Anti-Aging Cream Reviews

Aging is a fact of life but most women and many men don't like what the years are doing to their skin. The wrinkle cream industry is booming. People are eating better, staying more fit, living longer, and want to look youthful for as long as possible. Thousands of products claim to be the best but the fact is, there is no "best" when it comes to anti aging products.

I researched hundreds of anti aging creams and have personally used dozens and found completely inconsistent results. It seems that one person's fountain of youth is another's nightmare. Still, through hours of research, I have found some consistently good performers in many areas of anti aging. Of course, your results will vary. Your age, skin type, skin condition, and genetics all play a factor in how well an anti aging product will work for you. The following can be a starting point for those confused by the many types of anti aging products out there.

Before you venture out to buy an anti aging or wrinkle cream, there are a number of questions you have to ask yourself.

What type of wrinkle cream am I looking for?

Anti aging creams come in several categories.

• Wrinkle relaxants work to slightly relax the muscles under expression lines, somewhat simulating the Botox effect on a small scale. These products don't actually get rid of wrinkles or ward off new ones. They just relax creases a bit and give you a slightly more youthful look. When you stop using them, your skin will go back to the way it was before you started so you don't get cumulative effects. These creams are good add on products to use with other anti aging products.
• Antioxidant creams are filled with good for your skin vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A, C, D, and E are popular antioxidants but there are many different ingredients that fall into this category including minerals like copper. The theory is that detoxing the skin will give it a youthful glow, rid the epidermis of poisons and impurities, and give the skin an overall more youthful appearance.
• Repairing creams use ingredients like Retinol (a much less harsh version of the prescription skin cream, Retin A), Alpha Hydroxy acids, collagen, and elastin to reverse sun damage and encourage cell turnover to reveal new, fresh, youthful skin. These creams also claim to replenish the skin, giving it back elasticity and firmness that is lost with age.
• Deep hydrating creams rely on the plumping effect of moisturizers to smooth the skin, plump wrinkles and creases, and keep the skin moist and dewy. They may also contain small amounts of antioxidants and other ingredients but their main goal is to deeply hydrate the skin. Studies show that dry skin creases more, is more fragile, and tends to wrinkle faster. Creams in this category work by eliminating dehydrated skin, thus warding off new lines and plumping existing ones.
• All natural creams are becoming popular as skin care companies are discovering certain roots, herbs, extracts, and oils have a positive effect on the skin. Many people prefer to use natural ingredients on their skin and believe them to be safer than their chemical counterparts. Most natural creams aren't potent enough to reverse aging skin but can delay new lines by imparting moisture and natural ingredients that nourish the skin.
• Firming creams work less on wrinkles and more on sagging skin. They lift the skin and give your skin a more youthful appearance. Firming creams and serums often are used in conjunction with hydrating creams to lift and moisturize the skin.

Naturally, there are products that combine ingredients to make up their own unique formula. However, most can still be categorized by the main ingredients and the claims made by the skin care company.

How much money am I willing to spend on my anti aging skincare?

This is quite an important consideration. Skin care can be amazingly expensive depending on the brand and type you choose. You have to take into account your budget and how much you are willing and able to spend on a face cream that you will be using every night and day. Expect to have to buy refills every two to four months depending on the size of the tube or jar. Some creams only come in monthly doses. Have a price range in mind when you start your search. This will quickly eliminate several choices and narrow the field down to creams that you can afford. Good skin care is vital but shouldn't cause worry and stress lines because of its high price tag!

What is my skin type?

If you have oily skin, you will want to avoid very heavy moisturizers. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, you will have to be cautious about harsher chemicals in many of the newer anti aging creams. Those prone to breakouts will want to look for creams that are don't clog pores and that are a bit lighter weight. Fragrance free creams are a good bet for everyone. If you buy a cream that isn't right for your skin type, you won't get the desired results and may end up with breakouts, rashes, or skin that still feels tight and needs moisture. A side note about skin types: Oily skin may be a pain to deal with but studies show that those with oily skin wrinkle later and get less wrinkles than those with dry and even normal skin types. So embrace your oily skin. It is its own anti aging secret!

What is my lifestyle?

