Wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of aging. As a person grows older, skin collagen breaks down faster than his body can replenish it. However, a number of lotions and creams are available to address collagen deficiency, firming wrinkles for a more youthful look.
Types
Most topical wrinkle creams are retinoid-based, meaning they are derived from vitamin A, according to MayoClinic.com. Vitamin A wrinkle creams include tretinoin, retinol, and tazarotene. Ascorbic acid wrinkle lotions are derived from vitamin C. Until recently, topical vitamin C lotions were unstable and could not be absorbed by the skin. However, there are now several brands of stable vitamin C are on store shelves, including Cellex-C, Physician Elite and Avon's Anew Formula C according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Benefits
Most vitamin A and vitamin C creams promote healthy collagen growth. With increased collagen output, your skin becomes firmer and smoother. Tazarotene works slightly differently. This retinoid cream is primarily used for acne and psoriasis. However, tazarotene products are also useful for reducing wrinkles in some patients, according to the University of Utah Health Care Center. Tazarotene lotions cause skin cells to shed and regrow faster. With increased skin cell turnover, wrinkles, fine lines and blemishes improve. Both treatment regimens reduce wrinkles if used as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings
Sold under brands such as Retin-A, Avita, Renova and Differin, tretinoin wrinkle treatment lotions increases a person's sensitivity to UV radiation. Virtually all patients experience burning and redness with tretinoin lotions, but these symptoms go away after three months. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A, and it does not frequently produce burning or increased UV sensitivity. However, retinol does break down in UV light, rendering the lotion ineffective when exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Tazarotene commonly causes soreness and redness as skin cells are shed.
Considerations
Tretinoin should be paired with sunscreen to prevent increased skin irritation. If you do not use sunscreen, you will exacerbate the UV-related side effects of tretinoin treatment lotions. Tretinoin burning sensations can be managed with a supplemental corticosteroid cream such as hydrocortisone. Retinol should be paired with antioxidant creams, such as those containing vitamin E, to protect against UV degradation for more effective use. Tazarotene cream side effects can be reduced by starting with a low-dose tretinoin cream, then switching to tazarotene after the skin has acclimated.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid chemical-based lotions, there are natural wrinkle treatments available. Aloe, grape seed and ginger extracts are marketed as effective for wrinkle reduction. Natural extract products are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and they are safe for usage. However, their effectiveness has not been independently confirmed by research studies. While they will not harm your skin, natural extracts may not provide noticeable benefits for some users.
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