Is hydrocortisone ointment effective for wrinkles, the opinion of cosmetologists and reviews of ordinary women, instructions for use

Hydrocortisone is a hormonal component of the ointment.

The main active ingredient of the ointment is the human adrenal hormone - hydrocortisone (or rather, its chemical compound hydrocortisone acetate). In addition to hydrocortisone acetate, the ointment contains formative components (vaseline and lanolin), as well as preservatives.

The effect of hydrocortisone is manifested in the rapid blocking of the development of inflammation. Hydrocortisone inhibits the release of exudate and limits the development of inflammatory edema, and also starts vital processes and thereby removes the body from a state of shock. Therefore, hydrocortisone is widely used in medicine to relieve severe allergic reactions, attacks of asthmatic suffocation, severe edema, kidney and liver failure - in general, to save a person’s life.

Based on this hormone, several forms of the drug are produced (for a general effect on the body and for local treatment). These are suspensions and powders for the preparation of injections (intramuscular, intraarticular), as well as tablets, eye drops and external ointments (regular and ophthalmic).

Hydrocortisone ointment for children is used when really necessary. There are several features of the use of hydrocortisone in pediatrics:

The ointment is used to treat children over two years of age; sometimes the ointment is prescribed to children after one year. Children under one year of age are not prescribed hormonal ointment.
The course of treatment for children, compared to the treatment period for adults, is shortened. It should not exceed 2 weeks. In this case, the ointment is used if there is a visible result of improvement. If there is no improvement within a week, the ointment is canceled.

Any use of a hormonal composition (internal or external) must be justified by special indications (for example, a severe allergic skin reaction that cannot be relieved with other medications).

The medicine interacts strongly with other drugs, and there are many options:

In combination with anticoagulants, it increases their effectiveness;
eliminates the effect of somatropin;
increases folic acid levels;
blocks the effects of vitamin D due to the hormones contained in the ointment;
When interacting with antipsychotics, the risk of cataracts increases.

It is precisely because of the frequent incompatibility of the drug with others that it is prescribed with caution and self-medication is not recommended.

Hydrocortisone ointment for wrinkles contains cortisol. With a lack of this substance in the body, dermal cells become dehydrated, and early signs of aging appear due to lack of moisture. Hydrocortisone helps retain moisture; when applied, wrinkles are literally “pushed out” from the inside.

Benefits of using an anti-wrinkle drug

The affordable cost of the drug makes it an excellent alternative to expensive salon anti-aging procedures. In addition, the drug can be used at home.
The product is applied directly from the tube; it does not need to be diluted with additional components.
The drug gives quick results. After just a few days of applying hydrocortisone to the skin, wrinkles become less noticeable.

How to use facial ointment

Some women still resort to using hydrocortisone ointment in cosmetology because of its cheapness and some positive reviews from people who did find the product helpful. Therefore, it is necessary to provide detailed instructions for applying hydrocortisone to the skin of the face in order to maximize safety and reduce the risk of side effects:

How to properly apply hydrocortisone ointment to the skin, features of use of the drug

Hydrocortisone-based ointment is an antiallergic, anti-inflammatory and decongestant external preparation. When applying the ointment, the hormone enters the surface layers of the skin and inhibits the development of inflammatory mediators. Due to this, the symptoms of inflammation are reduced (the total area of redness is reduced, pain becomes less, and the degree of swelling decreases).

Indications for external hormonal treatment are various non-infectious inflammations.

The main use of hormonal ointment is to relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Hydrocortisone ointment for external use is actively used for various allergic inflammations (skin redness, rashes, itching, swelling). Considering the hormonal composition of the ointment, it should be used when allergic inflammation is very painful.

Hydrocortisone ointment for wrinkles is applied to the dermis, following the instructions.

