greatist.com Open in urlscan Pro
65.9.95.89  Public Scan

Form analysis
2 forms found in the DOM

/search

<form id="healthline-search-form" action="/search" class="css-70qvj9"><button type="submit" aria-label="Open Greatist Search" aria-expanded="false" data-testid="nav-search-button" class="css-6fmqbr"><svg viewBox="0 0 41 41" width="40" height="40"
      class="css-1e2i8y1">
      <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-search"></use>
    </svg></button></form>

POST /newsletter-signup

<form action="/newsletter-signup" method="post" novalidate="" class="css-30l4a7">
  <div class="css-8i1gnu"><input placeholder="Enter your email" aria-label="Enter your email" type="email" class="css-19e94d0 gr8-id-class"></div><button class="gr8-id-class css-1ezkxjw" data-testid="button" type="submit"><span
      class="css-14ktbsh"><span class="css-1huyk6v">SIGN UP</span></span></button>
</form>

Text Content

PLEASE ACCEPT OUR PRIVACY TERMS

You can change your preferences at any time by clicking on “Privacy Settings” in
the footer at the bottom of the page.

The total number of vendors we work with is 25.

We believe that trustworthy health information should be free to everyone and we
rely on advertising to make that possible. Providing authoritative experiences
that are reviewed by physicians and other health and wellness professionals is
expensive, but it’s an invaluable service. We collect and securely process your
personal data to deliver a relevant experience and support our business, so we
ask that you allow cookies in order to access all of our content and features.

We and our partners process your personal data in the following ways:

 * cookies or unique IDs, for storing and/or accessing information on your
   device
 * personalized ads and content
 * ad and content measurement
 * audience insights and product development
 * ensuring security, preventing fraud, and debug
 * technically deliver ads or content

Your personal data use applies only while using Healthline Media Websites and
Apps. Some of our partners do not ask for your consent to process your data and
rely on their legitimate business interest. You can modify your setting or
object by clicking on “Manage Settings.”

At this time, we cannot provide the full site experience if you disallow any
purposes, features, or partners. Instead, we will provide a version of our site
that shows 10 of our most popular articles without ads, cookies, or tracking
technologies.

ACCEPT AND CONTINUE TO SITEMANAGE SETTINGS
 * Health & Wellness
   * Wellness
     * Women's Health
     * Men's Health
     * Mental Health
     * Sexual Health
     * Relationships
     * Skin & Hair
     * Sleep
     * CBD
     * Home
     * Pets
     * Weight Loss
     * Travel
   * Health Conditions
     * ADHD
     * Allergies
     * Cold & Flu
     * Diabetes
     * High Cholesterol
     * HIV
     * IBD
     * Mental Health Conditions
     * Migraines
     * Psoriatic Arthritis
     * Skin Conditions
     * STDs
 * Food
   * Food
     * Nutrition
     * Vitamins & Supplements
     * Vegan & Vegetarian Eating
     * International Food
     * Cooking 101
     * Kitchen Gear
   * Recipes
     * Breakfast & Brunch
     * Appetizers & Snacks
     * Main Dishes
     * Sandwiches
     * Salads
     * Sides
     * Desserts
     * Drinks
 * Fitness
   * Fitness
     * Workout Tips
     * Strength Training
     * HIIT
     * Kettlebell
     * Resistance Bands
     * Running
     * Cycling
     * Yoga
     * Stretching
     * Gear
   * Workouts
     * Beginner
     * Abs & Core
     * Legs
     * Arms
     * Butt
     * Full Body
 * Faves
   * Product Reviews
     * Health
     * Fitness & Home Gym
     * Food & Cooking
     * Skin & Beauty
     * Home & Garden
     * Sleep
   * Series
     * The Lift
     * Crash Course
     * First Gear
     * DJ Gr8st
     * Greatist Reads
   * How-To
     * Train for a 10K
     * Better Sex in 10 Days
     * 30 Days of Yoga
     * 14-Day Guide to Plant-Based Eating
 * Connect
   * The Greatist Community
     * Instagram
     * Facebook
     * Twitter
     * Pinterest
     * TikTok
     * Spotify
     * YouTube
   * About Greatist
     * Who We Are
     * Our Editorial Process
     * Our Product Vetting Process
     * Content Integrity
     * Conscious Language

