There are so many products on the market that all seem very similar these days. It's a good idea to read a little bit about what the differences actually are. Some creams are very expensive but don't give good results for everyone. Some products can even out perform there more expensive competitors. Also, anti wrinkle creams and anti aging creams are often completely different products and may not suit the individual using them.
Anti-aging creams generally try to prevent wrinkles before they occur. Wrinkles generally appear from surface skin cells that have lost their moisture and become dry and dead. Anti-aging creams endeavor to stop wrinkles before they occur. Consumers in their twenties often start looking at these remedies prior to wrinkles occurring. Often, anti-aging creams are full of emollients and oils or moisturizers, causing the skin to become 'super moisturized' and less prone to wrinkles. They work on the concept that keeping the skin hydrated will cause it to appear more youthful and will actually slow down wrinkling.
On the other hand, anti wrinkle creams work hard to reduce the appearance of wrinkles that have already occurred. Wrinkles can occur through natural aging but also as a result of excessive to the sun's ray, a lack of moisture, or even repetitive facial expressions caused by things like squinting or smoking. There are different types to choose from: Retinol A (Vitamin A derivative), Hydroxy Acids (remove dead cells), Copper Peptides ( healing of wounds), Kinetin (moisture retaining) or antioxidants (removes toxins).
It is important to note which category you fall into, as that will depend on your outcome. If you fall in the anti aging cream category, that is wrinkles have not yet appeared, then your options are pretty wide open. Depending on your skin type, the object is to keep your skin moisturized without causing other problems such as excess oil. If you have naturally dry skin, you need to replenish natural oils and if you have excessively oily skin, astringents used as drying agents to prevent acne can dry your skin, but you need to use a water-based moisturizing anti aging cream, versus an oil based one, to keep the moisture balance before skin becomes dry and the dead, shriveled cells appear as fine lines and wrinkles.
When it comes to anti-aging creams against anti wrinkle creams, the best line of attack is prevention. It is best to avoid excessive sun exposure, smoking and prolonged hot baths to stop skin drying.
Anti wrinkle creams work in a variety of ways and it's best to start when you first see signs of damage or aging. Antioxidants try to prevent breakdown of elastin and collagen. Retinol A (Vitamin A) is essential for healthy skin. Hydroxy Acids remove dead skin cells to reveal younger looking skin, similar to microdermabrasion treatment.
The conclusion of all this is that anti aging creams and anti wrinkle creams do slightly different jobs. The best place to start is with finding your skin type first, as well as whereabouts you are in the process. Everyone has different needs.