The Best Wrinkle Fighters

Look for these ingredients the next time you purchase an anti-aging product.

By Ted Spiker

From Reader's Digest

Images from this article

Know the topical ingredients clinically shown to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

javascript:void(0);

Know the topical ingredients clinically shown to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

The skin-care aisle is packed with antiaging products and claims. Here are the topical ingredients clinically shown to help diminish the fine lines and wrinkles that appear when collagen fibers break down.

Vitamin A: Often listed as retinol, it penetrates skin to increase collagen production, eventually smoothing lines, says Flor A. Mayoral, MD, a South Miami dermatologist.

Vitamin C: It can stimulate collagen to help build up your skin and smooth and fade lines. It works best when you apply it at night, says Arthur W. Perry, MD, a clinical associate professor of plastic surgery at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Vitamin E: Look on the label for DL-alpha-tocopherol; it blocks the cancer-causing effects of UV light and slows the production of wrinkles. And E enhances the efficacy of sunscreen, decreasing redness and swelling after sun exposure.

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA): Used as an exfoliant, it's also listed as glycolic acid. By peeling off the top layer of dead skin, it gives you a more youthful appearance.

Vitamin B3 (niacin): It helps shield skin from toxins and decreases brown blotches. Bonus: It helps ease the irritation that can be a side effect of vitamin A creams.

From Reader's Digest - August 2008

• Women's Health Guide
• • Skin Care
• • Anti-Aging
• • Shopping Guides

• 6 Foods for Better Skin
• Attack wrinkles, dryness and other skin problems simply by eating these healthy foods.
• 
• Professional Anti-Aging Secrets
• Anti-aging diet secrets from the pros.
• 
• The Latest Anti-Aging Creams
• Are they worth the money?
•