Confirmed efficacy of topical nifedipine in the treatment of facial wrinkles.

Introduction: Over the past two decades, there has been increasing demand for aesthetic procedures to reverse the effects of aging, particularly in the facial area. Recently, topical nifedipine has been proposed for its anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Objective: To confirm the anti-wrinkle efficacy of a 0.5% nifedipine-based topical formulation.

Materials And Methods: A randomized study was conducted in 20 healthy female volunteers, aged between 45 and 60 years, with moderate to moderately severe facial wrinkles. 10 volunteers applied a 0.5% nifedipine cream and 10 volunteers applied a good moisturizer twice daily for 90 days. The aesthetic improvement was evaluated by a blinded investigator using the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS). Anti-wrinkles effectiveness was also objectively assessed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), moisture levels of the stratum corneum, skin viscoelasticity and skin folding capacity by instrumental analysis.

Results: Post-treatment WSRS score was significantly lower than the baseline WSRS score only in the nifedipine group. The mean WSRS score at T0 was 3.85 and at T3 1.84 in the nifedipine group, while the mean WSRS score at T0 was 3.78 and at T3 3.36 in the control group. Corneometry showed significant increases in measures of skin hydration and TEWL values decreased in all the patients of both groups, indicating a trend toward improved integrity of skin. Dermolab® recorded significant increases in measures of skin hydration in the nifedipine group and a lower increase in the control group. The colorimetric evaluation showed that use of the tested product resulted in significant overall lightening of the skin during use compared with baseline, while the moisturizer didn't produce any change of skin lightening parameters.

Conclusion: The tested topical preparation is effective in reducing facial wrinkles' depth and in increasing skin hydration and elasticity.