Greatist
 * Health & Wellness
 * Food
 * Fitness
 * Faves
 * Connect

Subscribe








10 ANTI-AGING INGREDIENTS FOR WRINKLES, AGE SPOTS, AND DULL, DRY SKIN


Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Leandra
Beabout on May 31, 2022
 * Best anti-aging ingredients
 * Safety
 * Pro-aging tips

Got fine lines? Science shows anti-aging ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic
acid, and glycolic acid may help the appearance of wrinkles.

Like it or not, skin doesn’t have a factory reset. But you *can* help you skin
work against time with anti-wrinkle ingredients that help protect against
additional damage, boost cell turnover, and encourage collagen production.



Let’s take a peek at 10 of the best anti-aging ingredients (or as we like to
say, pro-aging) to maintain a youthful glow.


10 OF THE BEST ANTI-AGING INGREDIENTS 

From expression lines to age spots here are ingredients that *really* work.


1. SUNSCREEN

Yep, we’re starting with the obvious here. But sunscreen = one of the most
powerful tools we have against wrinkles.

Research suggests that sun exposure causes around 80 percent of facial aging.
That UV damage can look like this:

 * fine lines and wrinkles
 * saggy skin
 * uneven skin texture
 * irregular pigmentation (dark spots or white spots)

So, whether you wanna zhuzh up your sun protection or build an anti-wrinkle skin
care routine from scratch, look for products with added broad-spectrum SPF. Or
even better, apply sunscreen after your skin care routine.


2. NIACINAMIDE

This common anti-aging skin care ingredient is actually a form of vitamin B3.
Here’s why it’s a skin-loving superstar:

 * It’ll dial down the appearance of wrinkles. In a 2021 research review,
   researchers found that applying a 4–5 percent niacinamide topical can boost
   skin elasticity while reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
 * It’ll tame hyperpigmentation. The same review found that using 4 percent
   niacinamide can fade dark spots, a classic sign of UV-related skin aging.
 * It’ll boost hydration. Science says niacinamide can fortify your skin
   barrier, locking in fine line-plumping hydration.

It’s easy to find anti-aging serums and creams that contain niacinamide. Look
for 5 percent formulations for maximum results, but beware — this stuff can
cause redness and irritation at first. Folks with sensitive skin should start
with a lower concentration of niacinamide.


3. RETINOL

Ah, the holy grail of anti-aging ingredients!

Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is known to rev up collagen production *and*
accelerate cell turnover. Basically, it tightens skin while clearing out dead
skin cells that lead to rough, uneven skin texture. Those are major #wins
against fine lines.

Of course, skin care junkies know that retinol can be too potent at times. Your
skin might feel tender and sensitive as it adjusts to retinol’s anti-aging
effects. Start with a low retinol concentration, and don’t hesitate to ask a
dermatologist about any concerns.

You can find retinol in

 * night serums
 * retinol creams
 * eye creams
 * some acne treatments

Heads up: You might need to use retinol for a few months before noticing a
difference in your skin. Patience, young grasshopper.


4. HYALURONIC ACID

If you follow any beauty gurus on the ‘gram, you’ve heard the buzz about
hyaluronic acid (HA).

Think of this dewy molecule as your skin’s naturally occurring lube. Water binds
to hyaluronic acid, so coating your face helps invite and lock in moisture.
Basically, this gives you plump, hydrated skin.

On top of being ultra-hydrating, hyaluronic acid has been found to reduce the
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Oodles of anti-aging products contain hyaluronic acid like:

 * cleansers
 * serums
 * moisturizers

Although HA is one of the gentlest anti-aging ingredients, you could still have
a reaction. Watch out for classic allergic side effects like redness and
itching.


