Soft tissue fillers are typically injectable substances administered by dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, which can produce a more youthful appearance to the skin. They may carry a hefty price tag, and even dissipate over time, but fillers can often reduce the signs of aging for upwards of six months. Since this type of procedure doesn't fit everyone's pocketbook, people are now turning to skin creams containing these substances, any many may question their efficacy.
Soluble Collagen
Soluble collagen is one of the main fillers found in many "anti-aging" or "anti-wrinkle" creams. It is said to plump and smooth the skin much like the collagen produced within the body. However, the problem with this claim is that collagen is molecularly large in nature, which makes it difficult to be absorbed into the skin. Even split into smaller pieces, collagen has a difficult time making its way past the epidermis. This doesn't mean topical collagen can't benefit the skin, since it works well as a moisturizer, but it doesn't necessarily do anything to improve wrinkles. A topical cream would need to stimulate the production of collagen under the skin to reduce the signs of aging. To effectively treat wrinkles, collagen would need to be injected directly under the skin, as indicated by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is another filler that is seen in "anti-aging" or "anti-wrinkle" creams. And much like collagen, it's said to plump and smooth the skin. But it too has a difficult time migrating through the epidermal barrier of the skin due to its fairly large molecular size. The only real benefit of using a skin cream containing hyaluronic acid is its ability to hydrate the skin, which may improve the plumpness of the face but won't fill in lines and wrinkles. It would need to be injected under the skin to provide someone with a more youthful appearance.
Copper Peptides
Though not truly a filler, copper peptides have shown signs of stimulating the production of collagen within the dermis, according to the Mayo Clinic. With the new production of collagen, the substance essentially serves to fill in fine lines and wrinkles of the face, which can improve the appearance of the skin. Copper peptides are found in many "anti-aging" or "anti-wrinkle" creams on the market today.
Kinetin
Much like copper peptides, kinetin can also stimulate the production of collagen, and thereby fill in lines and wrinkles on the face, suggests the Mayo Clinic. However, it is not actually considered a filler, though it serves the same purpose. Used daily, it can improve the appearance of the skin.
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