Many men and women get annoyed or depressed when they discover that their signature smile has given them wrinkles over the years. Young women who like tanning now aren’t going to like the wrinkles the sun causes later.

However, annoyance will turn to frustration as people learn that there are very few ways to get rid of wrinkles. The best way to get rid of wrinkles is to make lifestyle changes now.

However, there are ingredients that can reduce wrinkles and restore the skin to its more youthful glow. And while the fountain of youth has yet to be discovered, these substances make good alternatives in the meantime.

Retinol

Vitamin A is a nutrient essential for the skin. So it’s no wonder that retinol, a vitamin A compound, is able to reduce wrinkles. Like most vitamins, retinol works as an antioxidant to eliminate free radicals in the skin.

Free radicals are oxygen compounds that react with bodily processes and cause chain reactions that harm or kill cells. Antioxidants work as a buffer to stop these chain reactions.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Out with the old and in with the new! Alpha hydroxy acids—along with beta and poly hydroxy acids—are exfoliants, working to gently remove the outer layers of dead skin.

When the old, dead skin is removed, new skin can grow to replace it, filling in wrinkles and evening out pigments in the skin. However, their main side effect is that they increase susceptibility to the sun.

Copper Peptides

While products claiming to include peptides abound on the market, the real effective method for applying peptides is with Copper peptides. These versions of peptides not only stimulate collagen synthesis, but also enhance wound healing.

Kinetin

While scientists are unsure of how it works, Kinetin, a plant growth factor, is thought to reduce fine wrinkles. It also works as a potent anti-oxidant.

Tea Extracts

While many advocates of tea will rant and rave as to the benefits of drinking tea, putting tea extracts on your skin may have more instant results. Tea has very potent anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays an important role in our metabolism, namely in the electron transport chain that produces energy for our body. By being able to regulate energy in our body, it has been shown to help reduce wrinkles without any side effects.

What Works Best?

While erasing wrinkles may take time, effective products use proven ingredients—in potent quantities, of course—to deliver a smooth youthful face. Find a product with a reputable name, quality ingredients and clinical studies to back it: it may just be a step short of the fountain of youth!