Reviews on the use of hydrocortisone ointment for wrinkles

What is hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone is a steroid drug that takes part in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

This hormone in the human body is produced by the adrenal cortex, and its principle of action is identical to cortisone, however, its activity is greater.

The active components of the drug reduce sensitivity, reduce capillary permeability, and have a local hyperthermic effect on the skin.

The drug is absorbed slightly into the systemic circulation and is excreted in bile and urine..

What to consider when using the drug

Hydrocortisone ointment should be used only as directed by a doctor. Particular attention should be paid to the use of the medicine in children, since hydrocortisone acts much faster on the child’s body. It can suppress the functioning of the adrenal cortex, possibly reducing the production of growth hormone - somatropin. Therefore, treatment of children with hydrocortisone ointment should be carried out strictly under the supervision of a doctor. It is possible to shorten the course of treatment, but this depends on the sensitivity of the child’s body. It is necessary to avoid contact of the drug with mucous membranes.

The age limit for a drug such as hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment should be taken into account. Instructions for use indicate that the medicine is not recommended for use under 18 years of age.

If you use this remedy over large areas of the body, you need to follow a diet that includes:

• salt restriction;
• increasing the amount of foods containing potassium;
• eating enough protein.

• arterial pressure;
• blood condition: coagulability, glucose;
• the volume of urine produced over a certain period of time;
• patient weight;
• plasma cortisol level.

If after 7 days there is no improvement, or the situation worsens, you should immediately consult a doctor. You will need to consult a specialist if, after therapy, signs of the disease return again. To exclude infectious lesions, it is necessary to combine antibacterial and antifungal drugs with the ointment. Particular caution during the period of use of the ointment should be observed when working with mechanisms, when driving a car and in situations where increased concentration and quick reaction are needed.

Hydrocortisone ointment is also widely used for wrinkles under the eyes. We will find out reviews about the effectiveness of the drug in this direction a little later.

Is it effective in treating wrinkles?

As for the fight against wrinkles, many women notice that after using this product the condition of aging skin improves:

• inflammation is relieved;
• the skin is well moisturized;
• small and medium wrinkles are smoothed out;
• the skin tightens and becomes more elastic;
• a slight swelling forms, which leads to skin tension, which is equivalent to lifting.

NOTE!

Of course, such “bonuses” when using hydrocortisone ointment are very tempting, however, we must not forget that this is not a cosmetic, but a medicinal product, and it should be used carefully, since the drug contains quite strong and not always safe components.

Around eyes

Use the ointment around the eyes very carefully.

Indeed, wrinkles are smoothed out, and the delicate skin in this area becomes more elastic and taut..

But in some cases, the use of ointment around the eyes leads to the opposite effect, wrinkles become more noticeable, and allergic reactions with all the ensuing negative consequences cannot be ruled out.

Expert opinion

Dmitrieva Elena Yurievna

Gynecologist-endocrinologist, 40 years of experience

Most doctors and cosmetologists are categorically against the idea that hydrocortisone ointment can be used to eliminate wrinkles and age-related skin changes. This is due to the following factors:

1. Hydrocortisone ointment is a hormonal drug, and if used unapprovedly, the concentration of hydrocortisone in the body may increase, which will lead to a failure in metabolic processes.
2. Use may be accompanied by a number of side effects, not only affecting appearance, but also the functioning of internal organs.
3. It is addictive, and after some time the anti-aging effect will no longer be observed.

Experts recommend using this drug only for its intended purpose, and choosing safe cosmetic and anti-aging creams to combat wrinkles.

Pros of using hydrocortisone ointment for wrinkles

• An excellent alternative to Botox. There is no need to go under the knife, and the skin also stretches beautifully. Becomes smooth and elastic.
• Can be used at home on your own.
• Available at any pharmacy.
• Affordable price. The cost of the drug does not exceed 30 rubles.
• It takes very little time to see the result. Many claim that the skin begins to stretch and wrinkles disappear within a week after starting use.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of hydrocortisone ointment for skin are as follows::

1. Antiseptic effect – fight against harmful microorganisms.
2. Antiallergic effect - relieves inflammation and itching, reduces increased permeability of blood vessels, removes exudate during inflammation.
3. Moisturizing effect - smoothes the skin and saturates the deep layers of the dermis with moisture.
4. Promotes regeneration - activates cell renewal mechanisms.

