Skin Aging, Wrinkles and Uneven Skin Tone
What research shows about wrinkles, age spots and uneven skin tone: sun protection, tretinoin, retinol and vitamin C trials, supplements, and when to have a spot checked.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
What changes with age
Skin changes over time through natural aging and through lifetime sun exposure. The FDA lists sunburn, skin cancer and early skin aging among the risks of overexposure to the sun. [1] Uneven tone, dark spots and fine lines are normal, common and usually harmless, but a changing spot is a different matter (see the last section). This page sorts the evidence into plain labels: established recommendation, promising but limited, mixed, insufficient evidence.What the research shows
| Question | What the source found | Strength of evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Does daily sunscreen slow skin aging? | In a randomized trial of 903 adults under 55, skin aging was 24% less in the daily sunscreen group than in the discretionary group over 4.5 years. [2] | Promising (one well-designed trial) |
| Does prescription tretinoin help photoaging? | A systematic review of 7 randomized trials reported improved wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation and sun spots (lentigines), starting as early as 1 month. [3] | Promising (7 trials); a prescription medicine, so ask a clinician |
| Do over-the-counter retinol and vitamin C work? | A systematic review of 32 studies gave retinol and vitamin C a Grade A recommendation for anti-aging; bakuchiol and some other ingredients received Grade C or were inconclusive. [4] | Promising but limited |
| Topical vitamin C for uneven tone | A review of 7 trials (139 volunteers) reported lightening of treated skin and smoother skin, but said more studies are needed. [5] | Promising but limited |
| Oral supplements and sun damage | A review of 47 human studies found the strongest evidence for polyphenols, carotenoids and Polypodium leucotomos, the weakest for isolated vitamins or coenzyme Q10, with small, short studies. [6] | Limited; supplements do not replace sunscreen |
| Collagen supplements | See Collagen, biotin and beauty supplements. | Mixed |
The tretinoin review noted that formulas, outcomes and study designs differed. [3] The sources read for this page did not detail irritation rates or pregnancy safety for retinoid-type products, so ask a pharmacist or dermatologist, and see pregnancy and breastfeeding safety if you are pregnant or planning to be.
Sun protection comes first
Sun protection is the one step with an established rationale for both appearance and cancer prevention. The NHS says there is no safe or healthy way to tan. [7] See Skin care basics for how to use sunscreen, shade and clothing.Uneven tone and dark spots
Photoaging can include mottled hyperpigmentation and sun spots (lentigines). [3] Melasma is a separate pigment condition studied alongside photoaging in the vitamin C review. [5] If a dark spot is new, changing, bleeding or irregular, have it examined and do not treat it yourself. [8]When to get help
See a GP for a mole that has changed size, shape or color, a new or unusual mark that has not gone away after a few weeks, or any mole that is itchy, painful, inflamed, bleeding or crusty. [8] The NHS also lists a dark area under a nail not caused by an injury. [9] See Skin and hair safety and Natural skin-care ingredients.Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing for wrinkles?
The research best supports sun protection and prescription tretinoin; retinol and vitamin C have promising evidence. [2][3][4]
Do anti-aging supplements work?
For sun-related skin damage the evidence is limited and mostly small and short-term. [6]
Is a new dark spot normal?
Many are harmless, but a spot that is new, changing, bleeding or itchy should be checked by a clinician. [8]
References
- FDA, Sunscreen: how to help protect your skin from the sun Read 2026-10-22.
- Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2013. Read 2026-10-22.
- Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Int J Womens Dermatol 2022. Read 2026-10-22.
- Cosmeceuticals for antiaging: a systematic review of safety and efficacy. Arch Dermatol Res 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
- Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: a systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023. Read 2026-10-22.
- Oral supplements and photoprotection: a systematic review. J Med Food 2025. Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS, Sunscreen and sun safety Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS, Moles Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS, Melanoma skin cancer: symptoms Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.