First you need to wash your face, then the skin is treated with a tonic that suits the woman’s dermis type.
A small amount of hydrocortisone ointment is squeezed onto the fingertip. One small drop, about the size of a pea, will be enough.
The drug is applied to wrinkles; there is no need to distribute it over the entire face. You must wait until the drug is absorbed.

Hydrocortisone ointment contains hydrocortisone acetate and has an oily structure. Hydrocortisone is also naturally produced by the human body. When applied topically, the drug helps immediately; the ointment has an anti-inflammatory and antitoxic effect, which has a positive effect on the skin.

Other properties of this naturally occurring substance include immunosuppressive, antiallergic and antipruritic properties. The drug slows down the reaction of hypersensitivity and exudation.

The ointment also contains excipients:

stearic acid;
sorbitol;
water;
povidone.

Hydrocortisone ointment

Composition and beneficial properties of facial ointment

Hydrocortisone ointment is a hormonal drug.
The main active ingredient is the glucocotic hormone. In the human body, this hormone is produced by the adrenal glands. It is its deficiency that provokes dehydration, and, as is known, lack of moisture is the main cause of wrinkles and dry skin. Additionally, the composition of the drug is enriched with the following elements: petroleum jelly, water, nipazole, lanolin and stearic acids.

Beneficial properties of hydrocortisone ointment in cosmetology:

– has antiseptic properties (actively destroys bacterial plaque on the skin, treats rashes, acne);

– has an anti-exudative effect (reduces vascular permeability and inhibits the release of fluid into tissues during inflammation);

– relieves itching well and reduces inflammation on the skin;

– promotes moisture retention in the skin;

– activates the process of skin cell regeneration.

Compound

The pharmacological effect of the drug is achieved due to the properties of the active substance - hydrocortisone acetate.

1 g of ointment contains 10 mg.

To enhance the therapeutic effect in the production of dermatological products, the following is also used:

lanolin anhydrous;
stearic acid;
pentol;
Vaseline, methylparaben;
propyl parahydroxybenzoate;
distilled water.

The medicine is a creamy substance of white or slightly yellowish color with a specific odor. The main focus is eliminating skin problems.

An eye ointment is also produced , which has a lower concentration of the active substance and a minimal list of auxiliary components (methylparaben, petroleum jelly).

Each version of the drug is used strictly for its intended purpose.

Pharmacology

The ointment belongs to the group of hormonal agents.

The composition, subject to the rules of use, provides a therapeutic effect with the following effects:

antiallergic;
antiexudative;
immunosuppressive;
anti-inflammatory.

The active substance prevents the development of proliferative and exudative processes in the focal zone.

After distribution of the drug over the skin, accumulation of its active compounds is observed in the layers of the epidermis (mainly in the granular layer).

Most of the ointment is absorbed into the skin, entering the systemic bloodstream, where it is metabolized with the participation of the liver and kidneys.

Only a small amount of the drug is broken down in the skin layer.

Price in pharmacy

You can purchase Hydrocortisone ointment at almost any pharmacy or online store.

The pharmaceutical product is dispensed without a prescription.

The cost of a 15 g tube is on average 32-40 rubles .
Hydrocortisone ointment for eyes costs about 45-50 rubles for a tube volume of 3 g.

Indications and contraindications for use

Hydrocortisone ointment for the face is indicated for use in the presence of the following cosmetic problems:

– dryness and flabbiness of the skin, loss of elasticity;

– wrinkles;

– pronounced nasolabial and frontal folds;

– “bruises” under the eyes.

Attention: the use of hydrocortisone ointment for wrinkles is effective at the early stages of age-related changes. With age, cosmetic problems worsen, and the effectiveness of the drug is leveled.

Also, do not forget about contraindications to the use of hydrocortisone ointment:

– individual intolerance and age-related allergic reactions to any component of the drug;

- diabetes;

– skin diseases caused by viruses, fungal infections or infections;

– acne, damage to the integrity of the skin of the face;

– heart and vascular diseases;

– tuberculosis;

– the period of bearing a child (especially in the first three months) and the time of breastfeeding;

– age up to eighteen years;

– kidney diseases;

– oncopathology;

– syphilis.

