by extrinsic factors such as sun damage, pollution, stress, etc.
Our skin is continuously changing and any barrier to its cell metabolism or enzyme production can cause faster premature aging. The signs of skin premature aging are wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, sagging skin, dullness, dark circles, and skin pigmentation. These problems gradually deepen into your skin tissues causing permanent damage, unless taken care of immediately.
That said, most consumers often resort to using the most popular product on their skin with little to no effect at all. If you want a good skin care product to work for you, why don’t you try the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Advanced Serum? It has more to offer than all moisturizing creams combined. It contains the right active ingredients for skin tightening, nourishing, hydrating, and cleansing.
In addition to that, it contains amino peptides and vitamin E. Both of these ingredients have powerful collagen-imitating properties to promote cell metabolism and regeneration. If you’re buying anything, you should know that this actually transforms the way extrinsic factors impact your skin. So as to avoid premature aging, photo-aging, and dullness and sagging of skin.
After all, your skincare routine is the most integral part of your daily lifestyle. It keeps you away from major skin diseases such as dermatitis. It also affects your mood and day-to-day activities.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.