Cost-wise skincare: smooth the lines

Discover the best skincare creams for smoothing lines

 

What causes wrinkles?

Mainly, it's loss of collagen. ‘Collagen and elastin diminish with age. As a result, wrinkles creep in,' says Dr Obagi. ‘Muscle movement also contributes to ageing, and creases begin to show as lines.'

 

What to do

Vitamin C is a known collagen-booster, and peptides - such as hexapeptides and pentapeptides - also boost collagen. ‘They work by convincing the skin that it has damaged collagen, encouraging it to produce more,' says Tom Mammone, director of biological research and development at Clinique. Other peptides work by relaxing the muscles that cause expression lines.

 

What to try

Estée Lauder Future Perfect Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Creme SPF15, £40 (0870 034 2566), reduces wrinkles with ‘cell vector' technology - a delivery system for boosting collagen.

 

Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, £22.50, (available nationwide) is a bestseller containing cell-regenerating pentapeptides.

 

Le Vin Face Cream, £77 (harveynichols.com), contains active ingredients including GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), the body's own natural muscle relaxant. The organic formula is packed with anti-oxidants, too.

 

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Day Cream, £18.50 (boots.com), contains pro-retinol complex with lipo-peptides and white lupin to target UV damage. It also offers a sun protection of SPF15.

 

Garnier UltraLift Deep Wrinkle A, £9.99, (available nationwide) contains the active ingredient retinyl palmitate, a non-irritating form of the anti-oxidant vitamin A, as well as ginger, which is renowned for its muscle-relaxing properties. Apply it to lines only and follow with a moisturiser such as Garnier UltraLift Day Cream, £7.99.

 

Find the perfect cream for you to:

Even out your skin tone

Firm up your skin

Brighten your complexion

 

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