Buying guide for best wrinkle fillers
No matter how well you care for your skin, fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable as you age. While there are cosmetic procedures and injections that can help minimize their appearance, many people aren’t comfortable going under the knife or injecting dermal fillers into the skin – and seeing a plastic surgeon to address the problem can be extremely expensive, too.
Fortunately, there are a variety of over-the-counter wrinkle fillers that can help smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles without a scalpel or needle in sight. But there are quite a few wrinkle fillers to choose from, so shopping can be a serious headache. You have to decide if you want a temporary or long-term product and determine the ingredients that are best for your skin.
That’s why we’ve created this guide, which is chock-full of tips to help you narrow down your options and find the right wrinkle filler for you.
Key considerations
Temporary vs. long-term results
The majority of wrinkle fillers are designed to provide instant results. Once you pat the product over the wrinkled areas of your face, it helps to tighten the skin and smooth out texture as it dries. In most cases, you’ll see results within five to 30 minutes.
When the wrinkle filler has dried, you can apply the rest of your skin care products and makeup to complete your look. However, once you wash your face at the end of the day, your fine lines and wrinkles are pronounced again. Temporary wrinkle fillers are ideal for occasions when you need immediate results, such as an evening out or a special party where you’ll be taking plenty of photos.
However, there are some wrinkle fillers that also have long-term results. They contain ingredients that help stimulate collagen production or exfoliate the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. You can even find some formulas that are designed to prevent future signs of aging as well.
If you’re only looking for a wrinkle filler that you’ll use occasionally, nearly any formula will do. If you want a product that will also have long-term benefits, read the product description carefully to make sure that the filler is meant to have more lasting results.
Ingredients
When you’re shopping for a wrinkle filler, it’s important to consider the ingredients it contains to make sure that it will agree with your skin. Some common wrinkle filler ingredients include:
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Silicone is an extremely common ingredient in wrinkle fillers and a variety of other face products. It glides over the skin to fill in pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. Silicone also serves as an ideal base for makeup. However, it can clog and irritate the skin, so some people prefer to avoid silicone-based wrinkle fillers.
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Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule that’s found in our skin. It’s a moisture-binding ingredient, so it attracts moisture, which helps plump up the skin to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
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Peptides are amino acid chains that form proteins in the skin. In a wrinkle filler or other face product, peptides can help stimulate collagen production to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
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Retinol is derived from vitamin A, which can help stimulate the growth of new skin cells to soften fine lines and wrinkles.
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Vitamin C is an antioxidant that assists in fighting free radical damage and stimulates collagen production to diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
- Stem cells function a lot like antioxidants by helping to stimulate collagen production and prevent free radical damage.
Features
Drying time
Nearly all wrinkle fillers require a certain amount of drying time before you apply your moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup, and other face products. If you’re primarily using your wrinkle filler for instant results, it’s especially important to consider how long it takes for the filler to take effect.
Some products require only five to 10 minutes to dry, while others need as many as 20 minutes. If you don’t wait long enough for the product to dry, the filling effect may be disrupted and any product that you put over it can ball up. Because you’ll have to delay the rest of your routine until the wrinkle filler dries, it’s best to choose a product with as short a drying time as possible.
Color
The majority of wrinkle fillers dry to a clear finish on the skin so you can apply your usual foundation, concealer, and powder without altering their color. However, some wrinkle-filling products are tinted because they are a filler and base product in one.
If you prefer a quick, easy routine, a tinted wrinkle filler is an ideal option because you can fill in fine lines and wrinkles and even out your skin tone in one step. You also don’t have to wait for the wrinkle filler to dry before applying your foundation.
SPF
If you want to prevent future fine lines and wrinkles, using sunscreen daily is an essential step in your skincare routine. You can give your usual sunscreen a little boost or knock out two steps in one by choosing a wrinkle filler that contains an SPF.
It’s generally recommended that you use an SPF of at least 30, so if you’re not using another sunscreen, choose a wrinkle filler with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Scent
Usually any scent will wear off once the wrinkle filler dries. However, if you have sensitive skin, a filler with artificial fragrance may irritate your skin. Unscented wrinkle fillers are the safest bet if you want to avoid a reaction.
Price
Wrinkle fillers vary in price based on the type of results you can expect, the ingredients, and the size of the container. However, most fillers range from $14 to $98.
The most affordable type of wrinkle filler is usually a silicone-based formula that fills in fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and other texture instantly. These wrinkle fillers generally cost between $14 and $25 but only produce temporary results because the product sits on top of the skin and is washed away at the end of the day.
Wrinkle fillers that fill in fine lines, wrinkles, and pores instantly and can slightly soften existing wrinkles permanently are more expensive, ranging from $25 to $50. While these products can be effective, they may not work as well on deeper lines.
The most expensive wrinkle fillers are products that can fill in fine lines, wrinkles, and pores instantly, soften the appearance of existing lines permanently, and prevent future wrinkles and lines. They usually cost between $50 and $98 and contain powerhouse anti-aging ingredients like retinol and vitamin C.
Tips
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Always apply a wrinkle filler on clean, dry skin. Having other products on your face first may prevent the filler from working properly.
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Because it can take some time for a wrinkle filler to set, it should be the first step in your morning routine after washing your face.
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When you apply moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation, or any other face product over a wrinkle filler, pat the product over your skin carefully to avoid disturbing the filler too much.
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It’s best to pair a wrinkle filler with a lightweight, hydrating foundation that has a luminous finish. Matte foundations draw attention to texture on the skin, which may spoil the effect of the filler.
FAQ
Q. How should I apply a wrinkle filler?
A. You should always read the instructions included with a wrinkle filler to determine the best method for applying that particular formula. In general, though, it’s best to use a tapping motion rather than a spreading motion when applying a filler to the lines and wrinkles on your face. Tapping helps the product fill in the texture and keeps it concentrated in the areas where you really need it.
Q. Can I use a wrinkle filler as a foundation primer?
A. Most wrinkle fillers are meant to be applied to bare skin, so you can use whatever face products you like over the filler, including foundation. However, some wrinkle fillers serve as a better base for foundation than others. In most cases, a wrinkle filler that’s silicone-based is the best under foundation.
Q. Are wrinkle fillers appropriate for all skin types?
A. Dry, dehydrated skin tends to show the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles more than oily skin. That’s why wrinkle fillers often contain hydrating or moisturizing ingredients that can help plump up the skin and smooth out texture. If your skin is oily but you also have fine lines and wrinkles, a silicone-based filler is usually your best bet so as not to clog your pores with heavy moisturizing ingredients.