Ignoring contraindications to the use of hydrocortisone ointment may cause the following adverse reactions:

– local swelling in the area where the skin is treated with ointment;

– severe burning and itching;

– excessive drying and peeling of the skin;

– redness, the appearance of deep furrows on the forehead, bridge of the nose;

– symptoms of premature aging appear.

It has been proven that hydrocortisone anti-wrinkle ointment, applied uncontrollably, can cause hormonal imbalances and undermine the functioning of the adrenal glands.

Indications for use

There are many contraindications to this drug. Except in cases of individual intolerance, it cannot be used for:

active viruses and infections;
gastrointestinal ulcer;
renal failure;
uncontrolled hypertension;
pulmonary or skin tuberculosis;
diabetes mellitus;
syphilitic ulcers;
oral dermatitis;
oncological diseases.

The drug is not prescribed to pregnant women and children under two years of age. Its use is undesirable (although not strictly prohibited) for mental illness, Cushing's disease, intestinal colitis, while taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: aspirin, indomethacin, etc.

Under no circumstances should you use hydrocortisone ointment as a mask or spot treatment for acne, especially if they have purulent contents. One-time use is acceptable if the skin is severely irritated after frostbite or chapping. Although in this case I would recommend a cream or ointment with panthenol, which is safe and gives the skin a real stimulus for rapid recovery.

Hydrocortisone ointment has shown excellent results in the fight against wrinkles. It is also prescribed for the following skin problems:

psoriasis;
dermatitis (allergic and contact);
seborrhea;
bites of mosquitoes and other insects;
eczema;
pruritus.

Hydrocortisone ointment should not be used by a person suffering from infectious skin diseases. These include cutaneous tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea. The ointment should also not be applied to open wounds and tumors.

There are a number of other diseases for which the medicine should not be used:

diabetes;
acne;
pregnancy and breastfeeding;
fungal pathologies on the skin;
eye damage.

Hydrocortisone ointment: use for wrinkles

Like any medicine, the ointment has its own recommendations for use. Anti-wrinkle ointment can be used according to the following scheme:

Apply morning and evening, after cleansing the skin;
for one application, take no more than a pea-sized amount of ointment;
Apply gently with light movements.

Knowing all the pros and cons, you can independently decide on the advisability of using hormonal ointment. Remember: to increase skin moisture, you don’t have to resort to such “heavy” products. Yes, this ointment can help fight wrinkles. And it can cause irreparable harm to health.

It is much more logical to reconsider your diet, sleep and rest patterns, increase the number of walks in the fresh air and start using natural cosmetics, which have absolutely no contraindications.

The editors recommend:

Hydrocortisone eye ointment

Hydrocortisone (eye ointment) – used to treat an allergic eye reaction. The pharmaceutical market offers three ointment options that differ in the concentration of the active substance:

Hydrocortisone Pos (eye ointment from German and Swedish pharmaceutical companies) contains either 1% or 2.5% of the hormone.
The ointment of the Polish manufacturer contains only 0.5% (in this eye hydrocortisone ointment there is 5 mg of hydrocortisone in each gram).

The widespread use of hydrocortisone in ophthalmology is explained by its effectiveness for the treatment of mucous membranes. It does not penetrate the stratum corneum and does not enter the systemic bloodstream or brain cells. At the same time, it relieves the symptoms of inflammation (redness, itching, swelling). For example, it relieves redness of the eyelids and inflammation of the conjunctiva during the period of poplar flowering (flight of poplar fluff). Or redness from eye irritation from chemical vapors (in hazardous industries).

Reactions in the form of inflammation of the eyelids are called blepharitis. This is the general name for inflammation that can occur with or without infection. If blepharitis is infectious (for example, staphylococcal), then antibiotic ointment is needed to treat it. If blepharitis is allergic, then hormonal ointment with hydrocortisone is necessary to treat it.