The disadvantages of using this tool are:

1. Long-term hormone therapy can give impetus to the development of an oncological process in the body, and also lead to the occurrence of cardiovascular pathologies.
2. Since the ointment promotes atrophy of the epidermis, the collagen structure of the dermis is disrupted, which can trigger the formation of new wrinkles and increased skin aging.
3. It is addictive, and to maintain the effect it is necessary to constantly increase the dosage of the drug.
4. The anti-aging effect is short-term.

This remedy is not suitable for long-term therapy and combating age-related changes..

Summing up

The conclusion from all of the above suggests itself - if hydrocortisone ointment for wrinkles helps, it is only for a short period of time. And the result is incomparable with the risks associated with using a hormonal drug for other purposes. Side effects from it can be: a severe allergic reaction, itching and rashes, hyperemia of the skin, signs of general intoxication. Whether it’s worth experimenting is something everyone decides for themselves.

The only thing that can tempt home-grown cosmetologists is the attractive price of the drug. It is less than 100 rubles. Whereas a good anti-wrinkle cream will cost at least 5-6 times more. But the result will be predictable and guaranteed! And without any unpleasant consequences!

Feedback from my clients who decided to undertake similar experiments confirms my opinion. They were dissatisfied with the result, and some even had to seek medical help due to a sharp deterioration in their skin condition. Therefore, I want to once again warn you against the thoughtless and unjustified use of any pharmaceutical drugs. And if you want to express your own opinion or need additional information, welcome to the comments. I am ready to continue discussing this issue.

Indications for use

Direct indications for the use of this drug are:

• allergies;
• seborrhea;
• eczema;
• psoriasis;
• insect bites.

To combat wrinkles, the ointment can be used for:

• dry, aging skin;
• wrinkles of varying depths.

Who is the drug prescribed to?

The medicine is prescribed for the following diseases:

• Allergic dermatitis.
• Eczema.
• Neurodermatitis.
• Psoriasis.
• Scratchiness.
• Irritation after insect bites.
• Seborrhea.
• Rheumatic diseases. Exceptions include infectious arthritis.
• Symptomatic sarcoidosis.
• Lichen ruber verrucosa.
• Collagen diseases.

Let's consider in what cases hydrocortisone eye ointment is prescribed. Instructions for use indicate the following conditions:

• Allergic diseases.
• Inflammation of the anterior ocular region, while the integrity of the epithelium in the cornea must be preserved.
• Sympathetic ophthalmia.
• Chemical and thermal burns of the organs of vision.
• Trauma and surgery.

Basic rules of use

The general principles for using facial ointment are as follows::

1. Before using the drug, you should thoroughly cleanse the skin of impurities.
2. It must be applied in an even layer.
3. Avoid contact of the product with mucous membranes.
4. Before the first use, be sure to conduct a test. Apply the product to the inner elbow and leave for about half an hour. If itching or redness of the skin occurs, applying the ointment to the face is prohibited.
5. It is recommended to lubricate problem areas twice a day, no longer than 3-5 days.
6. Before use, consultation with a doctor is required; only a specialist can weigh the pros and cons and give the necessary recommendations.

Phonophoresis in cosmetology: indications and effect

Indications for which ultrasonic phonophoresis is used are any problems with the appearance and condition of the skin. By exposing the facial skin to high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations and medicinal compounds, the deep layers of the skin are massaged. Such therapy ensures blood flow to the skin and promotes cell regeneration, making the face look firmer and younger.

How is the procedure performed?

Facial phonophoresis provides non-injection injection of medicinal compounds into the deep layers of the skin. The effect of the procedure is achieved not only by using certain compounds (hyaluronic acid, hydrocortisone), but also by directly affecting the skin with ultrasonic waves.

Among the main advantages of the procedure are:

• Ultrasound reduces the barrier properties of cells, allowing the cosmetic composition to penetrate into the deepest layers of the dermis.
• Vibrations help improve microcirculation in capillaries, the synthesis of elastin, hyaluronic acid and collagen.
• Ultrasonic exposure ensures the heating of connective tissue cells, thereby achieving a long-lasting effect from the procedure.
• All side effects are kept to a minimum, since cosmetic compositions and wave frequencies are selected individually for each woman in accordance with her problems and skin type.

