Retinoid, Vitamin C, Peptides & Red Light Therapy for Wrinkles
There are at least four scientifically validated way sof reducing wrinkles, including Retinoids, Vitamin C, Peptides, and red light therapy. Let’s look at the science of reducing wrinkles to see how they compare.
Red light therapy for wrinkles does as well or even better than Vistmin C, retinoids, and peptides. Learn how each of these therapies compares based on 12 published studies.
The Science of Red Light Therapy for Wrinkles
The science of wrinkle reduction does not just help our skin. It also saves us money. I would rather spend my money on methods that work. Science tells us which methods work to reduce and reverse wrinkled skin.
(This is an overview of the red light therapy wrinkle reduction science. For a nitty gritty deep dive into how it works, see the bottom half of this article: How Effective is Red Light Therapy for Wrinkles?)
Science Targets Elastin and Collagen
For example, research has shown that collagen and elastin play crucial roles in wrinkle formation.
Collagen and elastin are proteins. We make less of them as we age. Collagen creates the structure of the skin. Elastin is responsible for elasticity. Without collagen, we wrinkle. Without elastin, we sag.
Scientific understanding of collagen and elastin gives us the wrinkle fighters such as retinoids, peptides, and growth factors.
Wrinkle Fighting, According to Science
Understanding the science of wrinkle formation and reversal helps us make informed choices about skincare.
The sheer number of products and treatments is overwhelming. Which methods reverse wrinkles and which ones don’t? Which are safe and which are dangerous?
With a little knowledge, we can choose products and treatments that are evidence-based and backed by science.
Knowing what causes wrinkles is a huge part of preventing and eliminating them. Aging, sun exposure, stress, and toxin exposure cause the lines and folds in our skin. Even our facial expression and nutrition contribute to the size of our wrinkles, and our success in eliminating them.
The Aspects of Aging that Cause Wrinkles
As our skin ages, it becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. These actions make the skin more likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles. Our bodies produce less elastin and collagen; our dead skin cells accumulate; we get drier, produce less oil, and accumulate the insults of pollution. All of these show up in our faces as folds and lines.
Collagen and Elastin Loss with Age
Collagen and elastin are two proteins that give the skin its structure and elasticity. As we age, the production of these proteins slows down, leading to a loss of skin firmness and elasticity, and causing wrinkles to appear.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, and it provides structural support to our skin, bones, and connective tissues. As we age, the production of collagen slows down, leading to a decrease in skin thickness and elasticity. This makes the skin more prone to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.
Loss of collagen is one of the factors that cause the skin to get thinner with age, as well. It loses its structure as the skin fails to replace collagen fibers.
Reduced Skin Cell Turnover with Age
Dead skin cells accumulate on the skin as we age. They contribute to the fine lines around the eyes, nose, and corners of the mouth.
When we’re young, old cells die and new ones quickly take their place. As we age, this cell turnover slows down.
Because we depend on cell turnover for collagen synthesis, our skin loses the structure that collagen provides. Collagen proteins support our skin when we’re young, and we don’t make enough of it as we age.
Increased Dehydration with Age
Aging skin is more prone to dehydration, which can cause the skin to become dry and wrinkled. Dehydration can contribute to the development of wrinkles in several ways.
Dehydration, as the name suggests, causes dryness. Dryness leads to a rough texture, which makes wrinkles more noticeable. Dehydration causes the skin to lose its youthful plumpness and elasticity.
The first danger of dehydration is its threat to the skin barrier. Without protection, the skin is more vulnerable to ultraviolet light from the sun, and pollution. Some of that damage turns into wrinkles.
Plus, dehydrated skin produces less hyaluronic acid. The acid depletion causes a loss of firmness, causing sagging and wrinkles.
Finally, dehydration can also affect the skin’s ability to regenerate and repair itself. When the skin is hydrated, it can more effectively repair damage to its collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen and elastin production is key to fighting wrinkles.
Reduced Skin Oil Production
While a teenager will tell you that oil is evil, inadequate oil is harmful, too. The skin produces less oil as we age, leading to dryness and the development of wrinkles. Reduced skin oil production can contribute to the development of wrinkles in several ways.
The skin’s natural oils contribute to its ability to maintain moisture. Moisture is key to the soft, supple skin that laughs at the idea of wrinkles.
Skin without natural oils becomes dry, forms lines, and produces folds that become wrinkles.
Natural skin oil is also vital to the skin barrier that protects the skin from ultraviolet and pollution. Dry skin is more easily damaged and damaged skin gets wrinkled.
Accumulation of Environmental Damage
Loss of collagen production is just one of the reasons that skin thins with age. UV exposure, poor diet, and toxin exposure cause the skin to thin as well.
My grandmother had amazing skin in her old age because she protected her skin from the sun. Ultraviolet rays accelerate the rate at which the skin wrinkles. It damages both collagen and elastin fibers that give structure to the skin.
Poor nutrition also thins the skin with age. Simple vitamins and minerals are essential to healthy skin.
Smoking is a major cause of wrinkles around the mouth because cigarettes poison that area.
Even facial expressions cause lines and wrinkles with time.