5. GLYCOLIC ACID

Goodbye, gritty face scrub, hello chemical exfoliant.

A youthful complexion takes more than just wrinkle prevention. Getting rid of
dead skin cells resurfaces the skin to create a smoother-than-a-baby’s-bum glow.
And that’s where glycolic acid (GA) shines.

You can find glycolic acid in skin care like:

 * chemical peels
 * glycolic acid peels
 * face serums
 * face exfoliators

Research shows that glycolic acid and other alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) can boost
skin elasticity while diminishing wrinkles and fine lines.

But the same research also suggests that too much glycolic acid leads to skin
irritation and hypersensitivity to damaging UV rays.

Your best bet is to ask a dermatologist to help you find the right glycolic acid
concentration for your goals.


6. FERULIC ACID

Some of the best anti-aging serums on the market include ferulic acid.

Research suggests this ingredient is:

 * anti-inflammatory (sayonara, skin redness!)
 * antioxidant-rich (adieu, harmful free radicals!)
 * able to amplify other anti-aging ingredients’ effects (gimme a boost!)

Remember how UV rays are the worst for aging skin? Ferulic acid is a pro at
protecting your face from that damage.

You’ll often find ferulic acid in schmancy vitamin C serums. That’s because it
supports vitamin C’s UV protection powers. All part and parcel of the good fight
against wrinkles.


7. VITAMIN C

Speaking of vitamin C, this little OJ superstar also works magic on your skin
(without the juice, of course).

Here’s why Vitamin C is so clutch:

 * Boosts collagen. Topical vitamin C application is known to encourage collagen
   production, which could help combat saggy, wrinkly skin.
 * Combats age spots. Science says applying vitamin C can also decrease signs of
   hyperpigmentation (aka, freckles and age spots).
 * Protects against UV damage. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C also fights hard
   against UV rays and the wrinkles they cause.

Sounds swell, right? You can find vitamin C in oodles of serums and
moisturizers. Look for product labels that say L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C’s most
shelf-stable form). Pair it with ferulic acid to punch up the pro-aging impact.


8. VITAMIN E

There’s a reason vitamin E might sound super basic — it’s been a skin care
mainstay for eons. And that’s just because it works.

Vitamin E on your skin can:

 * Absorb UV rays. Yes, really! Research suggests that this little vitamin can
   help prevent wrinkle-causing sun damage.
 * Slows skin aging. It’s all that free radical-scavenging, antioxidant
   activity, y’all!
 * Soothe inflammation and dryness. Research has found that vitamin E dials down
   redness and dry skin caused by external irritants. That means vitamin E could
   be an excellent balm for thin, dry, aging skin.

More research is needed to pinpoint *exactly* how topical vitamin E can combat
fine lines and wrinkles. We know for sure that it’s ultra-gentle and soothing on
sensitive, aging skin.

To give it a whirl, apply vitamin E oil directly or pick up a vitamin E-infused
cream or wrinkle serum.


9. PEPTIDES

Peptides are amino acids that tell your body to make collagen. That’s important
because collagen is the stuff that keeps skin smooth and taut.

In one study of 22 women, applying peptide cream improved wrinkle appearance in
as little as 2 weeks. Of course, more studies are needed to prove this result.

We know that peptides are a common ingredient in wrinkle creams, partially
because it tends to turbocharge the effect of other anti-aging ingredients. You
can also find peptides in serums.

Let’s keep it 100: Peptides can be hella expensive. And the benefits of
slathering peptides on your skin aren’t as airtight as applying, say,
niacinamide. This anti-wrinkle ingredient is best used in conjunction with
others on the list.


10. METHYL ESTRAODIOLPROPANOATE (MEP)

Ever had a bad PMS breakout? Then you know precisely how much hormones influence
your skin. That’s the idea behind using Methyl Estraodiolpropanoate, aka MEP,
for hormone-related wrinkles.

Science says that as estrogen drops with age, so does hydration. And dry, aging
skin is the foundation for wrinkles.

