Anti-wrinkle creams contain humectants, which attract water to the skin, and moisturizing oils, which temporarily plump up the skin to make wrinkles less noticeable. Anti-wrinkle creams that contain sunscreen help to prevent wrinkles by reducing damage from the sun's UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a UVA and UVB sunscreen that is 15 SPF or above.

On the Other: Minimal to No Wrinkle Reduction

Antioxidants such as kinetin, Vitamins A, C, and E, and alpha hydroxy may minimally reduce wrinkles, though they don't contain enough of a dosage to make a noticeable difference. Higher dosages, contained in prescription anti-wrinkle creams, are required to produce minimal results. However, the only topical ingredient approved by the FDA to reduce wrinkles is tretinoin, the active ingredient in the prescription cream Renova. Still, results are limited.

Bottom Line

Anti-wrinkle creams improve the skin temporarily, and when they contain sunscreen, they protect the skin from future wrinkles. Nonprescription anti-wrinkle creams do not get rid of wrinkles, and prescription anti-wrinkle creams are only effective on fine lines.

Source:

American Academy of Dermatology - Sunscreen

FDA - Renova

Nursing Clinics of North America (Vol. 42, Issue 3, Pages 485-500; Aging Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention; Paula E. Bermann; September 2007