6 Wrinkle-Fighting Treatments, Ranked in Order of Effectiveness

When it comes to fighting wrinkles, there are a dizzying number of procedures and products that claim to turn back the clock—and many of them carry costly price tags. But what really works? We asked two leading dermatologists to rank the treatments that will truly lead you to line-free skin and are worth your hard-earned dollars. Here’s the lowdown.   


Sunscreen
You may be surprised to see this unsexy workhorse at the top of the list, but simply wearing sunscreen all year round will both help prevent wrinkles and heal fine lines by protecting and allowing your skin to naturally repair itself, says Doris Day, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center. However, your results will only be as good as the formula you choose: Make sure it’s an SPF of 30 or more for adequate protection, and apply it every morning to your face and neck—or else it doesn’t count! EltaMD Clear UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($32, dermstore.com) is one of our favorites.              

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin

Known as neuromodulators, these three popular injectables help block muscular nerve signals. The blockage weakens and prevents the muscle from contracting, which results in a relaxation of wrinkles into smooth skin. “Botox is still the leading minimally invasive procedure for wrinkles,” says David E. Bank, M.D., dermatologist in Mount Kisco, New York. Results typically last between three to four months before another session is needed. According to RealSelf.com, the average cost of Botox across the U.S. is about $525 per session—though this can vary depending on location and the amount of skin treated.