Frequently Asked Questions
What causes skin aging?
As we age, our skin experiences two forms of aging: extrinsic aging (which refers to external or environmental causes of aging like pollution, smoke, and, most commonly, sun exposure) and intrinsic aging (or chronological aging, a genetically determined process that leads to loss of collagen and elastin in the skin). “Both types of aging lead to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of maturity,” says Natalie M. Curcio, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Nashville.
When will I start seeing results from wrinkle creams?
You won’t see results from any skin product overnight, so keep your expectations realistic. “If you are looking for benefits, including the improvement in skin tone, texture, redness, and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, it usually takes eight to 12 weeks of twice-daily application with a moisturizer to see results,” says Dr. Curcio. In other words, patience is a virtue. And, the earlier you start using wrinkle cream, the better. “Used early and consistently, a wrinkle cream can reduce the appearance of many of the fine lines and wrinkles we see developing in our 30s that become more permanent in our 40s and 50s,” says Dr. Shamban. Final PSA: Even the best wrinkle cream is only half the equation—you need a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30 if you want those results to actually stick.
What in-office treatments target wrinkles?
If you’re looking for a more intensive method of minimizing wrinkles, Patricia Oyetakin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Ontario, Canada, recommends combining your topical products with cosmetic procedures like Botox or laser resurfacing. These can promote collagen production on a deeper level than the treatment alone.
Meet the experts
- Natalie M. Curcio, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Nashville
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology based in New York City
- Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology based in New York City
- Patricia Oyetakin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Ontario, Canada
- Debbie Palmer, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Dermatology Associates of New York based in Harrison, New York
- Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
- Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Turner Dermatology based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best wrinkle creams, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists of various ages. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
As skin changes with age, these nourishing treatments help keep it smooth, hydrated, and resilient:
