Introduction for How to Get Rid of Wrinkles Naturally
The skin is the body’s largest organ. It helps protect against heat, light, injury, and infection. The skin aids in body temperature regulation, works as a sensory organ, prevents water loss and protects against entry of bacteria. Research has demonstrated many effective dietary interventions and supplements which may get rid of wrinkles naturally by improving skin elasticity, increase skin hydration, and improve the signs of skin aging.
Dietary Interventions to Get Rid of Wrinkles Naturally:
Researchers measured skin hydration, surface lipids, skin elasticity and wrinkling in 716 Japanese women. Differences based on dietary habits were determined by evaluating usual eating patterns with a food frequency questionnaire. The researchers noted that: Higher dietary intake of total fat, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat was associated with improved skin elasticity. Decreased skin wrinkling around the corners of the eyes was observed in women with higher intakes of green and yellow vegetables. After adjustment for intake of green and yellow vegetables, higher levels of saturated fat were associated with worse skin wrinkling. (1)
Beta-carotene and skin health: Beta-carotene has research evidence defining multiple benefits in skin health such as improved skin elasticity, reduced wrinkling, improved pro-collagen gene expression, lower markers of UV-related damage, and lower risk of photo aging (2). However, Preventive Health Advisor feels that the risk of beta-carotene supplements outweighs their benefits. This is especially the case in previous smokers who have an increased risk of lung cancer with this supplement. Instead, it is recommended to seek beta-carotene from food sources which represent many benefits far beyond skin health alone. For more information, see the beta-carotene section.
Oral Supplements May Get Rid of Wrinkles Naturally:
Plant Ceramides (Phytoceramides) and Skin Health:
Phytoceramides work by hydrating the skin to help get rid of wrinkles naturally from the inside out and are derived from sweet potatoes, rice, or wheat. Phytoceramides help protect the elastin fibers of the skin from breakdown by human neutrophil elastase (3). The typical dose used has been 350 mg oral daily, with positive effects beginning in several weeks after starting supplementation. There is potential for phytoceramides derived from wheat to contain gluten which may be of concern by an individual has a gluten-related disorder, but the amount of gluten, if present, is likely too low to be of concern. Caution in patients taking this supplement if allergic to the plants from which they are derived. There are few known adverse effects of plant ceramides, the median lethal dose of phytoceramides has been determined to be 5000 mg per kilogram, and plant sterols, a similar substance, has been established to be “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA (4).
Wheat Extract Oil Ceramides and Skin Hydration:
Guillou S, et al evaluated wheat extract oil for its effect on hydration of the skin in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. The study included 51 women between the ages of 20 and 63 given either 350 mg of wheat extract oil or placebo over 3 months. The capsule contained 87 mg of wheat extract oil ceramides, 44 mg of hydrogenated vegetable fat, 44 mg of fatty acid, starch and silicon. The skin was evaluated by both dermatologists using corneometry to measure hydration and by the self-assessment of the subjects using a visual analogue scale. The wheat extract oil was determined to be more effective than placebo for hydration, less redness, and less dryness of the skin after 3 months. (5)
Plant Ceramides for Skin Hydration:
Plant ceramides may help to get rid of wrinkles naturally. A study in Japan use 2 separate methods to assess the water holding ability of the skin after treatment by both topical rice-derived ceramides, and oral corn-derived ceramides. One method used to test the hydration of the stratum corneum, and another tested for transepidermal loss of water. The rice ceramides were used topically for 3 weeks on 23 subjects, and found that the ceramides increased hydration by 41% verses placebo which increased hydration by 11%. The corn ceramides were taken by mouth at a dose of either 20 mg, 40 mg, or placebo. It was determined that the ceramides increased the amount of hydration by 190% and 294% more than baseline respectively for ceramides, and 41% higher for placebo. There was also much lower transepidermal water losses in the treatment groups compared to placebo. (6)
Combination supplements for skin health:
Imedeen Prime Renewal has been reported to possess positive effects and may help get rid of wrinkles naturally, Imedeen Prime Renewal which contains soy extract, fish protein polysaccharides, extracts from white tea, grape seed, tomato, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and chamomile extract. After 6 months treatment, women who took the supplement had significantly less wrinkles on the forehead, eyes and mouth, mottled pigmentation, under eye dark circles, and increased skin density (measured by ultrasound) compared to women who took a placebo. (7)
DermaVite and skin health: A total of 40 female subjects were included in this 6-month study on the clinical efficacy of an oral treatment with DermaVite (containing a marine protein, alpha-lipoic acid, Lycopene, pine-bark extract and vitamins and minerals) on aging symptoms of the skin. Half of the participants (n=20) received DermaVite while 20 received placebo. The results show a significant improvement in skin quality (skin thickness and elasticity). The participants’ self-evaluation showed a statistical difference in favor of the active treatment. (8)
Topical Agents for Skin Health:
Topical Fruit Extract May Help Get Rid of Wrinkles Naturally
Arctium lappa (A. lappa), a.k.a. burdock, fruit extract is available commercially and has been used in the treatment of various skin conditions. This extract needs more research but has potential to get rid of wrinkles naturally. Arctium lappa (A. lappa) fruit extract was assessed by Knott A, et al in a study for its anti-aging skin properties. Human participants applied the A. lappa fruit extract formulation to their skin (topically) for 12 weeks and were examined for synthesis of procollagen and hyaluronan (beneficial compounds found in skin and connective tissue cells). When compared to areas not treated with A. lappa, the areas treated with the fruit extract formulation showed stimulated procollagen synthesis and increased hyaluronan levels. Additionally, a study of A. lappa fruit extract formulation on wrinkle volume within the outer corner of the eye for a 4-week period revealed that wrinkle volume was reduced in the areas treated with topical application of the fruit extract formulation compared to non-treated areas. (9)
Get Rid of Wrinkles Naturally with Palm Oil:
Red palm oil or date palm kernel oil may be purchased and added to a daily face or body moisturizing lotion to make a concentration of about 5%, or 1 part palm oil to 20 parts of lotion. It is also available commercially in anti-aging lotions, moisturizers, and anti-wrinkle creams. Date palm, a palm of African and Asian origins that is extensively cultivated for its edible fruit, has been studied for its anti-aging effects on skin, which are thought to occur due to the natural substances, phytohormones, contained in the date palm kernel oil. Bauza, E et al performed a small study on 10 women (aged 46-58 years old) in which they used a cream containing 5% date palm kernel oil or a placebo around their eyes twice a day for 5 weeks. Topical date palm kernel at a concentration of 5% significantly reduced the area covered by wrinkles by 27.6% and reduced the depth of remaining wrinkles by 3.52%. Upon visual inspection 60% of the women had a significantly improvement in appearance. Therefore, this study suggested that palm kernel oil has anti-wrinkle effects in skin care products. (10)
Plant Ceramides and Skin Hydration:
Asai et al (6) found that rice ceramides can be used topically get rid of wrinkles naturally. The researchers used rice ceramides topically for 3 weeks on 23 subjects, and found that the ceramides increased hydration by 41% verses placebo which increased hydration by 11% (6).
Tretinoin, Retin-A, and Retinol:
Two multicentre, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical studies lasting 24 weeks tested 0.02% tretinoin cream applied to the skin. Tretinoin cream had statistically significant improvement in fine wrinkling, coarse wrinkling, and yellowing of the skin over placebo cream. Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A approved by the FDA since 1995 that is safe and effective in treating acne and moderate-to-severe photo damaged facial skin. (11)
Retin-A is a product often used to treat both wrinkles and acne lesions. Retin-A and its derivatives have been found to effectively reduce the signs of aging on your skin when used as a topical (put on the skin) application. The study included 57 Japanese women who applied a .075% retinol cream to half of their face for a total of 26 weeks. The results showed significant improvement for fine wrinkling (50% improvement on the retinol side vs 24%) and some improvement for deep wrinkles (28% vs 2%), with 3 subjects withdrawing because of irritation. The study also found .04% retinol cream taken for 13 weeks to be slightly less effective, but much less irritating. (12)
A double-blind clinical study of the effectiveness of 0.1% retinol agents in the treatment of sun-damaged skin concluded that retinol creams containing moisturizers showed a significant decrease of sun-damaged skin. According to these findings, 36 women were instructed to use retinol on one half of the face daily while the other half was treated with a normal skin care regimen. After eight weeks of continued treatment, the retinol moisturizer was reported be significantly more effect at improving lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness and overall photodamage. (13)
Alpha-hydroxy Acids May Help Get Rid of Wrinkles:
The clinical and mental/social effects of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), used for skin rejuvenation and commonly used in chemical peels, were examined in this 12-week study of 32 individuals. At the end of the study, significantly better facial skin tone and improvement in wrinkles were reported with use of AHAs. Individuals were also more satisfied with their physical appearance and the quality of their relationships. (14)
The effects of of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), used for skin rejuvenation, were examined for an average of 6-months. Study participants applied cream containing 25% glycolic, lactic, or citric acid (common AHAs) to one forearm and a placebo lotion to the other forearm. At the end of treatment, a 25% increase in skin thickness was reported with use of AHAs. Additionally, increased acid mucopolysaccharides (a major component of skin), improved skin elasticity, and increased quantity of collagen were also reported without signs of inflammation. (15)
Bioactive Collagen Peptide Supplement May Get Rid of Eye Wrinkles Naturally
A bioactive collagen peptide (BCP) marketed under the brand name VERISOL® has been tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study by Proksch et al (16). The authors provided 2500 mg of the BCP or placebo to 114 women between the age of 45-65 over 8 weeks. The treatment group showed a reduction in the volume of eye wrinkles by 20% compared to placebo over the study period. These results were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Keratin Supplement to Improve Skin Moisture, Elasticity, and Wrinkles
Cynatine® is a keratin supplement which was studied by Beer et al (17) for its ability to improve skin health. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on 50 women who were given either 500 mg of the keratin supplement or placebo for 90 days. The study was performed during the start of winter when skin is expected to become more dry as the ambient temperature became colder. The 2 groups were tested for skin moisture, skin elasticity, skin wrinkles, protein content, and skin appearance. The results are shown in the table below:
Statistically significant improvement of skin health parameters by Cynatine®, a keratin supplement
| Group | skin moisture | skin elasticity | skin wrinkles | protein content | skin appearance |
| Placebo 30 days | ↓ 7.9% | ↓ 2.3% | No change | No change | No change |
| Placebo 60 days | ↓ 12.9% | ↓ 3.2% | No change | No change | No change |
| Placebo 90 days | ↓ 19.3% | ↓ 4.6% | ↑ 7.8% | No change | 1/25 improved |
| Keratin 30 days | ↑ 5.4% | ↑ 4.3% | ↓ 4.7% | 6/25 improved | |
| Keratin 60 days | ↑ 9.3% | ↑ 7.2% | ↓ 7.3% | 9/25 improved | |
| Keratin 90 days | ↑ 11.1% | ↑ 12.2% | ↓ 10.1% | ↑ 19.7% | 12/25 improved |
There were no adverse effects reported in either of the groups, but 1 subject withdrew from each of the groups due to intolerance of the supplement.
Pycnogenol for a Skin Moisturizer
Marini et al (18) evaluated Pycnogenol® for use in skin health which has potential to get rid of wrinkles naturally. A group of 20 women had their skin evaluated with special skin testing procedures which assess for skin hydration and elasticity. The skin of the subjects was tested with corneometry, cutometry, visioscan, ultrasound, and a skin biopsy before and after 12 weeks of Pycnogenol® supplementation. The researchers found that Pycnogenol® increased skin hydration and skin elasticity. The authors concluded that the skin improvements were “due to an increased synthesis of extracellular matrix molecules such as hyaluronic acid and possibly collagen and Pycnogenol supplementation may thus be useful to counteract the clinical signs of skin aging.”
Assessment and Plan: Get Rid of Wrinkles Naturally
- Dietary interventions for skin health:
- A cohort of 716 Japanese women studied for skin elasticity and wrinkling found (1):
- Higher dietary intake of total fat, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat was associated with improved skin elasticity.
- Decreased skin wrinkling around the corners of the eyes was observed in women with higher intakes of green and yellow vegetables.
- Higher levels of saturated fat intake was associated with worse skin wrinkling. (1)
- Enhancement of beta-carotene intake may improve skin elasticity, reduced wrinkling, improved pro-collagen gene expression, lower markers of UV-related damage, and lower risk of photo aging (2). Seek beta-carotene from food sources, but not supplements. For more information, see the beta-carotene section.
- A cohort of 716 Japanese women studied for skin elasticity and wrinkling found (1):
- Oral supplements for skin health:
- Plant ceramides or phytoceramides work to hydrate the skin and help protect from breakdown of elastin fibers. The typical dose used has been 350 mg oral daily, with positive effects beginning in several weeks after starting supplementation. Caution in patients allergic to the plants from which they are derived. There are few known adverse effects of plant ceramides (4).
- Guillou S, et al performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, and found that 350 mg of wheat extract oil containing ceramides was more effective than placebo and resulted in better hydration, less redness, and less dryness of the skin after 3 months. (5)
- Corn ceramides at a dose of either 20 mg or 40 mg daily increased the amount of hydration by 190% and 294% more than baseline respectively compared to 41% higher for placebo. Lower transepidermal water loss was also seen in the treatment groups compared to placebo. (6)
- Combination supplements for skin health:
- Imedeen Prime Renewal supplement resulted in significantly less wrinkles on the forehead, eyes and mouth, mottled pigmentation, under eye dark circles, and increased skin density compared to placebo after 6 months (7).
- DermaVite containing a marine protein, alpha-lipoic acid, Lycopene, pine-bark extract, vitamins, and minerals showed a significant improvement in skin thickness and elasticity over placebo (8).
- A bioactive collagen peptide (BCP), the brand name VERISOL® at a dose of 2500 mg for 8 weeks showed a reduction in the volume of eye wrinkles by 20% compared to placebo over the study period (16). These results were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
- Cynatine® is a keratin supplement at a dose of 500 mg for 90 days significantly improved skin moisture, skin elasticity, skin wrinkles, protein content, and skin appearance (17).
- Pycnogenol® increased skin hydration and skin elasticity. The authors concluded that the skin improvements were “due to an increased synthesis of extracellular matrix molecules such as hyaluronic acid and possibly collagen and Pycnogenol supplementation may thus be useful to counteract the clinical signs of skin aging.” (18)
- Plant ceramides or phytoceramides work to hydrate the skin and help protect from breakdown of elastin fibers. The typical dose used has been 350 mg oral daily, with positive effects beginning in several weeks after starting supplementation. Caution in patients allergic to the plants from which they are derived. There are few known adverse effects of plant ceramides (4).
- Topical agents for skin health:
- An Arctium lappa (A. lappa) fruit extract topical formulation used for 4 weeks stimulated procollagen synthesis, increased hyaluronan levels, and reduced wrinkle volume within the outer corner of the eye compared to untreated areas (9).
- Red palm oil or date palm kernel oil may be purchased as a premade lotion product or it may be added to a daily face or body moisturizing lotion to make a concentration of about 5%, or 1 part palm oil to 20 parts of lotion. A cream containing 5% date palm kernel used around the eyes twice a day for 5 weeks significantly reduced the area covered by wrinkles by 27.6% and reduced the depth of remaining wrinkles by 3.52% with 60% of the women stating to have a significant improvement in appearance (10).
- Rice ceramides used topically for 3 weeks was found to increase hydration of the skin by 41% versus 11% versus using a placebo (6).
- Tretinoin, Retin-A, and retinol creams:
- Tretinoin cream had been demonstrated to have statistically significant improvement in fine wrinkling, coarse wrinkling, and yellowing of the skin over placebo cream (11).
- A 0.075% retinol cream applied for a total of 26 weeks resulted in about 50% improvement in fine wrinkling and with less improvement for deep wrinkles. Some adverse effects of skin irritation were noted, but the 0.04% retinol cream taken for 13 weeks was slightly less effective than the 0.075% concentration, and was much less irritating. (12)
- A double-blind clinical study of 0.1% retinol creams showed improvement in lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and a significant decrease of sun-damaged skin after eight weeks (13).
- Alpha-hydroxy acid creams and skin health:
- Topical alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) used over 12 weeks showed significantly better facial skin tone, improvement in wrinkles, satisfaction with appearance and happiness in relationships versus placebo (14).
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) used for 6-months resulted in 25% increase in skin thickness, improved skin elasticity, and increased quantity of collagen without signs of inflammation (15).
References: Get Rid of Wrinkles Naturally
1.Nagata C, Nakamura K, Wada K, Oba S, Hayashi M, Takeda N, Yasuda K. Association of dietary fat, vegetables and antioxidant micronutrients with skin ageing in Japanese women. Br J Nutr. 2010 May;103(10):1493-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20085665
2.Cho S, Lee DH, Won CH, Kim SM, Lee S, Lee MJ, Chung JH. Differential effects of low-dose and high-dose beta-carotene supplementation on the signs of photoaging and type I procollagen gene expression in human skin in vivo. Dermatology. 2010;221(2):160-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20516658
3.Bizot-Foulon V1, Godeau G, Guessous F, Lati E, Rousset G, Roch-Arveillier M, Hornebeck W. Inhibition of human neutrophil elastase by wheat ceramides. Int J Cosmet Sci. 1995 Dec;17(6):255-64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19245473
4.Soft Gel Technologies, Inc. Phyto-derived ceramides, New Ingredient Notification. April 2, 2004. http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/95s0316/95s-0316-rpt0240-05-Udell-vol175.pdf
5.Guillou S, Ghabri S, Jannot C, Gaillard E, Lamour I, Boisnic S.The moisturizing effect of a wheat extract food supplement on women’s skin: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Apr;33(2):138-43. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20646083
6.Asai S1, Miyachi H. Evaluation of skin-moisturizing effects of oral or percutaneous use of plant ceramides. Article in Japanese. Rinsho Byori. 2007 Mar;55(3):209-15. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17441463
7.Skovgaard GRL, Jensen AS, Sigler ML. Effect of a novel dietary supplement on skin aging in post-menopausal women. Eu J Clin Nutrition. 2006 Oct: 60(10); 1201-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16670692
8.Thom E. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the clinical efficacy of oral treatment with DermaVite on aging symptoms of the skin. J Int Med Res. 2005 May-Jun;33(3):267-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15938587
9.Knott A, Reuschlein K, Mielke H, Wensorra U, Mummert C, Koop U, Kausch M, Kolbe L, Peters N, Stäb F, Wenck H, Gallinat S. Natural Arctium lappa fruit extract improves the clinical signs of aging skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 Dec;7(4):281-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19146605
10.Bauza, E., Dal Farra, C., Berghi, A., Oberto, G., Peyronel, D., and Domloge, N. Date palm kernel extract exhibits antiaging properties and significantly reduces skin wrinkles. Int J Tissue React. 2002;24(4):131-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12779247
11.Nyirady J, Bergfeld W, Ellis C, Levine N, Savin R, Shavin J, Voorhees JJ, Weiss J, Grossman R. Tretinoin cream 0.02% for the treatment of photodamaged facial skin: a review of 2 double-blind clinical studies. Cutis. 2001 Aug;68(2):135-42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11534915
12.Kikuchi K, Suetake T, Kumasaka N, Tagami H. Improvement of photoaged facial skin in middle-aged Japanese females by topical retinol (vitamin A alcohol): a vehicle-controlled, double-blind study. J Dermatolog Treat. 2009;20(5):276-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20078381
13.Tucker-Samaras S, Zedayko T, Cole C, Miller D, Wallo W, Leyden JJ. A stabilized 0.1% retinol facial moisturizer improves the appearance of photodamaged skin in an eight-week, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2009 Oct;8(10):932-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19852122
14.Fried RG, Cash TF. Cutaneous and psychosocial benefits of alpha hydroxy acid use. Percept Mot Skills.1998 Feb;86(1):137-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9530722
15.Ditre CM, Griffin TD, Murphy GF, Sueki H, Telegan B, Johnson WC, Yu RJ, Van Scott EJ. Effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on photoaged skin: a pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996 Feb;34(2 Pt 1):187-95. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8642081
16.Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24401291
17.Beer C, Wood S, Veghte RH. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate the effect of Cynatine(®) HNS on skin characteristics. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2013 Dec;35(6):608-12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23902431
18.Marini A, Grether-Beck S, Jaenicke T, Weber M, Burki C, Formann P, Brenden H, Schönlau F, Krutmann Pycnogenol® effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012;25(2):86-92. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22270036