The Best Anti-Aging Creams for Reducing Fine Lines & Wrinkles, According to a Dermatologist

We included these products chosen by Dr. Karyn Grossman because we think you'll like her picks at these prices. Dr. Grossman is the owner of KARYNG Skincare. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

As I get older, I’m trying to embrace every fine line and wrinkle. After all, I earned them. But, I’m also on the lookout for creams that can make my skin look and feel its best. To help wade through the tons of options out there, and to give me their expert opinion on ingredients to look for, I consulted with dermatologist, Dr. Karyn Grossman. She gave me the lowdown on the best anti-aging creams for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, including when you should start wearing a cream, how to apply, and if it really works at all. So, keep on reading.

What Should You Look for in a Cream Designed for Anti-Aging or Reducing Wrinkles?

The most important things to look for in a cream designed for anti-aging or reducing wrinkles, is the active ingredients in the products, Dr. Grossman reports. And, there are several categories of those ingredients that you should look for: 

• Ingredients that promote or stimulate collagen production: Keep an eye out for peptides, apple stem cells, or retinoids. However, Dr. Grossman advises shoppers to stay away from retinoid products if you’re pregnant.

• Antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, teas, resveratrol, rosemary, and echinacea can help protect the skin from free radicals and prevent DNA damage in the skin, which can come from UV exposure, pollution, dehydration, and stress.

• Anti-inflammatories: A variety of ingredients can help inflammation, redness, and pigmentation in the skin. Look out for rosemary, chamomile, niacinamide, and vitamin B.

• Regenerative ingredients: These products can help to promote cellular turnover, Grossman advises, which can help to smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The most common are retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, and beta hydroxy acids. 
• Hyaluronic acid (HA): This ingredient is a natural component of the skin, so using it can increase hydration and natural plumping.
• Ingredients that even out skin tone: Some of Dr. Grossman’s favorite ingredients to decrease uneven pigment are TXA, glutathione, Vitamin C, and licorice (which is also an antioxidant).
• Hydrating ingredients: Keep the skin hydrated and the skin barrier refreshed and healthy, with shea butter, glycerin, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, and HA.

Every product or brand on this list has been recommended by Dr. Grossman. So, start scrolling for the best anti-aging creams for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. 

Dr. Grossman's Expert Picks from Karyng

"Of course, I love my own brand," Dr. Grossman admits, referring to her skincare line called Karyng (pronounced "caring"). As a single-by-choice mom of two and business owner (who also has patients that never have enough time for themselves), she wanted a line that would be easy to use, yet highly effective. She describes it as "a clean line, which avoids all controversial/concerning ingredients and uses sustainable, eco-friendly packaging where possible." And, with each product sold they plant a tree.

This night cream comes from Dr. Grossman's brand. With a lightweight texture and fragrance-free formula, it's designed for overnight hydration with ingredients like olive oil, sunflower seed oil, and the brand's patented complex for firmer, brighter skin.

Another product from Dr. Grossman's line, this peptide eye cream is designed for puffiness and aging around the eyes. And, the whole line is designed "to maximize the delivery of a blend of highly effective ingredients with the most minimal steps needed," Grossman adds.  It's also great for sensitive skin.

Dr. Grossman's Drugstore Picks

For those who prefer the drugstore brand route, Dr. Grossman recommends these brands that "all make good anti-aging products for a tighter budget."

Backed by over 28,000 5-star Amazon reviews, this L’Oréal moisturizer is a popular choice. With pro-retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid (HA), it's designed to reduce wrinkles, brighten skin, and leave skin firmer than before. Use it as a day or night cream on your face and/or neck.

According to the brand, after 1 week of using this moisturizer, the skin on your face can feel smoother. And after 4 weeeks, your wrinkles may appear more filled in. It's lightweight, without being greasy, and is packed with collagen for rejuvenating results. Plus, it comes with over 44,000 5-star Amazon reviews and a price tag that's less than $9.

You might just wake up to smoother, brighter skin after using this Olay moisturizer overnight. It features the brand's niacinamide and retinoid complex, plus amino peptides -- all ingredients that Dr. Grossman shouts out -- and it's free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes.

I use this moisturizer over my daily sunscreen and I love how it feels on my skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3, it provides hydration and a strengthened moisture barrier for firm and bright results. Within days, my face looked refreshed and softer than before.

