Q: Which antioxidants treat wrinkles?
A: The efficacy of antioxidants currently lacks controlled clinical studies in humans. Most antioxidants are scavengers of oxidative stress, which means they prevent wrinkles but not treat wrinkles. This include the most potent antioxidants, such as idebenone, CoffeeBerry® and resveratrol. Often, the ability of most skin care products to improve wrinkles is due to swelling caused by irritation or hydrating effects.
The ingredients that are proved to actually treat wrinkles are retinoids and vitamin C but the mechanism for them to treat wrinkles are not through antioxidation. Retinoids regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Vitamin C increases collagen production. Sometimes, a product highlights some exotic ingredients while including retinol or vitamin C to provide the real results.
Niacinamide, often included in Olay products, is another antioxidant that is reported to improve the texture and tone of the skin, and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. But it seems the studies are only reported by P & G, which owns Olay.
In conclusion, antioxidants are aimed for prevention. The most important elements in anti-aging are: prevention, prevention, prevention.