Hyaluronic Acid for Wrinkles: Does It Really Work?

observational-study PMID: 37577796

Quick Summary: A study found that injections of a hyaluronic acid-based filler helped reduce wrinkles and improve skin quality on the face, neck, and chest. This treatment was more effective than using an anti-aging cream alone.

What The Research Found

This research looked at how well a hyaluronic acid filler (NCTF®135HA) worked to fight wrinkles. The study showed that people who got the filler, along with using an anti-aging cream, had fewer wrinkles and better skin compared to those who only used the cream. The filler was injected into the face (crow's feet area), neck, and chest.

Study Details

Who was studied: 146 people participated in the study.

How long: The study lasted for 75 days.

What they took:

Treatment Group: Received three injections of NCTF®135HA over the course of the study, plus used an anti-aging moisturizer twice a day.
Control Group: Used the anti-aging moisturizer twice a day only.

What This Means For You

If you're looking for ways to reduce wrinkles, this study suggests that hyaluronic acid fillers, when used with a good moisturizer, might be a good option. The results showed improvements in skin texture and hydration. However, this treatment requires injections, so you'd need to see a qualified professional.

Study Limitations

The study was funded by the company that makes the filler, which could potentially influence the results.

The study only compared the filler to a moisturizer, not a "fake" injection (placebo).

The study didn't look at the long-term effects of the filler.

We don't know the exact details about the people in the study (age, etc.).

Key Findings

The study demonstrated that NCTF®135HA, a hyaluronic acid-based micro-filler, significantly reduced superficial wrinkles and improved skin quality in the face (crow’s feet), neck, and décolleté compared to twice-daily use of an anti-aging moisturizer cream alone. Improvements were measured via profilometry (objective skin texture analysis), clinical scoring, and subjective patient reports. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no major adverse events reported.

Study Design

This was a randomized, active-controlled, multicenter clinical trial conducted over 75 days. A total of 146 participants were assigned in a 3:1 ratio to either:
- Treatment group: Three NCTF®135HA injection sessions (at baseline, Day 28, and Day 56) plus twice-daily moisturizer (n=110)
- Control group: Moisturizer alone (n=36)
The primary endpoint was wrinkle reduction at Day 75, assessed using multiple validated tools.

Dosage & Administration

NCTF®135HA was administered via intradermal injections in three sessions spaced 28 days apart. The exact dosage volume per injection site or total hyaluronic acid concentration delivered was not specified in the provided summary. Injections targeted the face, neck, and décolleté, with moisturizer application instructed twice daily for both groups.

Results & Efficacy

Profilometric analysis: Significant reductions in wrinkle depth at all three anatomical sites (face, neck, décolleté) for the treatment group versus control (p < 0.0001).
Clinical scoring: Investigators observed marked improvements in skin texture and hydration in the NCTF®135HA group.
Subjective assessments: Patients reported higher satisfaction scores with the combination treatment (data not quantified in summary).
Statistical significance (p < 0.0001) indicates a high likelihood of the results reflecting true treatment effects rather than chance.

Limitations

Funding source: Sponsored by Laboratories FILLMED, the manufacturer of NCTF®135HA, introducing potential bias.
Active-controlled design: Compared to a moisturizer-only control rather than a placebo, limiting conclusions about standalone efficacy of NCTF®135HA.
Short duration: 75-day follow-up period does not assess long-term sustainability of effects or safety.
Demographics unspecified: Age, gender, or ethnicity data for participants were not included in the summary, reducing generalizability.
Observational constraints: As an observational study, causality cannot be definitively established, though the RCT design strengthens internal validity.

Clinical Relevance

The findings suggest that hyaluronic acid-based micro-fillers (NCTF®135HA) enhance anti-aging outcomes when combined with topical moisturizers, particularly for reducing fine wrinkles and improving skin hydration. However, as an injectable treatment, it requires professional administration, making it more suitable for clinical aesthetic settings than over-the-counter supplementation. Users should weigh the cost and invasiveness against potential benefits, and consider individual variability in response. Further research is needed to compare this approach with placebo or alternative therapies.

Takeaway: For individuals seeking advanced wrinkle reduction beyond moisturizers alone, NCTF®135HA injections may offer measurable improvements, though consultation with a dermatologist is advised.