You can reduce wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles with this under eye cream. It's packed with retinol and nicacinamide to stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation, and you can use it every day. One reviewer raved, "This is the ONLY product that has truly helped to diminish my dark circles. It feels amazing applied to my under-eye area."

According to Neutrogena, you might see results from this anti-aging night cream in just 4 weeks. It targets wrinkles, uneven tone, and firmness with ingredients like vitamin C, glycerin, and shea butter, and reviewers rave about the smooth, creamy consistency. 

Looking to target the area around your eyes? Then you need to add this cream with retinol and hyaluronic acid to your cart. It can rejuvenate your skin, fight darkness, wrinkles, and dullness, plus it's backed by over 14,000 5-star Amazon reviews. One shopper reported that it's "worth every penny."

More Expert Picks from Dr. Grossman

Dr. Grossman reports that Alastin's HA serum is a great product. Skin can look more radiant, and over time it can amplify your skin's hyaluronic acid levels (which helps with hydration and plumping). Just apply morning and evening for skin boosting results.

For outdoor activities, Dr. Grossman's favorite sunscreen is ISDIN. It's a mineral formula with SPF 50, and can even fight the signs of photoaging. There's also peptides and antioxidants that can help repair existing sun damage and even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dr. Grossman recommends the whole SkinCeuticals line, but calls out a few items as her favorites -- like this soothing gel. Packed with hyaluronic acid, cucumber, thyme, and other botanical ingredients, it can calm skin and leave it brighter and more radiant than before. It's ideal for all skin types, even acne-prone skin.

Another Dr. Grossman fav is SkinCeuticals' Phloretin CF serum. Use it in the day to diminish discoloration, even your skin tone, and prevent signs of aging. It's packed with phloretin, vitamin C, and ferulic acid, and once absorbed, it can remain effective for up to 72 hours.

Dr. Grossman's last pick is this intensifer from SKin Ceuticals. The serum includes licorice root (which Grossman notes is a versatile antioxidant and ingredient that evens out skin tone) and hyaluronic acid for tons of hydration. It may reduce lines around the face, make skin smoother, and increase the look of plumpness. Just apply once or twice a day.

Does a Wrinkle Cream Actually Work?

Dr. Grossman breaks it down like this, “Good skin care is important for all people, including children. Everyone should wear sunscreen daily. However, this does not mean that all people need a complicated skin care regimen. I like to think of skincare as providing water for your garden. It provides nutrients on a daily basis and helps to keep your skin protected and hydrated so that the skin can perform at its best level.”

Everyone is different, and Dr. Grossman notes that a wrinkle cream might be enough for some people. But, she adds, “for those with more advanced aging or aggressive lines and wrinkles, these creams may not work. If wrinkles are really deep, it may be hard to see the improvement in the lines and wrinkles in the skin.” This is where you might need to enlist the help of a professional dermatologist or treatment. A wrinkle cream may not give you the same results as a procedure, but Grossman points out, “it does not mean that they are not a valuable component of the toolbox.”

When Is a Good Time to Start Using an Anti-Aging or Wrinkle Cream?

Take it from Dr. Grossman, “The single most important product that you can use daily for anti-aging is SPF.” She adds that you should reapply throughout the day, because, “UV exposure is the single greatest cause of external aging in people.”

And, “for those who are lucky enough to avoid teenage and young adult acne,” Dr. Grossman will “start people on anti-aging ingredients in their early 20s. This is the biological time where we start to see the beginnings of loss of collagen in the skin so this is the timeframe in which I will typically intervene. Occasionally, somebody will start to get thinning of the under-eye skin at an earlier age. In that case, I might recommend an anti-aging eye cream.”

But, she advises people to be aware that many anti-aging products “are geared for older adults and are heavy moisturizing products. These typically should not be used by younger people as they may cause acne in some of them.”

What’s the Best Way to Apply an Anti-Aging or Wrinkle Cream?

“The best way, in general, to use any product is sparingly, except for SPF, which should be used generously!” Dr. Grossman explains, “Always follow the manufacturer's suggestions and remember that for the most part, a little bit goes a long way. When applying products, you should never see the product on the skin. One should apply a small amount in the palm, then dot it on the four main quadrants of the face and blend it in. Use smaller dots for highly active ingredients and products and bigger ones for anti-aging moisturizers.” 

Meet the Expert

Internationally renowned, Dr. Karyn Grossman is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist with innovative approaches to anti-aging procedures and skincare. She has a cult-like following among her patients, including some of the biggest names in music, movies, and television.

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