6 Smart Ways to Treat Wrinkles and Restore Mature Skin

1. Retinoids: The Gold Standard of Anti-Aging

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives widely recognized by dermatologists as the most effective topical ingredients for reducing visible signs of aging. They work by speeding up skin cell turnover and boosting collagen production, which helps maintain skin firmness and structure.

For mature skin, retinoids can smooth fine lines, improve texture, and reduce age spots. They are generally divided into two types:

Prescription retinoids:

Tretinoin (commonly known as Retin-A) is the strongest and most researched option. It requires a prescription and delivers noticeable results, though it may cause irritation at first. Those with mature or dry skin should begin with a low strength and apply it a few nights per week, increasing gradually as tolerated.

Over-the-counter (OTC) retinoids:

Retinol is the most popular non-prescription choice. While less potent than tretinoin, it is gentler and well suited for beginners. Products like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream or Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair are widely used. With consistent application, visible results typically appear within three to six months.

2. Peptides: The Building Blocks of Firm Skin

If retinoids are the project managers for skin renewal, peptides are the messengers that tell your skin cells what to do. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin. When applied topically, certain peptides can signal your skin to produce more of these crucial proteins.

This is especially beneficial for mature skin, where natural collagen production has slowed down significantly. By encouraging new collagen, peptides help to plump the skin from within, reducing the depth of wrinkles and improving firmness. Look for serums and moisturizers containing ingredients like Matrixyl 3000 or copper peptides. Popular and effective products include The Ordinary’s “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% and Drunk Elephant’s Protini Polypeptide Cream.

3. Professional Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve applying a specialized solution to remove the outer layers of skin, revealing smoother and more refreshed skin underneath. While at-home options exist, professional peels performed by dermatologists or licensed estheticians deliver more noticeable results for mature skin.

These treatments typically use stronger acids, including:

Glycolic acid: An AHA that exfoliates the surface, improving texture and fine lines.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA): A medium-depth peel effective for deeper wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven skin tone.

For mature skin, a series of light to medium peels can visibly reduce fine lines, even out complexion, and enhance radiance. Mild downtime is common, usually a few days of redness or peeling, but results are often significant.

4. Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy)

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that has become incredibly popular for its collagen-boosting benefits. A device with very fine, short needles is used to create tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin. These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural wound-healing process, which results in increased collagen and elastin production.

For mature skin, this is a fantastic way to address not just wrinkles but also skin laxity and overall texture. The new collagen helps to “fill in” fine lines and gives the skin a firmer, more supple quality. It’s vital to have this procedure done by a trained professional to ensure safety and effectiveness. A series of three to six treatments is often recommended for the best results.

5. Injectables: Neuromodulators and Dermal Fillers

Injectable treatments are among the most effective options for reducing wrinkles, delivering fast and visible improvements. They are generally divided into two categories, each targeting different wrinkle types.

Neuromodulators (such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin) relax facial muscles responsible for expression lines, including crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles. This results in a smoother, more rested look, with effects typically lasting three to four months.

Dermal fillers (such as Juvéderm and Restylane) are hyaluronic acid–based gels injected beneath the skin to restore volume and soften deeper, static wrinkles. They are commonly used to enhance cheeks and reduce lines around the mouth, with results lasting from six months to over a year, depending on the product.

6. Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a powerful treatment that uses concentrated beams of light to improve skin tone, texture, and wrinkles. It works by removing the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heating the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers.

There are two main types of lasers used for this purpose:

• Ablative Lasers (e.g., CO2, Erbium): These are the most intense type, removing thin layers of skin. They provide dramatic results for significant wrinkles and sun damage but come with a longer recovery period, often involving a week or more of downtime.

• Non-Ablative Lasers (e.g., Fraxel): These lasers heat the underlying skin tissue to stimulate collagen production without harming the surface. The downtime is minimal, but multiple sessions are usually required to achieve the desired results. This is often a better choice for those who cannot accommodate a long recovery.

A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is essential to determine which laser is right for your skin type and concerns.