Is it possible to completely eliminate wrinkles?

Wrinkles are the result of a complex set of biological mechanisms related to skin aging. Over time, fibroblasts—which are cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans—slow down their activity. The skin then loses density, firmness, and elasticity. Added to this are the oxidation of the dermal structural proteins, collagen glycation, and reduced sebum production, all of which impair cellular cohesion and the skin’s ability to regenerate. External factors add to these intrinsic processes, such as exposure to sunlight, which accounts for nearly 80% of visible skin aging in light phototypes, but also to tobacco smoke and to air pollution, which accelerate wrinkle formation due to the oxidative stress and chronic inflammation they cause.

Many treatments today are capable of reducing wrinkles, but none can completely eliminate them.

Injections of hyaluronic acid, for example, restore volume and firmness to the skin and help compensate for the loss of dermal support proteins. However, these effects are temporary and require regular touch-ups. Similarly, biomimetic peptides, such as argireline, have shown promising results in reducing wrinkle depth and improving skin texture. Their action is based on direct communication with skin cells: they mimic neurotransmitters to limit muscle contractions. These mechanisms provide a visible improvement, but not a complete elimination of wrinkles.

For example, a clinical study evaluated the efficacy of Argireline on periorbital wrinkles in 60 participants. They were randomly assigned to apply a 10% Argireline emulsion or a placebo twice daily for four weeks. As shown in the photo below, the participants’ wrinkles were reduced but did not disappear.

The chemical peels and microneedling techniques stimulate cellular regeneration and collagen production. When combined, their effects are strengthened and wrinkles are further smoothed. However, these methods do not fully eliminate wrinkles, as they do not affect the deep structure of already altered dermal tissues. Again, a clinical study evaluated the efficacy of a treatment combining an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel with microneedling on photo- and chronological-aging wrinkles in 49 participants. Participants underwent a combined session and were reassessed after 30 and 60 days. The results showed a significant improvement in wrinkles across all facial areas, but not their elimination.

Lasers, notably the 755 nm Alexandrite laser, improve skin texture and tone by stimulating neocollagenesis. The results are often impressive on fine to moderate wrinkles, but deep wrinkles only partially persist. Studies have assessed the efficacy of the 755 nm Alexandrite laser on photodamage-induced wrinkles in 40 women. These volunteers underwent four sessions spaced one month apart across the entire face. The results showed a significant overall improvement, and 90% of participants reported being satisfied or very satisfied. Nevertheless, it should be noted again that the laser did not eliminate all wrinkles.

Surgical procedures, on the other hand, allow for more lasting corrections. Techniques such as facelifts, blepharoplasty, or autologous fat micrografting help restore skin volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles while preserving a natural look. However, besides the fact that they are not suitable for everyone and entail significant risks of side effects, these invasive approaches do not guarantee a complete and permanent disappearance of wrinkles, as demonstrated by the study recently conducted by Xie and his team.

This study evaluated the efficacy of subcutaneous face and neck lifting in 119 patients with a mean age of 46 years. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in wrinkles and skin laxity. 3D analysis also revealed an increase in zygomatic volume and a decrease in volumes of the nasolabial folds and lateral cheeks, with outcomes deemed satisfactory and natural by the majority of patients. The images below of one patient show a pronounced reduction in wrinkles, though not their complete elimination.

Currently, no technique can make wrinkles disappear entirely. Today’s solutions—whether topical, instrumental, or surgical—are designed to lessen their appearance and slow their progression rather than remove them completely.

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