The Science of Photobiomodulation Wrinkle Reversal
Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as red light therapy and low-level light therapy (LLLT), is the low-energy delivery of visible and infrared light to stimulate healthy effects.
One of the most studied aspects of photobiomodulation is the use of red and infrared light to reduce wrinkles.
PBM reduces wrinkles by replacing them with collagen and elastin. The effects are easily reproduced using the right wavelengths, for the right amount of time. PBM increases overall skin health, creating a plumper texture, a smoother feel, and reduces lines and wrinkles.
Photobiomodulation Reduces Wrinkles in 2014 Controlled Study
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy in 2014 evaluated the effectiveness of red light phototherapy in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The study involved 136 participants who received either red light phototherapy or a placebo treatment twice weekly for 30 days. The researchers found that the group receiving red light phototherapy showed significant improvement in the appearance of wrinkles compared to the placebo group.
Photobiomodulation Reduces Wrinkles, Improves Texture and Tone
A study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology in 2015 evaluated the effectiveness of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The study involved 30 participants who received LLLT treatment twice weekly for 12 weeks. The researchers found that the LLLT treatment was effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving overall skin texture and tone.
Meta-Analysis of 600 Subjects Shows Photobiomodulation Improves Skin Health
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2019 evaluated the effectiveness of photobiomodulation in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The analysis included 14 studies involving over 600 participants. The researchers found that photobiomodulation was effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving overall skin health, particularly when used in conjunction with other skin rejuvenation treatments.
The Science of Retinoid Wrinkle Reversal
Retinoids are a class of vitamin A derivatives that have been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture. Retinoids stimulate collagen production and increase cell turnover. They are available in prescription and over-the-counter products.
Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of retinoids in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving overall skin health. However, it is important to note that retinoids can cause skin irritation and sensitivity, and should be used under the guidance of a dermatologist or skincare professional.
Retinoids Reduce Eye Wrinkles in 2016 Study
A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2016 found that tretinoin, a type of retinoid, was effective in reducing the appearance of fine wrinkles in the periorbital area (around the eyes). The study involved 30 participants who applied tretinoin cream to one eye and a placebo cream to the other eye for 12 weeks. The researchers found that the eye treated with tretinoin showed significant improvement in the appearance of fine wrinkles compared to the placebo-treated eye.
Retinoids Reduce Lines and Wrinkles in 2018 Study
A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in 2018 evaluated the efficacy of a cosmetic product containing retinol, a type of over-the-counter retinoid, in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The study involved 30 participants who applied the retinol product to their faces twice daily for 8 weeks. The researchers found that the retinol product was effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving overall skin texture and tone.
22 Studies Show Retinoids Conquer Wrinkles and Sun Damage
A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2013 evaluated the effectiveness of topical retinoids in treating photoaging (skin aging caused by sun exposure). The analysis included 22 studies involving over 1,200 participants. The researchers found that topical retinoids were effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving skin texture and tone, in both younger and older adults with photo-aged skin.
The Science of Vitamin C Wrinkle Reversal
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from free radical damage and stimulate collagen production. It can also help brighten the skin and improve skin texture. Vitamin C can be found in a variety of topical products, including serums, moisturizers, and masks.
Vitamin C Reduces Middle-Age and Older Adult Wrinkles
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2017 found that topical application of vitamin C was effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in middle-aged and older adults. The study involved 60 participants who applied a vitamin C serum to their faces twice daily for 12 weeks. The researchers found that the vitamin C serum significantly improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles compared to a placebo serum.
Vitamin C Fights Wrinkles, Supports Texture in 50 Adults
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2019 evaluated the effectiveness of a cosmetic product containing vitamin C and other antioxidants in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The study involved 50 participants who applied the product to their faces twice daily for 8 weeks. The researchers found that the product was effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving overall skin tone and texture.
900 Subjects Across 10 Studies saw Vitamin C Wrinkle Reduction
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2018 evaluated the effectiveness of topical vitamin C in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The analysis included 10 studies involving over 900 participants. The researchers found that topical vitamin C was effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving overall skin texture and tone.
The Science of Peptide Wrinkle Reversal
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. They can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides can be found in a variety of topical products, including serums, creams, and masks.
40 Subjects Lose Wrinkles to Peptides in 2011 Study
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2011 evaluated the effectiveness of a peptide-containing cosmetic product in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The study involved 40 participants who applied the product to their faces twice daily for 28 days. The researchers found that the product was effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving overall skin texture and tone.
Peptides for 12 Weeks Reduces Wrinkles, Improves Firmness
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2013 evaluated the effectiveness of a cosmetic product containing a combination of peptides in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The study involved 50 participants who applied the product to their faces twice daily for 12 weeks. The researchers found that the product was effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving overall skin firmness and elasticity.
Significant Wrinkle Reduction Around Eyes Using Peptides
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in 2018 evaluated the effectiveness of a peptide-containing cosmetic product in reducing the appearance of wrinkles in the periorbital area (around the eyes). The study involved 41 participants who applied the product to one eye and a placebo product to the other eye twice daily for 8 weeks. The researchers found that the eye treated with the peptide-containing product showed significant improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles compared to the placebo-treated eye.