Inflammation of the outer layer of the eye (conjunctivitis) can also be allergic. Such conjunctivitis is treated by limiting contact with the allergen, as well as hydrocortisone (eye ointment 0.5% concentration).

Contraindications

The drug has a number of absolute contraindications. These include:

acne or allergic acne,
tumors of benign or malignant etiology,
allergic dermatitis,
infections caused by fungi or bacteria
individual intolerance to individual components of the drug,
pregnancy,
breast-feeding.

If there is at least one contraindication from the list, the use of hydrocortisone should be discontinued.

Hydrocortisone in cosmetology for facial wrinkles: properties and reviews

Hydrocortisone for wrinkles is a relatively new trend in the field of cosmetology, aimed at combating age-related changes in the skin. Practicing doctors and cosmetologists are somewhat skeptical about the anti-aging properties of the drug, the original purpose of which is to provide an anti-inflammatory, soothing, healing effect.

Moreover, most experts recommend against using hydrocortisone ointment to eliminate wrinkles. However, according to reviews from women who have tried this product on themselves, the cream helps to achieve a rejuvenating effect, increases the elasticity and smoothness of the skin.

What are the properties of hydrocortisone? Can ointment be used to eliminate wrinkles on the face? Let's look further.

Recommendations to use hydrocortisone ointment for the face often do not take into account the hormonal composition and the possibility of addiction. On the one hand, hormonal drugs give an unexpected result, they allow you to noticeably rejuvenate your appearance and visually “tighten” your skin. However, they are a ticking time bomb. After using the ointment too often, when you try to cancel it, unexpected redness and rapid aging of the facial skin will occur.

It is necessary to use a composition with hydrocortisone for rejuvenation carefully, occasionally, in order to prevent undesirable consequences. Recipe for using the ointment: apply a thin layer to the face once a week.

The main side effect of hydrocortisone is the possibility of so-called “addiction”. As a result, the body ceases to maintain a healthy appearance of the skin without daily application of ointment (it ceases to produce a sufficient amount of the hormone on its own). Also among the undesirable consequences, we highlight increased allergic reactions, increased blood sugar, osteoporosis, and hormonal obesity. Therefore, you can use hormonal ointment with hydrocortisone only as prescribed by a doctor and if there are really serious indications.

Effect of the ointment

The main component of the ointment is the hormone cortisol. Lack of cortisol causes dehydration, and hydration, as you know, is one of the most important steps in skin care of any type. Without the required amount of moisture, facial skin loses its elasticity, freshness, healthy color, and becomes wrinkled. The action of hydrocortisone ointment is aimed at retaining moisture in the body and skin cells. In other words, the moisture in the cells “smoothes” and “stretches” wrinkles from the inside. How long? Everything here is individual, but certainly not forever.

The wrinkle smoothing effect does not last long, because... Skin cells cannot constantly retain moisture, and the use of the ointment must be strictly regulated by the instructions. Some women compare the use of ointment with Botox injections. If the ointment suits you, then such a comparison is appropriate (for 2-3 months). Then, of course, the positive effect disappears and side effects appear, which will be discussed below.

Hydrocortisone ointment for wrinkles: instructions for use in cosmetology, reviews

Galina, Udachny I was advised hydrocortisone eye ointment as a remedy for blurred vision. I tried. I have been using this ointment for many years (from time to time). Vision is preserved, I see well near and far.

Renata, 43 years old, Mednogorsk For me, hydrocortisone is an analogue of plastic surgery. Having surgery is too expensive. But this drug is quite affordable.

Alla, 57 years old, St. Petersburg I don’t know where the positive reviews come from. My wrinkles not only did not decrease, but somehow became more noticeable.