Therefore, the main indications for the use of phonophoresis are any problems with the appearance of the skin.

The procedure consists of several stages:

1. Cleansing. The cosmetologist removes remnants of cosmetics and products of the sebaceous glands from the face.
2. Antiseptic treatment. With the help of special cosmetic compositions, the skin is freed from existing germs or bacteria.
3. Application of a medicinal composition (most often hyaluronic acid) to the epidermis. It is this drug that will penetrate deep into the dermis through the sebaceous, sweat ducts and intercellular spaces.
4. Ultrasound wave therapy. The sensor's effect on each zone reaches 20 seconds; when moving the device, it is necessary to change the sensor settings. The procedure is carried out using both linear and circular movements along massage lines on the face.
5. Applying moisturizer. After the procedure, a soothing and moisturizing cream is applied to the face to promote rapid regeneration of epidermal cells.

To carry out phonophoresis, hyaluronic acid, lidase, hydrocortisone, and caripain are used.

Our readers successfully use Biorecin to eliminate wrinkles. Seeing how popular this product is, we decided to bring it to your attention. Read more here...

The choice of product depends on the type of problem with which a woman turns to a cosmetologist and the general condition of her skin.

The use of hyaluronic acid ensures skin rejuvenation. Lidaza is effective in eliminating rashes and scars on the face. Hydrocortisone - therapy for various inflammatory processes, also helps improve blood circulation. Antibacterial therapy is used to increase efficiency. Karipain eliminates adhesions and scars on the skin.

Phonophoresis effect

After the procedure, a long-lasting effect persists, which manifests itself:

• In improving microcirculatory processes - thanks to this, not only oxygen, but also useful microelements and vitamins are supplied to the cells in large quantities.
• In the rapid removal of all metabolic processes and toxins from the body, so rashes do not appear on the skin, it looks young and radiant.
• In increasing muscle tone, smoothing skin texture. The contours of the face become clear and toned.
• In smoothing large and small wrinkles, eliminating facial swelling. The processes of regeneration of dermal and epidermal cells are accelerated.
• In normalizing the secretion processes of sweat and sebaceous glands. Rashes on the face are eliminated due to a deep effect on existing inflammatory processes.

Instructions for use

To minimize the possible negative consequences of using ointment for the treatment of wrinkles, you must adhere to the following rules for its use:

1. Carefully study the contraindications and consult your doctor about the advisability of using this product.
2. Do an allergy test.
3. Clean and dry the skin well.
4. Apply the product in a thin layer, treating problem areas especially carefully.
5. Do not rinse off.
6. To reduce the aggressiveness of the active ingredient, the ointment can be mixed with anti-aging creams.
7. After 3-5 days of regular use, you should take a break for a month.

CAREFULLY!

Preparing masks based on this product is strictly prohibited.

More information about the ointment

I never tire of repeating that before purchasing any drug at a pharmacy, you must carefully read the instructions, paying special attention to the section with contraindications. But even if you don’t have them, individual intolerance has not been canceled. Therefore, an allergy test is also mandatory. But this is not enough - you need to know at least the main features of the chosen product.

Compound

In addition to the directly active substance, which, by the way, does not have a rejuvenating effect, the composition of hydrocortisone ointment also includes:

• Vaseline – creates a protective oily film on the skin;
• lanolin – has a softening and soothing effect;
• pentol is an artificial wax that is a stabilizer;
• stearic acid – with moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects.

As you can see, there are no additives that stimulate natural skin regeneration processes. Moreover, the ointment is quite thick in consistency; when used regularly, it clogs pores and provokes the appearance of acne and comedones.

Properties

It is difficult to say what motivated the person who came up with the idea of ​​using hydrocortisone ointment on the face specifically for wrinkles. He may have been inspired by the side effects of using this remedy. After it, swelling really goes away, the skin smoothes and softens, and the number of rashes decreases.

But those who are even slightly interested in biochemistry can open reliable sources of information and read that glucocorticoids, which include hydrocortisone, have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and are good at relieving swelling. And also (although this is not what many people do not pay attention to) - they suppress the immune system and therefore are effective in autoimmune diseases and in tissue transplants, since they prevent their rejection.

