Beauty experts - does wrinkle cream work?

[IfYoureHappyAndYouKnowIt]

So ... I'm pretty good nowadays at cleansing and moisturising but conscious that the wrinkles continue (being older than the average mnetter) to advance - between the eye, around the mouth, edges of eyes...

Was given a free wrinkle cream sample at the Dior counter last week and am thinking it does make a difference. But then maybe I'm imagining it and it's just wishful thinking.

What do you reckon? Should I invest in wrinkle cream and if so which one? Currently use have REN, Avene and Kiehls moisturisers BTW and use a combo of these.

[TattyDevine]

No. They don't work.

Adequately hydrated and moisturised skin will look plumper and better, but E45 can do that.

High protection sunscreen works in a prevenative way.

AHA's and BHA's to exfoliate will improve the texture of the skin which can help.

Peels improve the texture, which helps.

Microdermabrasion can help renew collagen production and improve skin texture.

Dermaroller works to do similar and is possibly even more effective at actual lines and collagen renewal.

IPL with collagen boosters work.

Botox works. Fillers work.

That's about it. There are some nice serums which can help with surface dehydration, give antioxidants etc and help with skin pigment irregularities (within reason) but generally speaking for dynamic wrinkles (between the eyes, lips, etc) its botox or fillers that actually works, and sunscreen to prevent further preventable ageing.

[snailsontour]

Great reply from Tattydevine.

The only thing I would add is that for me what has made a massive difference to my skin is using the Clarisonic Pro cleansing brush plus using Tua Trend face and neck toner. I rate both these products very highly and can't recommend them enough.

And then it's really down to using a good spf, not smoking, drinking plenty of water and all the usual good stuff.

[MissFoodie]

I agree with both above though would not go for botox or fillers - a few lines is better than looking expressionless and most importantly, natural and part of growing old

[Thehusbandsatcricketagain]

The only one that I have ever found that makes a difference is boots no7 protect & perfect,I started using it before it all went scientific & public about how great it was & I am probably older than some mns too

[TattyDevine]

Agree with Miss Foodie that there is no problem with a few lines, it is normal, part of the ageing process, etc and as long as you know you are not doing anything to speed it up (nobody wants to look older than they are) then try not to get too hung up.

That said, Botox does not necessarily mean expressionless - really it doesn't. There is good botox and bad botox. But I'm not trying to promote it as such - its more in response to the "what works" thing, wrinkle creams dont, generally, make a big impact in terms of reducing wrinkles. Botox, whether you like the idea or like the effect, does what it says on the tin - it does reduce wrinkles. More effectively than any other thing. It does not mean you want the expense or agree with the philosophy though.

[TattyDevine]

Just to add further musings on the Botox debate - a lot of women who are not anti wrinkle do end up having it. Its because they don't quite realise the impact that looking tired or looking angry would have on them and the way they feel.

They wouldn't mind crows feet (smile lines round the eyes) or those lovely character adding soft ageing features that happen. But the ones that actually can start to impact the way others perceive you and indeed behave towards you - can be hard to swallow beyond a certain point.

Horses for courses though. I doubt the OP wanted a solution like Botox, just to know whether the creams can make a significant impact on wrinkle reduction. No, they can't. First thing I would look at if I were you is IPL with collagen boosters and/or dermaroller.

[IfYoureHappyAndYouKnowIt]

Thanks for the advice.

You're right, I'm not really looking for artificial help like Botox, for example, just hoping for a more natural miracle cure I guess.

I am not actually very wrinkly for my age, just I guess as a single person, looking to stay young for as long as possible and to fit in with a number of somewhat younger friends.

When you say microdermabrasion Tatty do you mean treatment rather than the creams?

[TattyDevine]

Yes, I do.

I suppose what I was saying was no cream will make any significant impact on the speed of ageing except for SPF 30+ (preferably higher in summer)

So save your money on creams...don't fork out. Find an affordable moisturiser that suits your skin (oily/dry/sensitive etc etc) and keeps it hydrated, that is all you need, and one that has sun protection for daytime. Put that saved money aside. Spend it on something else. That might be microdermabrasion. It might be botox. It might be neither, it might just be a nice haircut.

But spend your "beauty" money on things that work, or nothing at all. (Or makeup). Its not to say you "should" have anything particularly, but I have listed some things that do actually work.

[snailsontour]

Just to add, before I started using my Tua Trend my hubby often used to comment that I looked tired - to put it more bluntly he used to say I was looking all droopy!!!

Since using the Tua he has never once asked me if I was tired or that I looked droopy! I've been using this device for 18 months now and he still doesn't know I have it. I call that a massive result.

I guess we all want to look the best we can, and I don't so much mind the wrinkles, but droopy eyes (inherited from my dad) is so not a good look!

[pasqueflower]

Tell me more about the Tuatrend please snails? May I ask how old you are? And how often do you need to use it?

I was thinking of having a similar treatment in a salon - but it would mean going there twice a week and I just don't have the time to do that.

Have been thinking about Botox, but have seen too much "bad" botox jobs it's put me off - if I knew someone who had had it and looked great and could recommend a medic to do it, then I would reconsider. Like the OP I would prefer a more "natural" route if possible.

[DukesOfTripHazard]

I can really reccomend No 7 Total Renewal microdermabrasion exfoliator which is about £11.50.

It just feels like a face scrub but it makes my rosacea, spot prone tonally all over the place face look serenely clear. It's wonderful to have such a clear canvas and I feel so much fresher. I use it twice a week and I'm 44.

[minibmw2010]

I use an Aldi eye cream and can genuinely say it's brilliant !!!! Their range is constantly in magazines being written up as a bit of a secret gem and it's only £4.99 so you can use loads and feel fine about it. I'm 38 with a small baby and often have people say I look really fresh. I used to use Clinique and never had same results !!!

[IfYoureHappyAndYouKnowIt]

Thanks all - all good food for thought

I already use No 7 Total Renewal microdermabrasion exfoliator sometimes and do like it - will use it more.

Will also get better at using SPF protection I think.

Any tips for the neck or do I just treat it the same as the face? Always find the neck is an age giveaway!

[IfYoureHappyAndYouKnowIt]

Already wear scarves btw - a non-intrusive treatment!

[snailsontour]

Hi Pasqueflower. - I've answered on your other thread.