4 Skin Products That Work

Find the right cream for you!

By Valerie Latona

Until recently, Retin-A and Renova were the only products that could claim to increase the collagen underlying facial skin, firming the skin and giving it a more youthful appearance. But now, new nonprescription anti-wrinkle creams and lotions are able to stimulate the enzymes and cells that produce collagen, helping to improve the look of the skin dramatically. "Scientists have been trying to figure out how to promote the growth of collagen for more than 10 years," says Lydia Evans, M.D., a dermatologist in Chappaqua, N.Y. "We're just now starting to see all this research pan out." The skin-care company Pond's is taking it a step further: Its new Dramatic Results Anti-Wrinkle Cream ($14; at drugstores) comes with Proof Strips, which allow you to take an imprint of your skin before using the cream -- and then again at four-week intervals so you can track the decrease in wrinkles yourself.

To help smooth wrinkles and slow down the aging of your skin, try:

L'Oreal Visible Results Skin Renewing Oil-Free Moisture Treatment ($19; at drugstores) with SPF 15 and a sea-based patented compound called Activa-Cell.
The proof it works: Manufacturer studies show that Activa-Cell results in smoother, softer skin after just eight days.

Helena Rubinstein Prodigy ($125; 877-447-7646), which contains ceramides to relieve dryness and vitamins B5, C and E to smooth skin and increase elasticity.
The proof it works: Manufacturer studies report that, after four weeks of daily use, 59 percent of women showed diminished wrinkles.

Decléor Vitaroma Lift Total ($78; sephora.com) with botanical extracts to help the skin shed dead cells (resulting in more radiant skin).
The proof it works: In manufacturer studies, 45 percent of women noticed an overall improvement of wrinkles after 28 days.

Biotherm Source Therapie ($35; 888-BIOTHERM) contains extracts of a mineral-rich sea plant. (It's meant to be applied under other anti-aging products to help correct imbalanced skin.)
The proof it works: Out of 1,200 women studied during manufacturer research, 88 percent reported smoother skin after just five days.