Facial wrinkles occur due to various reasons. Overexposure of your skin to sunlight can lead to wrinkles forming on your face. Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke also can cause you to develop wrinkles. These two factors cause you to age early, but the normal process of aging also causes wrinkle formation on your face. Facial wrinkles can be smoothed out or treated using medication or certain procedures.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A. It is a drug and can be bought only with a prescription from a physician or dermatologist. It is available in various forms including as a cream and is sold under different brand names such as Renova, Refissa, Avita and Retina-A. When applied, tretinoin causes replacement of old skin with newer skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. The book "The New Harvard Guide to Women's Health" states that tretinoin also stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that is needed to keep your skin firm and wrinkle free. It also suggests that tretinoin helps smooth out fine wrinkles by increasing blood supply to your face, and by stimulating new cell growth in your skin.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are procedures where a chemical is applied to your face, then removed after a certain time interval. The end result of this process is the peeling off of the top layers of your skin. Chemical peels vary in strength and depth. According to the book "Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide," chemical peels can remove fine wrinkles. It suggests that the deeper a peel is, the more improved the appearance of wrinkles become. In other words, deeper peels are more effective at removing wrinkles than superficial peels. Alphahydroxy acids are used for superficial peels. Trichloroacetic acid can be used for medium peels while phenol is used for deep peels.
Botox Injections
Botox is derived from botulinum toxin A. It is injected into wrinkles on your face to smooth them out. It does this by causing your facial muscles to become temporarily paralyzed. The result of this paralysis is the disappearance of wrinkles. According to the book "Simple Skin Beauty: Every Woman's Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy, