User Post: This Beauty Guru Needs Suggestions

Next Monday I will be 29. I know in the grand scheme of things, that isn't old. I also know that in reality, I probably don't look that old. In my head, however, I feel old and therefore am on a quest to rejuvenate my 29 year old skin. I look at the fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes and grimace, thus probably worsening them. I have smile lines that like to hang around when there is no smile anywhere in sight. Overall, I'm starting to lose that youthful glow and plumpness my skin once had.
I have been reading a lot about creams with retinols and want to try one out, but I don't know which one. My question is this.... Have any of you had any good or great success with any such anti-aging creams? What works? What doesn't? Would I be better off just sucking it up and getting a prescription for a stronger cream? Thanks for any input!