Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid Fight Wrinkles

An article published the New York Times discussed three treatments that were shown to remove wrinkles. Two of these promising practices include the use of cosmeceutical ingredients hylauronic acid and retinol.

The article suggested in order to cure wrinkles, it is imperative to understand their cause. “The key is a growing understanding of the skin’s connective tissue, called the dermal collagen, and a recognition that damage to the mechanical properties of the collagen outside the skin cells, and not necessarily genetic damage to the cells themselves” wrote Nicholas Bakalar for NYT.

Retinol causes new collagen to form in aged and ultraviolet damaged skin. According to researchers, for anti-wrinkle creams with retinol to be effective they must contain concentrations of 0.2 to 0.6 percent of the moisture-retaining acid. Gary J. Fisher, professor of dermatology at the University of Michigan, warned creams containing those amounts of retinol can cause a rash. He advised if a rash occurs, stop using the product. Furthermore, the side effect can be avoided if the product is used gradually. Fisher stressed the importance of sunscreen, as retinol makes the skin sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Wrinkles can also be effectively fought by injecting a form of hyaluronic acid, similar to a substance the skin normally produces, into the skin under the wrinkles. The hyaluronic acid stimulates the production of collagen and within a month results can be seen. Dr. Fisher noted this type of hyaluronic acid should not be confused with the ingredient found in some cosmetics. Using these cosmetics will not produce collagen or combat wrinkles.

Source: New York Times, Wrinkle Removers, Backed by Science