Maria, 49 years old, Rybnoye Positive reviews are written by those who have just started using hydrocortisone. At the beginning, it seems that the face has become younger. And several months pass - some swelling and redness appear.

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!

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.

Pharmacological properties

Hydrocortisone-based ointment affects the human body as follows:

blocks cell activity at the site of application;
affects the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates;
has an effect on the concentration of sodium, potassium and calcium ions;
has a catabolic effect - redistributes adipose tissue.
acts as an antiallergic and anti-inflammatory medicine;
itching caused by a specific disease goes away after 10-15 minutes;
reduces skin sensitivity, relieves irritation;
blocks the formation of arachidonic acid.

When using a hormonal drug, it is important to consider the prescribed dosage, as various side effects may occur. But it is worth noting that hormonal ointments affect the body much better and faster than non-hormonal ointments. Because of this, there is an overabundance of their use, which causes negative consequences for patients.

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..

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Hydrocortisone ointment helps suppress inflammatory processes in the human body, reduce pain and swelling. The drug reduces the temperature and removes redness in the area where the disease is located. This occurs by blocking the activity of phospholipase A2 and reducing the level of arachidonic acid. The reproduction of leukotrienes slows down.

The article discusses the main cases when hydrocartisone ointment can be used.

The drug also promotes the production of connective tissue, and exudative and proliferative processes, on the contrary, slow down. Due to the use of ointment, macrophages and T-sensitized lymphocytes cannot reach the affected area of the body.

If the substance was administered by injection, the sorbate is absorbed within 1-2 days. When administered into the joints, absorption occurs more slowly, up to 1 day. The therapeutic effect also appears within 1 day. Metabolism occurs in the liver. The substance is excreted through the kidneys; after 6-7 days, the drug will be half removed from the body.

Achieved effect

Due to its composition, the drug is easily absorbed by tissues and copes with the following functions:

eliminates itching,
relieves swelling and bags under the eyes,
prevents inflammation from spreading,
has a direct effect on cellular lymphocytes and microphages,
acts as a selective inhibitor of interleukins,
slows down the processes of consistent cellular metabolism, including arachidonic acid,
inhibits the migration of leukocytes and lymphocytes.

All this allows you to use hydrocortisone ointment in cosmetology as a modeling and smoothing agent that has a beneficial effect on sagging epidermis. It allows you to retain moisture at the cellular level.

During the first use, slight swelling may develop, which helps smooth out fine wrinkles and facial folds.

In the absence of contraindications, the use of the ointment gives noticeable results 6-7 days after the start of use. Cosmetologists recommend taking short breaks between rejuvenation procedures.

A number of positive effects achieved when using the ointment:

elimination of shallow wrinkles and age-related grooves,
increasing the elasticity of the skin,
the appearance of local swelling, due to which a modeling effect is achieved,
elimination of inflammatory processes in the skin,
preventing the development of allergic reactions on the face caused by food, medication or external irritants.

At what age is it allowed?

Hydrocortisone ointment helps in the treatment of some childhood skin diseases, but is prescribed only after 6 months. Prescribing this drug before the specified age can harm the skin, since the child’s skin is not yet so well formed. The dosage is prescribed by a dermatologist, but it is much less than an adult dosage, and the course of treatment lasts a week.

In special cases, hydrocortisone can be prescribed to a child under 6 months of age, but in this case the dosage and timing must be monitored more carefully, since the slightest excess of the dose of a potent medicine has a negative effect on the small organism.

What it is

The most important thing you should know before you take the drug in your hands is that hydrocortisone ointment is a corticosteroid.
This is a synthetic analogue of the hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, and hormones are not to be trifled with - they regulate almost all vital processes in the body. In dermatology and professional cosmetology, corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone ointment, are used to treat various skin diseases. But in this case, the remedy is prescribed by a doctor and is part of complex therapy. But using hormonal drugs instead of anti-wrinkle creams is, to put it mildly, not the best idea. And I will explain now why.