Topical Over-the-Counter Antiaging Agents: An Update and Systematic Review

Abstract

Over-the-counter antiaging formulations aim to prevent or minimize the signs of aging skin, and to maintain the benefits obtained from different cosmetic procedures. Even though a huge selection of such products is available on the market, evidence and good clinical practice of the data supporting their use are oftentimes lacking. In this systematic review, the authors reviewed scientific data available in the published literature on the most common ingredients used in antiaging cosmetics, with a particular focus on in vivo studies.

Use of Retinoids in Topical Antiaging Treatments: A Focused Review of Clinical Evidence for Conventional and Nanoformulations

“…Considering the limitations of the clinical studies performed, the use of retinoid cosmetics as a tretinoin equivalent is not justified and evidence-based. Our findings are consistent with previous studies that also suggested that in the case of cosmeceuticals, the positive study outcome cannot be considered relevant information for clinical decision-making because most of the performed studies have significant methodological issues and deficiencies in study design that limit the relevance of the results [81,168].…”

“…Also, there is a lack of clinical evidence for the antiaging efficacy of the other retinyl esters since most of the performed studies have limitations, such as a small number of participants and/or a lack of a vehicle control group. In general, placebo-controlled double-blind studies as a standard in clinical research are lacking for cosmetics [ 168 ]. Considering the limitations of the clinical studies performed, the use of retinoid cosmetics as a tretinoin equivalent is not justified and evidence-based.…”

Clinical Use of Non-Suture Silk-Containing Products: A Systematic Review

“…Anti-aging therapies have seen an increase in focus from the medical research community over the last few decades [ 43 ]. While surgical techniques for rejuvenation have been heavily described, both plastic surgery and dermatology have strived to develop non-invasive options for treatment and prevention of facial aging [ 43 , 44 ].…”

“…Anti-aging therapies have seen an increase in focus from the medical research community over the last few decades [ 43 ]. While surgical techniques for rejuvenation have been heavily described, both plastic surgery and dermatology have strived to develop non-invasive options for treatment and prevention of facial aging [ 43 , 44 ]. The study by Berardesca et al showed a significantly greater increase in gross elasticity and net elasticity versus vehicle alone at weeks 4 and 8 as well as improvements in parameters associated with wrinkling (volume), smoothness, and uniformity [ 16 ].…”

Clinical and histologic findings after use of a novel combined retinol, tripeptide, and glaucine containing cream in the treatment of photo‐aged skin

“…A number of cosmeceuticals with natural or synthetic active ingredients are available in the market to treat photoaging, however, evidence based data is lacking for most. Randomized placebo controlled studies with positive outcome are available for retinoids, α‐hydroxy acids such as glycolic, and some peptide etc 1 . Retinoids have strongest evidence showing clinical and histologic improvement in photoaged skin, however irritant dermatitis with retinoid therapy has limited their acceptance by patients 2 .…”