But do they work? Some do and some don't. How can you tell which product works best for your particular skin? The 'trial-and-error' approach is tried by many, with spotty results. An incautious consumer can be left with both an empty wallet and those same, unsmoothed, crow's-feet leering in the mirror.

No single solution can be offered, because we are all different. The best product is the one which works for you. Inspect the cream's listed ingredients. Do you have tender, easily irritated skin? Feel the product; is it greasy or unpleasant, or 'just right'? A product that feels uncomfortable will likely not be used for long. No skin cream can produce results if it is not used.

What about our fragile green planet? Some companies make more of an effort in this area than do others. Are you careful to recycle and use recycled products? Then look for a skin care company that shares your values. With a little effort you can leave a greener earth for the next generation to inherit.

Price is always a concern for most consumers. Sending for free samples can be an effective way to evaluate multiple products without breaking the bank. Once you find a product that you like, look for store brands with similar ingredients, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. Look for coupons in magazines to save money on brand-name products.

To find out whether the product is working for you, take 'before' and 'after' photos. Use similar lighting in all the photos; it is very hard to compare a picture taken in bright sunlight with one taken indoors. If you take a photo once a week, you can easily monitor your progress.

You can delve into this topic with as much diligence as your time permits, because there are scholarly journals in the field of dermatology which evaluate the effectiveness of various wrinkle preparations. Don't just read about the research on the back of the label, read the research. The Internet is a great way to find useful information. One caution: much dermatology research, both by the manufacturer and by academic researchers, employs animal test subjects. If you don't think that's fair to our furry friends, look for a skin care company that shares your concerns.

You can easily make an appointment to talk to a well-informed expert in the field of skin care: your dermatologist. A doctor is an independent, objective source of information about what works best. Tap into your doctor's knowledge to find the best solution for you.