9 Treatments That Work on Wrinkles: Tretinoin, Lasers, and More

Photoaging is the skin damage that builds up with age and sun exposure. It leads to fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, and loose skin. 

Wrinkles and other skin changes are part of how our bodies age. Some people want to soften or prevent them, while others see them as natural and beautiful. There’s no right or wrong approach — it’s about what feels best to you.

Every year, people spend thousands of dollars trying to reverse these effects with products and procedures — but not all of them work equally well.

Sun protection is the most effective way to prevent wrinkles. Still, there are several wrinkle treatments backed by science that can help smooth existing lines and improve texture. Below are nine options worth knowing about.

1. Retinoids

Retinoids — vitamin A-based compounds — are among the most effective treatments for fine lines and uneven tone. They speed up cell turnover and boost collagen.

Prescription-strength retinoids

• Tretinoin (like Renova and Retin-A)

• Tazarotene (like Tazorac and Avage)

Over-the-counter (OTC) retinoids

• Retinol

• Retinaldehyde (also called “retinal”)

• Retinyl esters

• Retinyl propionate

• Adapalene (Differin, was once prescription-only)

Side effects

It’s normal to experience mild side effects when starting retinoids, like skin irritation and peeling. These usually go away after a few weeks. OTC versions are gentler but less potent.

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Cost

OTC retinoids tend to be generally affordable, while prescription creams cost more. In general, retinoids are less expensive than other wrinkle treatments. 

2. Injectables

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and similar injectables relax muscles that cause expression lines, like frown lines and crow’s feet. They’re injected directly into muscles in your face or neck, where they block nerves. This temporarily paralyzes the muscles, which helps smooth out existing wrinkles and keeps new ones from forming. Results last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. 

In addition to Botox, other brand-name injectables include:

• Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)

• Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxina)

• Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA)

• Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxinA)

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Side effects

Side effects with injectables are rare. When they do happen, they tend to be bruising or redness, as a result of the injection. More serious side effects, like a droopy eyelid or difficulty breathing, are very rare. 

Cost

Botox and other similar treatments can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per session. 

3. Chemical peels

Chemical peels use acids to remove the top layer of damaged skin, revealing smoother skin underneath. Chemical peels come in different strengths and types.

Common ingredients in chemical peels include:

• Salicylic acid

• Glycolic acid

• Trichloroacetic acid

• Pyruvic acid

At-home vs. in-office chemical peels

At-home peels use the same active ingredients in lower concentrations. They are milder and cheaper. In-office treatments are stronger and give more dramatic results.

Side effects

After a chemical peel, it’s common to experience redness, burning, and peeling. These symptoms usually go away within a few days to 2 weeks, depending on the strength of the peel. 

Cost

In-office chemical peels are usually a couple of hundred dollars. Deeper peels can be more expensive. 

4. Laser treatments

Lasers use focused beams of light to target specific layers of the skin. The light energy triggers a natural healing process in the skin. As the skin repairs itself, it produces new collagen and elastin — proteins that help skin look firmer and smoother.

There are two main types of lasers:

• Ablative lasers remove thin layers of damaged skin. These give more dramatic results but need longer recovery time.

• Nonablative lasers heat the deeper layers without removing the top layer. They have less downtime but may require more sessions.

Here are some common types of lasers, and what they treat: 

• Fractional lasers: These treat wrinkles, discoloration, and rough texture.

• Pulsed dye lasers (PDL): PDL reduces redness and visible blood vessels.

• Erbium lasers (Er:YAG): It improves fine lines and loose skin.

• Intense pulsed light (IPL): IPL isn’t technically a laser, but it works similarly to reduce brown spots and sun damage.

Side effects

Common side effects of laser treatments include pain, redness, blistering, and discoloration. Depending on which treatment you get, these can last for a week or more. 

Cost

One laser treatment can cost a few hundred dollars. Most people need a couple of treatments. 

5.  Microneedling

Microneedling uses fine needles to create tiny skin injuries, triggering collagen production and renewal. It can improve firmness, texture, and pigmentation.

Microneedling is sometimes combined with other treatments, such as:

• Hyaluronic acid

• Peptides

• Platelet-rich plasma (called the “vampire facial”)

Side effects

Side effects include mild redness, burning, and swelling. They usually go away within a day or two. 

Cost

A microneedling session can range from several hundred dollars to over a thousand. 

6. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion gently exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. It’s less intense than peels or lasers. In-office microdermabrasion is generally more effective than at-home kits. 

Side effects

Side effects are similar to having a sunburn (redness and mild swelling). They usually go away within a few days. 

Cost

One microdermabrasion session is usually a couple of hundred dollars. 

7. Fillers

Fillers plump areas where the skin has lost volume, softening lines and folds. Fillers are compounds injected into the skin. Depending on what type of filler you get, results can last from 6 months to over a year. 

Examples of fillers include:

• Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)

• Hyaluronic acid (Juvederm)

• Polyalkylimide (Aquamid)

• Polylactic acid (Sculptra)

• Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) (Bellafill)

Side effects

Side effects include pain during the injection and redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. These usually clear within a week. 

Cost

Dermal fillers usually cost several hundred dollars to over a thousand per syringe. 

8. Red light therapy

Red light therapy (also called photobiomodulation) exposes the skin to red or near-infrared light to encourage collagen production and reduce fine lines. Treatment lasts up to 20 minutes, and typically takes place a few times a week. With regular use, this treatment can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, and improve skin texture. In-office treatments are stronger, but home devices are more affordable. 

Side effects

Most people don’t experience any side effects. But some mild skin irritation is possible. 

Cost

In-office red light treatments start at around $100. At-home masks can be a few hundred dollars. 

9. Sun protection

The most powerful anti-aging strategy is prevention. Here’s how to protect yourself from ultraviolet (UV) rays to prevent new wrinkles and slow photoaging: 

• Use sunscreen every day (SPF 30 or higher). 

• Choose tightly woven, darker, or synthetic fabrics to protect your body.

• Wear a wide-brim hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

• Avoid peak sun hours when possible.

• If you spend a lot of time in front of screens, try a tinted sunscreen to help block blue light from screens.

What is the best treatment for wrinkles?

In general, the best bang for your buck is prevention. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is the best way to minimize sun damage. And — it’s never too early or too late to start protecting your skin from further damage.

When it comes to treating existing signs of aging, there’s no single “best” option. Some people want to reduce signs of aging, while others choose to embrace them. Both paths can be part of a healthy relationship with your skin.

The best treatment for you will depend on your goals, and how much time and money you want to spend. If you’re exploring treatments, a dermatologist or cosmetic specialist can help tailor a plan that fits your skin type, comfort level, and budget.

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Written by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

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