Enter MEP! Research is ongoing, but one small 2019 study suggests that MEP can
resurrect sleepy estrogen receptors, leading to plumper, smoother,
younger-looking skin.

This new kid on the anti-aging skin care block still needs more research, but
the limited products infused with MEP *might* end up changing the game.


BUT ARE WRINKLE CREAMS SAFE? 

Over-the-counter anti-aging topicals are typically safe for most peeps. Still,
it’s possible to have a reaction to any of these ingredients, so you’ll want to
do a patch test before applying any new skin care.

Potential side effects can include:

 * redness or irritation
 * dryness or flaking
 * acne breakouts

Some ingredients (*cough* retinol *cough*) aren’t recommended if you’re preggo,
breastfeeding, or have uber-sensitive skin.

Also, some ingredients don’t play well together. Retinol (again) should NOT be
layered with:

 * vitamin C
 * alpha hydroxy acids
 * beta hydroxy acids
 * salicylic acid
 * benzoyl peroxide

Talk with a dermatologist if you’re concerned about a specific product’s safety
or potential side effects.



ANY OTHER PRO-AGING TIPS?

Prevention really is the best medicine, y’all.

Here are some ways to help ward off wrinkles before they start:

 * Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. And we do mean inside and out! Quench thirsty skin
   by sipping H2O all day long and applying a quality moisturizer every morning
   and night.
 * If you smoke, try to top. This is not a memo from the morality police, BTW.
   Science says smoking is just plain bad news for youthful skin.
 * Protect yourself from the sun. Applying sunscreen is a great start, but don’t
   stop there. Apply enough (more than you think you need!). Reapply every 2
   hours. And don’t forget physical protection like a hat and sunglasses.
 * Sleep on your back. Research is limited, but at least one study suggests that
   smooshing your face against a pillow every night can crease your skin.



TL;DR

If you’re lucky enough to grow old, wrinkles will be a fact of life. But if you
wanna dial down the appearance of lines and age spots, it’s important to choose
quality skin care products.

Read product labels to pinpoint creams and serums that include science-backed
anti-aging ingredients like:

 * niacinamide
 * retinol
 * hyaluronic acid
 * glycolic acid
 * ferulic acid
 * vitamins C and vitamin E
 * peptides
 * Methyl Estraodiolpropanoate (MEP)

Still not sure where to start? Ask your dermatologist what products they’d
recommend for your skin care goals.



Last medically reviewed on May 31, 2022

21 sourcesexpanded

 * Boo Y. (2021). Mechanistic basis and clinical evidence for the application of
   nicotinamide (niacinamide) to control skin aging and pigmentation.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/
 * Bozzo P, et al. (2011). Safety of skin care products during pregnancy.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/
 * Bukhari S, et al. (2018). Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating
   biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical
   investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects.
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014181301833770X?via%3Dihub
 * Casari A, et al. (2016). In vivo assessment of cytological changes by means
   of reflectance confocal microscopy – demonstration of the effect of topical
   vitamin E on skin irritation caused by sodium lauryl sulfate.
   https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cod.12613
 * Cavalcanti G, et al. (2021). Ferulic acid activity in topical formulations:
   technological and scientific prospecting.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33081675/
 * Cohen J. (2019). Evaluation of efficacy of a skin care regimen containing
   Methyl Estradiolpropanoate (MEP) for treating estrogen deficient skin.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31860210/
 * Delinasios G, et al. (2018). Vitamin E inhibits the UVAI induction of “light”
   and “dark” cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, and oxidatively generated DNA
   damage, in keratinocytes.
   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-18924-4
 * Dormael R, et al. (2019). Vitamin C prevents ultraviolet-induced pigmentation
   in healthy volunteers: Bayesian meta-analysis results from 31 randomized
   controlled versus vehicle clinical studies.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6415704/
 * Gurtner G, et al. (2019). Nicotinamide.
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/nicotinamide
 * Jeong S, et al. (2020). Anti-wrinkle benefits of peptides complex stimulating
   skin basement membrane expression.
   https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/1/73
 * Kong R, et al. (2015). A comparative study of the effects of retinol and
   retinoic acid on histological, molecular, and clinical properties of human
   skin.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26578346/
 * Michalak M, et al. (2021). Bioactive compounds for skin health: a review.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7827176/
 * Mohammed D, et al. (2013). Influence of niacinamide containing formulations
   on the molecular and biophysical properties of the stratum corneum.
   https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378517312010502
 * Nusgens B, et al. (2001). Topically applied vitamin C enhances the mRNA level
   of collagens I and III, their processing enzymes and tissue inhibitor of
   Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 in the human dermis.
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15412564
 * Poljsak B, et al. (2011). The influence of the sleeping on the formation of
   facial wrinkles.
   https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14764172.2012.685563
 * Pullar J, et al. (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
 * Shanbhag S, et al. (2019). Anti-aging and sunscreens: Paradigm shift in
   cosmetics.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6773941
 * Tang S, et al. (2018). Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017965/
 * Yazdanparast T, et al. (2019). Cigarette smoking and skin: a comparison study
   of the biophysical properties of skin in smokers and non-smokers.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230126/
 * Zasada M, et al. (2019). Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin
   structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/
 * Zdunska K, et al. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its
   possible application.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30235459/

