If you’ve ever tried an expensive anti-wrinkle cream, only to find it didn’t give you the results you hoped for, then you’re not alone. Millions of people try these products every day, only to find they they are no superior than their everyday moisturizers.

But does this mean all anti aging creams are a waste of money? Not at all. In fact, recent developments in skin care science mean there has never been a better time to find product that can legitimately reduce the sign of those fine lines and wrinkles. But the secret lies within the ingredients the product uses, and not the over-hyped marketing that many skin care companies take part in.

With this in mind, here are a few crucial ingredients to look out for (if you’re serious about finding something that works).

Retinol

This is the king of anti-aging skin care ingredients. It’s essentially a vitamin A compound that works to create new growth of collagen and elastin. Additionally, retinol is one of the few ingredients which has shown undeniable proof of efficacy in dozens of clinical studies. So if you want a powerful anti wrinkle cream, check the label to see if it contains this crucial ingredient.

Hyaluronic Acid

One of the most common reasons why fine lines and wrinkles develop is due to lack of hydration within the skin cells. Using a topical moisturizer is crucial, but it’s equally important to make sure your skin is hydrated from within. The first step is to make sure you’re drinking enough water each day, and the next step is to make sure your levels of hyaluronic acid are up to par. This ingredient can be absorbed through your skin, and it increases your natural ability to hold moisture inside the skin cell. This can give your skin a younger, plumper, firmer appearance – and it can also help to diminish the appearance of wrinkles.

Unfortunately, many people waste money on anti-wrinkle creams which don’t live up to the hype. But with a little research and insight, it’s possible to get excellent results with over-the-counter creams, just as long as you stick to products which use proven ingredients. In fact, the lifecell wrinkle cream formula contains both of these ingredients, so this is certainly a good option (but unfortunately, it isn’t cheap).

The tips in this article were provided by Rita Brooks, a natural health enthusiast who specializes in skin care advice. Be sure to check out her detailed reviews and natural health guides. You can find her blog at ritabrooks.com