Are you a on the go traveler who barely has time to shower, let alone wait for skin cream to absorb? Are you a stay at home person who enjoys pampering your skin? Do you want a product that you can use day and night or do you like lighter creams for day and heavier for night? Are you a smoker, avid tanner, or a heavy drinker? Are you under constant pressure and filled with stress? These factors all can negatively affect your skin and you will need some serious help to reverse the damage. If you've recently lost a lot of weight, your skin will likely be somewhat looser. You will want to address that with a firming cream as well as any other type you feel you need. If you're outdoors a lot, you will probably want a cream with sunscreen in it. If you're working in an office all day, you don't need the sunscreen nearly as much. Your lifestyle shows on your face. Good skin care can only do so much. A healthy lifestyle will certainly go a long ways toward helping the cream of your choice do its job more effectively.

Do I want a multi part system?

Many skincare companies make systems - several components designed to work together. Often you will get a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, eye cream, and possibly a mask and other add ons designed to give your skin uniform results. Systems are great but can be expensive. In addition, that means you need to cut ties with your favorite facial cleanser and other long time favorites. Decide if you want to go with a multiple part system or just the cream on its own. Trust me, if you use the cream with your own cleanser and toner, it won't be much less effective than using it with products in the same line. It's like shampoo, conditioner, and styling aids. Companies want you to use all the products in the line "for best results" but you can mix and match brands and still have great hair. The same goes for skin care. However, you may decide that a system works best for you. I won't be discussing all the components of a skin care system but will mention if the creams are part of a system that is recommended for best results.

Am I trying to reverse aging or prevent my skin from aging?

Women in their 20's are realizing that preventative measures are the way to go when it comes to warding off aging. If you are line free or just have a few lines but want to protect your skin from further aging, you will want lighter creams and ones that have antioxidants in them. If you're trying to repair or reduce the number of lines you have, you'll be looking more toward the restorative creams that try to reverse damage and plump or relax lines.

Now that you have answered all the pertinent questions and have narrowed down the type of product you want and the approximate price range, it's time to start shopping. Not so fast! If you walk into a department store and ask for an anti aging cream, I guarantee you will walk out with one that makes the salesperson the most commission or one that may not be right for you.

You need to be armed with a bit more info and I am here to give you that. Read on for some suggestions and information on what real women like you as well as dermatologists feel are the best anti aging creams on the market. Naturally, this doesn't mean that there are no others better for you. But it is a starting point and a step toward clearing the cloud of confusion that often follows those looking for an anti aging cream in a sea of hundreds of creams all claiming to be the best ever.

Ready? Let's get to it!

Based on consumer reviews, beauty blogs, and word of mouth, here are some of the most popular anti aging creams broken down into type of cream and price range ones so you can compare prices and brands. There are literally thousands of anti aging and wrinkle reducing creams on the market and I make no claims that the listed creams are "the best". Each person has their own experience with skin creams but this is a representation of what women (and some men) are using and enjoying the benefits of as of March 2008.

"Best" Super Hydrating Skin Creams

• Premium Priced: Creme de la Mer- This is the cream of the celebrities. This rich cream consists of la Mer's "miracle broth" of sea kelp, vitamins, antioxidants, and oils. Users of this cream swear there is nothing like it even though it contains no high tech anti aging ingredients. At $125.00 an ounce, this cream must be special because average women are shelling that amount out all over the world for this popular cream.
• Mid-Range: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion The Clinique cream is designed to be part of Clinique's three step skin care system but can be used alone as well. There are two formulas - one for normal to very dry skin and one for combination and oily skin. A 4.2 ounce pump bottle is a reasonable $23.00. Clinique has been a favorite of many women for years and continues to have very loyal followers of their three step skin care system and their newer anti aging products.
• Value Priced: Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream - A 1.7 ounce jar costs between $17.00 and $20.00. People of all ages are loyal to this cream as well as several other products in the Regenerist line. This is safe for sensitive skin, according to many people who have had reactions from other creams. Best of all, it is available at drugstores and mass-market stores and frequently on sale.

