Age plays the most significant role in the development of wrinkles. With each passing year, skin thins and loses its elasticity. The fat, collagen and elastin that provide fullness to the skin diminish with age. Even the production of oil diminishes, resulting in drier skin. Over time, all of these factors lead to a more wrinkled appearance to the skin. However, there are creams that can help slow the progression of wrinkling. Those that are dermatological typically contain a derivative of vitamin A.
Tretinoin
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends retinoic acid, or trans-retinoic acid, to treat wrinkles. More commonly known as tretinoin, this topical prescription is actually an acne cream. However, the medication also stimulates the production of collagen within the dermis, which is the layer just under the surface of the skin. As collagen levels increase, the skin begins to appear plumper or fuller than before, decreasing the depth of wrinkles and leading to a more youthful appearance. It’s sold under a variety of different brand names, including Retin-A, Renova and Tretin-X.
Tazarotene
Another dermatological cream showing promise in reducing wrinkles is tazarotene, notes the Mayo Clinic. Much like tretinoin, tazarotene is predominantly used in the treatment of acne. It’s also used to reduce discoloration due to psoriasis. But a study conducted in 2001 by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical Center demonstrated that this topical prescription has a similar effect on the skin as tretinoin. After 24 weeks of use, 67 percent of participants saw an improvement in fine wrinkles with a 0.1 percent concentration of tazarotene. Even lower concentrations provided results with 55 percent of patients seeing an improvement with a 0.05 percent solution.
Adapalene
Adapalene is another promising dermatological cream for wrinkles. Similar to both tretinoin and tazarotene, adapalene is a derivative of vitamin A used in the treatment of acne. Due to its derivation, adapalene may also help to stimulate the production of collagen within the dermal layer of the skin, which diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A study conducted by the University of Michigan School of Medicine in 2003 found an improvement in wrinkles after a photo-comparison was made of the participants. The creams used in the study contained 0.1 percent and 0.3 percent concentrations of adapalene. Both creams appeared to benefit patients.
Isotretinoin
Creams containing the active ingredient of isotretinoin can also help to improve the appearance of wrinkles. Isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A that doesn’t irritate the skin as much as its counterpart, tretinoin. The Department of Clinical Research at Roche International Clinical Research Center in New Jersey conducted a study on isotretinoin’s effect on photodamaged skin. Participants saw an improvement in fine wrinkling after 36 weeks of topical application of isotretinoin.
