Expert Answers to Your Fine Line Questions

By Ayren Jackson-Cannady
WebMD Magazine - Feature

Looking for new products to fight those pesky fine lines on your face? Our two experts -- both dermatologists -- told us about the night creams, day creams, cleansers, and even supplements they like the best.

Rachel Herschenfeld, MD's Top Picks

(Dermatologist, Dermatology Partners Inc., Wellesley Hills, Mass.)

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($21.99) "You can't really stop skin aging, but you can slow some changes, prevent others, and partially reverse the rest. Retinoids are one of the most effective ingredients. Retinol -- the over-the-counter version -- can stimulate collagen formation and help even out skin tone."

Aqua Glycolic Face Cream ($24.95) "In addition to stimulating collagen for a plumping effect, glycolic acid exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing smoother skin that radiates by reflecting light more evenly. Apply at night, since the ingredients can make you more sensitive to the sun. (Don't use with the RoC retinol product.)"

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cream ($40) "If you see fine lines and acne, look for a product that contains both glycolic acid or AHA and salicylic acid or BHA. Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and reduce acne and blackheads. Use every other night as a p.m. moisturizer. (Don't use this product with the retinol or glycolic products mentioned.)"

Heliocare Daily Use Antioxidant Formula ($30.99) "You need to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily, year-round. You could also try taking an OTC pill infused with an extract from the antioxidant-packed fern plant Polypodium leucotomos. Some studies show it may increase the skin's resistance to sunburn."

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal,MD's Top Picks

(Clinical instructor in dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, and CEO, Elite MD, Danville, Calif.)

Olay Complete Daily Defense All Day Moisturizer ($14.99) "Sunscreen is your first line of defense to prevent skin aging. Physical blockers like this, made with micronized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, provide UVA and UVB protection without causing sensitivity. Physical blockers sit on top of skin to reflect UV rays (while ingredients in chemical blockers penetrate the skin instead)."

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Filler ($21.99) "Vitamin A creams [OTC retinol and prescription-strength Retin-A] prevent fine lines, exfoliate to speed up cell renewal, and lighten brown spots. Start slowly -- use just once or twice a week -- because the superstar ingredient can cause peeling if your skin isn't used to it. Apply at night."

Replenix Cream ($67) "As the skin ages, it becomes drier and more easily irritated. A moisturizer infused with a free-radical-fighting antioxidant like green tea boosts hydration and improves overall skin health. Apply it over your sunscreen daily or a few times a week."

Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub ($5.99) "The older you get, the slower cell turnover becomes, causing skin cell buildup and a dull complexion. Remove the top layer of skin twice a week with a beaded exfoliating wash -- just apply to your fingertips and gently rub in a circular motion over damp skin -- to help remove these dead cells and stimulate new cell growth."

The opinions expressed in this section are of the experts and are not the opinions of WebMD. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

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