Well-known national multi-specialty clinics report on their websites that wrinkle creams do work, and go on to explain why some work better than others, and which work the best. The secret to choosing the best anti-wrinkle cream is finding one with the right ingredients in a form and concentration strong enough to be effective.

To do this, one must first understand what kind of ingredients are most effective, why skin wrinkles in the first place and how to interrupt this process. One should be able to objectively evaluate why some wrinkle creams are superior based on how they act in and on the skin to reverse or prevent damage.

Some wrinkle products merely disguise wrinkles instead of actually reversing the wrinkles or slowing the process. Wrinkles are emphasized by the shadows they create, and these products disguise wrinkles by using a reflective mineral such as silicone dioxide to fool the eye by reflecting light off of the folds in wrinkles, reducing visual impact the shadows and the wrinkles. This is a desirable extra ingredient and feature of a good wrinkle cream.

Any serious wrinkle cream should also contain moisturizer and sunscreen, as necessity. Moisturizer replaces moisture lost by aging skin; without moisturizer, skin wrinkles earlier and are more severe. Moisturizer plumps up skin cells, both making them healthier and minimizing the appearance of lines and creases. Such wrinkling is an issue for everyone, since all facial expression creates some folds. Ingredients like aloe and shea butter are also part of the best wrinkle creams.

Sunscreen is critical for both safety and appearance. Ultraviolet rays can cause mutations in skin cells after cumulative or prolonged exposure, damaging skin, causing signs of aging, and even causing skin cancer. Melanoma can spread throughout the body and become terminal. Because of this, protecting skin with sunscreen is just as important for health as for beauty.

Antioxidants also prevent damage, as well as reducing the chance of mutations and promoting cell repair when taken internally or applied topically. Vitamin A, vitamin E, lycopenes, carotene, alpha lipoid acid, and some esters of vitamin C have a similar effect, and for those, a prescription solution is best. For instance, prescription strength vitamin A is much more potent and effective than over the counter creams, so this option should be discussed with one's physician.

Some products improve skin's appearance by exfoliating it, removing some of the fine creases and lines. Alpha and Beta Hydroxyl Acid are examples of effective exfoliants. At home, mild dermal abrasion creams can exfoliate physically, as opposed to chemically. All should be used gradually and carefully with professional guidance.

So, the answer to the old question of wrinkle creams work is a qualified "yes." What no cream or product can do is completely remove all signs of wrinkles from the body. That requires the services of a plastic surgeon and even they have some limitations. Any product that makes extreme promises or guarantees becoming suddenly youthful may be one to run away from as quickly as possible.

Prescription anti-aging creams and products are generally more expensive than over the counter solutions, but this increased price should not be regarded as a guarantee of wrinkle relief. Even the very best creams will not work for everyone; trial-and-error may be required on a case-by-case basis for a given individual. You should always consult with your physician, and then use the recommended product regularly as directed. Now you can see more clearly how to pick a good wrinkle cream with the best components.