Although it is natural for your skin to wrinkle as you age, environmental and lifestyle factors can play a key role, too. Medical News Today notes that damage caused by the sun and habitual facial expressions are two of the main reasons for premature wrinkling. Many anti-wrinkle and skin firming lotions are available to help you with your bothersome wrinkles, but some are more effective than others.
Effectiveness
Anti-wrinkle and anti-aging creams made by cosmetics companies and sold in department and drugstores are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, the Mayo Clinic website reports. These products are not put through the FDA's testing processes and therefore the cosmetics companies do not need to backup their claims of effectiveness with evidence. The Mayo Clinic dismisses these products as unlikely to have any effect on wrinkles.
Promising
The University of Maryland offers some contradictory evidence to that reported by the Mayo Clinic. The university notes that studies on mice show topical application of vitamin E creams can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkle depth, and decrease skin roughness. Another study noted by the university showed the application of lotion containing the hormone estrogen to offer promising anti-wrinkle effects. However, the lotion was shown to be ineffective on skin exposed to the sun regularly.
Topical Retinoids
The main proven skin firming cream for wrinkles are topical retinoids like Tretinoin, sold as Retin-A, notes the Mayo Clinic. Applied daily for several months, Retin-A can reduce the appearance of fine and deep wrinkles. It does this by increasing the production of collagen within the skin, which then helps in the production of new skin cells. The University of Maryland also recognizes Retin-A as an anti-wrinkle treatment and recommends application before bed.
Considerations
According to the University of Maryland, topical retinoids can cause scaling, redness, itching and burning for the first few days of use; this reaction can last up to six months. Retin-A increases photo sensitivity and so it is vitally important to wear sunblock daily to prevent sun damage and photo aging. The Mayo Clinic website notes that over-the-counter cosmetic skin care products are useful to help mask the appearance of wrinkles and prevent skin dryness, which could lead to wrinkles.
Alternatives
If your skin does not respond to topical retinoid treatment or if your wrinkling is at a more advanced stage, you could opt for other non-invasive wrinkle treatments like Botox injections. Westside Aesthetics notes that Botox is an effective treatment for frown and forehead lines, as well as crow's feet and vertical lines around the lips. It works by paralyzing the muscles in the wrinkles, which relaxes the skin and dissolves the lines.
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