This was the verdict of Consumer Reports, a monthly publication of the non-profit consumer research group Consumer Union that recently tested different products to determine whether or not they could fight wrinkles.
After 12 weeks of testing, researchers found that the best performer cost only $19. However, none of the products they tested was able to significantly reduce wrinkles.
'The top-rated products smoothed out some fine lines and wrinkles but even the best performers reduced the average depth of wrinkles by less than 10 percent, a change barely visible to the naked eye,' according to Belinda Goldsmith of Reuters.
"The tests revealed that, on average, these products made little difference in the skin's appearance and there's no correlation between price and effectiveness," a spokeswoman for the magazine said.
For its tests, Consumer Reports chose several popular brands priced from $19 to $355. The creams were used by 17 to 23 women aged between 30 and 70. The services of a European laboratory were used to recruit the women and evaluate the products.
'The women used a test product on one side of their face and the lab's standard moisturizer on the other side for comparison. A high-tech optical device was used to detect changes in wrinkle depth and skin roughness,' Goldsmith said.
Results were disappointing and showed that the effects of most anti-wrinkle creams were barely noticeable.
The small study, however, was criticized by some dermatologists. Dr. Tina Alster, a dermatologic laser surgeon from Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and a member of the American Academy of Dermatologists, said it was difficult to conclude from such a limited study that these products did not work.
"People would love to believe that cheap products are the same as the more expensive ones, and I may pooh-pooh someone paying $500 for a cream, but I do see the value of some of the luxury brands which are science-based. But it is a cautionary tale that people should be looking at the ingredients rather than just at the packaging," she said.
Still, some women said they would continue to use anti-wrinkle creams if only because it gave them the illusion of being beautiful.
"I've never really believed these creams would stop wrinkles, but they make me feel and smell good," said Amira Thoron, a 36-year-old New York teacher.
To maximize your beauty without losing money, redefine your skin with Dermaxin cream. This potent needle-free formula will reduce the signs of aging without the discomfort and side effects of painful and costly doctor administered injectables. For more information, visit
First of all, it is important to critically assess the claims made by wrinkle creams. If you try one and it does not "instantly make you 40 years younger" it does not mean that it isn't helping reduce your wrinkles slowly, although generally the better products out there have the more reasonable marketing claims.
Understanding how skin ages can help a person determine what it is that a wrinkle cream is supposed to do. Knowledge in this area can also help a person evaluate marketing claims and decide if they are in fact based on science.
Nobody ages without developing wrinkles, although there are huge variations in the amount and depth of wrinkles and the age at which they start. Aging skin generally cannot produce proteins that keep it elastic as well as young skin can, and this cause wrinkles to form.
Wrinkle creams can be divided into two categories. The first category is wrinkle creams that are extensively lab tested to see if they produce positive results. Just because wrinkle creams are lab tested does not mean that they cannot be natural or contain herbal products. Other skin care products that claim to reduce wrinkles are not extensively lab tested and can sometimes be spotted by the outrageous marketing claims.
One good method of choosing a wrinkle cream is to rely on the experience of other women. Popular wrinkle creams are often popular for a reason. Also remember that quality is not necessarily dependent on price.
Even if using a product which makes reasonable marketing claims as to the timescale in which effects will be seen, it is important to remember that your skin may take longer to respond, especially if the product is not applied as often as recommended. Make sure to note the ingredients in the wrinkle creams you choose so you can get an idea of which ingredients, and not just which brands, produce positive effects on your skin.
Finally, try consulting a skin-care expert as he can possibly help you find the effects of wrinkle creams on your skin. There are innumerable web sites which give you valuable tips and suggestion on choosing the right anti-wrinkle product. Browse the Internet and get going.
Both Janet Martin & Geoff Hopkins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Janet Martin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Womens Health, Pregnancy Problems and Asthma. Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine