Wrinkle creams, unsurprisingly, are supposed to help improve the look of fine lines and minimize wrinkles. How can we tell if they actually do what they supposed to do? Has anyone tested any of their claims? Given that there are so many different skin types and the amount of time it takes for any cream to achieve the desired results tend to be longer, it is quite difficult to tell which cream does the job.

It is best, in this authors opinion, to visit a beauty salon, if you are serious about skin care. There are several products, and they all contain different active ingredients. Some of these ingredients have been proven to work, other are dodgy at best, and even then, not all products contain the same amount and combination of ingredients. A trained professional might be able to inform you best as to the effects of wrinkle cream, or other anti aging skin care products in general, on your skin type. It depends on which type of skin you have, your age, previous products you might have used.

The following are some of the most common active ingredients on the market today:

retinol: Vitamin A compound which is the most commonly used for years that have been proven to work. While it is less potent than most, due to its risks of increasing chance of birth defects, it should not be used during pregnancy or trying to get pregnant.

Hydroxy acids: These are exfoliants. They're a type of acid which remove the upper layer of old, dead skin, and which stimulate the growth of smooth, new skin. Because the upper layer of your skin gets removed, you must take care to wear sunscreen if you are going to be outdoors for long periods of time, because your skin will be exceptionally vulnerable during this period.

Coenzyme Q10: This co enzyme deals with energy production in cells. Using this ingredient will help with skin's self-repair. No known side effects however less potent.

Copper peptides: Copper residing in every human cell, combines with a protein peptide to help repair damaged skin.

Kinetin: It is known to help plants grow but besides that it is not clear how it works on human skin. It is believed that it stimulates the production of collagen by retaining skin moisture. This product is still relatively new.

Tea extracts: Safe old proven method that is being used for a very long time. No side effects have been reported.

Always use any product in moderation. Do not overload your skin with different products and ingredients.