"Best" Firming Creams

• Premium Priced: Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Cream - This cream is a heart stopping $240.00 - $280.00 for a 1.7 ounce jar but it goes beyond just lifting. It contains creatine to tone, antioxidants, green tea, and several other ingredients to firm, smooth wrinkles, and give skin a natural glow. Users feel their results are worth the steep price.
• Mid-Range: Lancome Rénergie Cream Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Treatment - This cream isn't exactly mid range priced at $77.00 for a 1.7 ounce jar but it is super concentrated. It also claims to be double performing, attacking wrinkles and lines as it lifts. Users agree. They say they can feel their skin tightening when they apply this rich cream.
• Value Priced: Olay Microderm Firming Cream - This cream is under $7.00 for a two ounce jar and users swear it not only firms but leaves their skin smooth and soft as well. They say that people are throwing money away buying expensive high-end firming creams when this one works as well or better. They may be right!

"Best" Skin Repairing Creams

• Premium Priced: Dr Brandt r3p Cream -This cream is $125.00 for 1.7 ounces. It promises to refinish, replenish, and retexturize the skin. This dermatologist created cream contains three intense polypeptides that protect your skin from free radicals and environmental damage. It is super concentrated and should be applied sparingly - and at that price, that's good news! This cream is good for those with sun damage and sun spots as well as other skin damage that they want to reverse.
• Mid-Range: StriVectin-SD - StriVectin-SD was originally developed to repair stretch marks but has grown in popularity as a wrinkle reducing cream and claims that it is "better than Botox". StriVectin-SD is clinically proven to reduce the actual length, depth, and volume of wrinkles. It is $135.00 for a six ounce tube - which is sill marketed as a stretch mark reducer as well as an anti aging cream. They now sell a more manageable two ounce tube for about $59.99.
• Value Priced: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer and RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Moisturizer - RoC creams have quietly been working magic on people's faces for years. This Retinol-based cream is around $18.00 an ounce and gets rave reviews from dedicated users. You should buy both the day and night creams and use accordingly but, if you only want to try one, I suggest that you go with the night cream. It has more intense ingredients in it and is somewhat thicker in consistency.

"Best" Preventative Creams

• Premium Priced: Kinerase 0.1% Cream- This is the only product that I saw come up favorably on just about every list and review I checked. At $116.00 for a 2.8 ounce tube, it's pricey but a strong favorite of many people - men and women. The cream hydrates, improves skin tone, and helps to reverse sun damage and to prevent further damage. This cream is good for all skin types and for day or night. It has aloe in it to sooth sensitive skin and citric acid (Vitamin C) as an antioxidant boost.
• Mid-Range: Philosophy Hope in a Jar - This cream comes in three formulas - one for all skin types, one for dry and sensitive skin, and one for super dry or damaged skin. Originally created for the medical market, this cream has a powerful antioxidant in it as well as gentle exfoliators to help reveal fresh skin and rid your face of dead, dull skin cells. It has many ingredients to ward off new lines and creases and keep your skin fresh. For around $38.00 for a two-ounce jar, this cream is a favorite among young and old alike. People report glowing skin and a more youthful appearance when using this cream and they believe it helps them to stay younger looking by warding off new wrinkles.
• Value Priced: Avon Anew Advanced All-In-One Max SPF 15 UVA/UVB Cream - This rich moisturizer claims to moisturize as well as exfoliate and enhance radiance with powerful phyto-based enzymes, For only about $16.00 for a 1.7 ounce jar - and often on sale for much less - this cream is a favorite of Avon skin care enthusiasts. It typically garners high ratings wherever it is reviewed.

"Best" Anti Aging Creams for Oily Skin

• Premium Priced: MD Skincare Hydra-Pure Oil Free Moisture- This cream detoxes the skin, soothes and calms it, and hydrates without clogging pores. At $75.00 an ounce, it's a splurge but many breakout prone, oily skinned users love what this cream does for their faces. They claim their wrinkles appear less prominent and their skin tone is more even.
• Mid-Range: Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion - Blemish Prone/Oily Skin- This multipurpose cream has algae extract, panthenol, retinol, and AHA/BHA complex with powerful antioxidants to hydrate, nourish, and fight wrinkles and it's oil free. Users love that one lightweight cream can do it all without aggravating their skin or causing breakouts. This cream is about $33.00 for a 1.7 ounce tube.
• Value Priced: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Blemish Cream - This cream keeps blemishes at bay while fighting wrinkles. Those with oily skin really like that they can use one product for both issues. This cream is about $9.00 for a one ounce tube.

