The earlier you start taking care of your skin, the better it is. This means incorporating anti-aging products into your skincare routine, keeping yourself adequately hydrated, eating the right food, and not staying directly under the sun without protection. It is never too early to start using an anti-wrinkle cream – because wrinkles start appearing as early as at the age of 20.

Anti-wrinkle creams are enriched with ingredients that act on the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They contain substances which act on the skin to reduce skin damage, improve elasticity, and increase collagen production. Various other benefits go into the cream, based on the ingredients infused in them. How to select an anti-wrinkle cream based on your skin’s needs:

1. Choose a cream with sunscreen for daily use
If you are using an anti-wrinkle cream during the day, go for one which has a sunscreen in it. Sunscreen is the best anti-aging defense. Sun damage can cause premature aging and wrinkles.

Choose a sunscreen based on the intensity of the sun. If you are going to swim, use a water-proof sunscreen. The sun protection factor (SPF) should be based on the weather and the intensity of the sun.

2. Use a specific night cream
Use different creams for the night. Opt for night repair creams or lotions and leave them on overnight.

3. Plumping eyes creams
One of the first signs of aging can be wrinkling of the skin under the eyes. The area around the eyes tends to look older first as it is very delicate and sensitive to stretching and sagging. Hence it matures faster than other parts of the face. It is very important to start taking care of the area under the eyes. There are various anti-wrinkle creams specially formulated for the area under the eyes. They also help to lessen the appearance of dark circles. Most eye creams are formulated as gels, serums or creams. Do not rub hard while applying the cream. Dab it gently on the skin. Use them during the day and night. Use sunglasses while going out in the sun, to prevent sun damage to the area around the eyes.

4. For specific skin types

• For extremely dry skin – Choose a thicker cream, balm or ointment. The products meant for dry skin contain oils and emollients that work better in solving problems with dry skin.
• For oily skin – This skin type is prone to oil buildup and clogging of pores. To avoid such problems use a serum in gel or liquid form.
• For combination skin – Lotions and serums work well for combination skin. For oily areas, use gels and for dry spots, go for creams.

5. Using an anti-wrinkle cream when applying makeup
Anti-wrinkle creams are moisturizers with anti-wrinkle substances added to it to enhance protection against aging. Use the cream as a base moisturizer before applying your foundation. Some foundations protect your skin against wrinkles and are infused with sunscreen. If these foundations suit your skin, opt for them or else first use your anti-wrinkle moisturizing cream and then apply your regular foundation.

Do not neglect your neck and hands. Use anti-wrinkle creams on them as well. Hands are an area where signs of aging show up first. Use the cream at night to protect the hands, and cover them with gloves overnight.