The best anti-ageing creams for a younger-looking complexion if you're feeling self-conscious about your fine lines and wrinkles
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Anti-ageing creams are one of those hero skincare products that many women want in their skincare routines. Before we go any further, let’s get one thing straight: wrinkles, age spots and fine lines are the natural result of getting older – and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them. That said, if you do feel little self-conscious, the best anti ageing creams – or rather, “youth-boosting creams” – promise improved skin texture, a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet, and a general firmer visage.
From L’Oreal’s Revitalift to products by Kiehl’s and Elizabeth Arden, there are countless anti-wrinkle creams on the market. Each packed with good-for-skin ingredients like ceramides, amino acids and vitamin E. So how do you know where to start? Here, we reveal the best anti ageing creams, tried and tested by team GLAMOUR.
Best Cyber Monday anti ageing cream deals:
- Zelens 3T Complex Anti-Ageing Cream 50ml, WAS £90 NOW £27, LookFantastic
- Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream, WAS £81 NOW £64.80, John Lewis
- L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Ageing + Firming Pro Retinol Day Cream, WAS £12.99 NOW £8.66, Boots
- ESPA Tri-Active Lift and Firm Moisturiser, WAS £47 NOW £37.50, John Lewis
Which anti ageing cream is best? Quick links:
- Best budget anti wrinkle cream UK: Olay Regenerist 3 Point Firming Anti-Ageing Cream Moisturiser 50ml, £31.49, Superdrug
- Best anti ageing cream for firming: Super Anti-Ageing Face Cream, £225, Dr. Barbara Sturm
- Best night anti ageing cream: Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Crème 50ml, £77, Boots
- Best anti aging cream for 30s UK: Elemis Pro-Collagen Morning Matrix 50ml, £125, LookFantastic
- Best natural anti ageing cream: Zelens 3T Complex Anti-Ageing Cream 50ml, £90, LookFantastic
Does anti ageing cream work?
Yes, but there are a few things to look for to ensure efficacy. One of the key ingredients to note in your anti-aging cream is hyaluronic acid: critical in maintaining skin hydration with the ability to stimulate collagen production. Hyaluronic acid is one of the active ingredients present in the much-loved Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-aging face cream. At £225, it isn’t the most affordable, but it delivers immediate and long-term, powerful anti-ageing results and helps to target visible signs of ageing by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Another ingredient to look out for? Antioxidants. Not only do they help with brightening, reducing any dark spots and pigmentation induced by sun exposure, but they protect your skin from the elements and pollution – which can speed up the ageing process.
Lastly? SPF. Every dermatologist around will tell you of the importance of UVA protection in your lotions and potions. Of the below bestsellers, many contain SPF30 (the minimum recommended rating), but if they don't, it's best to use a separate SPF for face over the top.
As for ingredients to avoid, there's a strong case for steering clear of retinol, retinoids and AHAs. They can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
What age should you start using anti-wrinkle cream?
Forget what you thought you knew: no matter how old you are, it's never too early to start thinking about using an anti-ageing day cream. Packed full of hero ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin A and vitamin C, anti-ageing skincare works to improve elasticity and plump the complexion. And with our skin frequently exposed to UV rays, pollution, and the blue light from your screens and devices, the ageing process can be accelerated – so it’s no bad thing to be proactive. Obviously, you’ll already be using an SPF daily to target any potential sun damage, so why wouldn’t you add a moisturiser that’s specifically designed to treat ageing skin into your routine too?
After more skincare content? Shop the best moisturiser for dry skin**, best moisturiser for combination skin and best moisturiser for oily skin**. Elsewhere, find the best eye cream for reducing dark circles, the best cleansers**, face masks for pampering and vitamin C serums for face**.