Indications

Hydrocortisone ointment in professional cosmetology and dermatology is used not for wrinkles, but for the treatment of:

• neurodermatitis;
• various forms of eczema;
• allergic or contact dermatitis;
• and also to eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis.

In these cases, the drug quickly relieves inflammation, itching, peeling and puts the skin in order. For dermatological diseases of microbial etiology, after using hydrocortisone ointment, the condition of the epidermis can sharply worsen, as it reduces immune defense and creates favorable conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms!

Mode of application

The instructions say that hydrocortisone ointment is a topical drug. It is applied in a thin layer to the affected area of ​​the skin. The product can irritate the mucous membranes, so you should be careful not to get it in your eyes. It is highly undesirable to apply decorative cosmetics on top of it. Therefore, it is better to apply the ointment early in the morning and in the evening before bed.

The course of treatment is limited and lasts 6-14 days! In rare cases, it can be extended by a doctor if there is an urgent need for another 1-2 weeks. Then you definitely need a break. The ointment quickly causes an addictive effect and then no longer helps. And some manage to use it for cosmetic purposes for up to six months and wonder why the expected result is not there.

Adding ointment to finished creams

Hydrocortisone ointment should be added to prepared creams according to the following rules:

How to use the product on the face?

Before applying the ointment, you need to wash your face well and pat your skin dry with a towel. After this, problem areas of the epidermis are treated, using a small amount of the drug and lightly driving it in.

1% ointment is suitable for the face. A 0.5% product is used in the periocular area. There is no need to rinse off the product.

The procedure is carried out in the morning and evening. Hydrocortisone ointment is not intended for long-term use. It should be used against wrinkles for no longer than 4-5 days in a row, then a two-week break is necessary. Otherwise, an undesirable addictive effect develops. No more than 3 courses are allowed during the year.

The drug actively affects the skin, and positive results become visible quite quickly. You can notice the first signs of rejuvenation within 2 days. The resulting effect lasts for several weeks.

Side effects

Uncontrolled and prolonged use of hydrocortisone ointment can lead to the following undesirable consequences.

From the skin:

• stretch marks;
• fungal diseases;
• acne;
• atrophy;
• pigmentation;
• itching and swelling;
• rash;
• peeling;
• hyperemia;
• premature skin aging;
• problems with wound healing.

From the organs of vision:

• increased intraocular pressure;
• the occurrence of secondary eye infections;
• deterioration and loss of vision.

Systemic disorders:

• diabetes;
• convulsions;
• osteoporosis;
• muscle pain;
• failure of the cardiovascular system;
• swelling and weight gain;
• digestive problems;
• thrombosis;
• hypertension;
• tachycardia.

Fighting wrinkles

Hydrocortisone facial ointment will help slow down the aging process. Why does this remedy work?

With age, the amount of cortisone produced by the adrenal glands decreases significantly. As a result, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity, and its dryness increases. Hydrocortisone helps retain moisture in cells. Therefore, when using ointment, moisture accumulates, which helps to gradually smooth out wrinkles.

If you decide to use a drug such as hydrocortisone ointment in the fight against aging, the instructions for use for wrinkles do not contain recommendations. However, there is advice from doctors.

Possible contraindications

Hydrocortisone ointment should not be used if:

• individual intolerance;
• syphilis;
• tuberculosis;
• viral, bacterial, fungal diseases, both on the skin and in eye infections;
• weak immunity;
• violation of skin integrity;
• oncological processes in the skin;
• undergoing vaccination.

IMPORTANT!

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, hydrocortisone ointment should be used with extreme caution, since the active substance of the drug penetrates the placental barrier and into breast milk, which can have an extremely negative impact on the child’s health.

Who should not use the drug

Of course, not everyone can treat with hydrocortisone ointment. There are a number of diseases and conditions for which the drug is not recommended, namely:

• Particular sensitivity to hydrocortisone or to substances included in the ointment.
• Violations of the integrity of the skin caused by ulcers, bacteria, viruses or fungi.
• Oral dermatitis, acne vulgaris.
• Tumors of the skin.
• Pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding period.
• Children under 2 years old.

What are the reviews of hydrocortisone ointment? This drug helps well against wrinkles. However, the result is justified only if all indications for use are followed.