"Best" Wrinkle Relaxants

• Premium Priced: Freeze 24 / 7 Anti-Wrinkle Cream - The company that makes this cream says it will give users a 50-90% reduction in the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within minutes of application and keep working long term. Users love it and don't mind paying $125.00 an ounce to zap their lines. This product contains a combination of ingredients to ease the appearance of wrinkles and nourish the skin. Remember, no topical product can truly erase wrinkles. But this one relaxes wrinkles long term and fills them immediately to give the appearance of a much smoother face.
• Mid-Range: Avotone Anti Wrinkle Relaxant Cream - The main ingredients in this cream are Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, also known as Argireline, as well as Avocado Oil. Argireline is the ingredient that relaxes the muscles under the wrinkles to smooth them and make them less deep. Avacado oil has many benefits and can help on a permanent level to ease creases and lines. This cream is generally safe for all skin types. Sensitive skin types may experience a bit of slight burning feeling at first but that generally passes after a week. Users can see the results after a couple of weeks of once daily use. It can be used in conjunction with other skin creams or alone. This cream is about $59.99 a jar but there are sales and special prices for buying more than one jar at a time.
• Value Priced: Vita K Solution for Deep Facial Lines - This product contains Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) to relax wrinkles and detox skin. Users claim that their fine and deep creases appear less noticeable when they use this product and that they experience no tingling or irritation, even if they have sensitive skin. The cost of between $23.00 and $33.00 for a tube and only a tiny bit is needed, according to users. You can pick this product up at drugstores or mass-market stores. Keep your receipt because you can return it if you are unhappy with the results.

"Best" Natural Anti Aging Creams

• Premium Priced: Zia Restorative Night Crème - This really isn't premium priced at about $45.00 for a 1.5 pump bottle but purists love Zia Natural Skin Care! This cream deeply hydrates, brightens skin tone, and improves skin firmness all while you sleep. Made with natural botanicals, lots of fruit extracts, and several other good for your skin natural ingredients, this cream gets a thumbs up from those who prefer natural skin care. There is also a formula for oily skin for the same price.
• Mid-Range: LUSH Skin Drink - This natural moisturizer contains botanicals and oils to deeply hydrate and protect drier skin. It's concentrated so you just need a bit day and night to keep your skin soft, smooth, and silky - all without any potentially harmful chemicals or artificial colors and fragrances. A 1.5 ounce tub is around $18.00. LUSH lovers swear this cream protects their skin and plumps fine lines, making them appear much less visible.
• Value Priced: Burt's Bees Vanishing Cream - This thick, rich natural moisturizing cream vanishes into the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. It hydrates without being greasy and is good for all skin types. Made with marshmallow extract, expect the cream to smell sweet. There are lots of extracts and oils to make this cream the perfect one for those with normal to dry skin. A 1.5 ounce jar is about $15.00 and a little dab will do ya!

American Anti-Aging Association 2007 Winner for Best Overall Anti aging Facial Cream

Caracol Cream - According to this unbiased agency, this relative newcomer contains the seven most powerful anti aging ingredients: allantoin, collagen, natural elastins, glycolic acid, anti-biotic peptides, Vitamins A, C, and E, and also a natural solar filtrate. A 30 day supply is $59.95-$79.95 and there is a money back guarantee. You can read about and buy this cream at http://www.caracol-cream.com/. That website is the only place you can purchase Muac Caracol Cream so don't be fooled by imitators.

Buying Guide

Most of the products that I have listed can be found on their official websites as well as on beauty and skin care websites like Beauty.com, Sephora.com, Skinstore.com, and the Amazon.com portal. A few are found only on their own websites and I have notated that when needed. The premium priced and mid-ranged products can generally be found at cosmetic and skin care counters at major department stores such as Macy's, Nordstrom, and Sephora. The value priced products can be found at drugstores and mass-market stores such as Wal-Mart and Target.

Sources

I researched all the consumer review sites, many informational sites, and several non-profit ranking sites to glean information for this guide.

Please note that there are hundreds of websites that claim to give you a fair, unbiased assessment of anti aging creams. I looked at dozens. What I saw were inconsistent results and sites that were affiliated with the products that they highly recommended. When I clicked on a product to learn more, I saw that the website owner was an "affiliate" of the company. That means they make a commission if I (or you) buy products after clicking on their links. I don't trust those types of "unbiased" reports and did not use their information when compiling this list.