FEEDBACK:

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Leandra
Beabout on May 31, 2022





WAS THIS ARTICLE HELPFUL?

YesNo



READ THIS NEXT


 * SPF For All! The 15 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
   
   Finding the right sunscreen can be a total pain if you have sensitive skin.
   The wrong product can cause major irritation. Thankfully, we have your…
   
   READ MORE
   
 * All About Allantoin: The Ingredient That Does Wonders for Sensitive Skin
   
   Allantoin is an ingredient found in skin care products. It can help with
   hydration and dull, dry, or scarred skin. Here’s what you need to know about…
   
   READ MORE
   
 * What Is Retinol? Get to Know this Popular Skin Care Ingredient
   
   Retinol is a superstar skin care ingredient. Here's a roundup of its
   science-backed benefits and some safety tips to be aware of if you're using…
   
   READ MORE
   
 * How to Use Vitamin C to Get the Best Skin You'll Ever Have
   
   Using vitamin C on your skin fights skin wear and tear, guards against UV
   exposure, and can help counter with hyperpigmentation and dark patches…
   
   READ MORE
   
 * Farewell, Free Radicals: The 14 Best Antioxidant Serums
   
   Looking for the best antioxidant serum to brighten up and protect your skin?
   We talked with derms to get tips for choosing the best — check our top…
   
   READ MORE
   
 * Does Botox Really Prevent Wrinkles? We Asked an Expert
   
   Botox can prevent dynamic wrinkles and even soften existing fine lines, but
   it's costly and requires regular maintenance. We asked an expert to…
   
   READ MORE
   
 * Burning Question: Does Sunscreen Really Prevent Wrinkles?
   
   Wearing sunscreen can help prevent signs of premature aging, including
   wrinkles. Here's why research and derms agree you should use sunscreen every…
   
   READ MORE
   







WANT MORE GREATIST?

Get the health & wellness stuff that matters delivered daily to your inbox.


SIGN UP

Your privacy is important to us. Any information you provide to us via this
website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside of the EU.
If you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information.

 * About Us
 * Contact Us
 * Terms of Use
 * Privacy Policy
 * Privacy Settings

 * Advertising Policy
 * Medical Affairs
 * Content Integrity
 * Newsletter
 * © 2023 Greatist, a Healthline Media Company. Our content does not constitute
   a medical consultation. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis.
   See additional information.

© 2023 Greatist, a Healthline Media Company. Our content does not constitute a
medical consultation. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis. See
additional information.
AboutCareersAdvertise with us

OUR BRANDS

HealthlineMedical News TodayGreatistPsych CentralBezzy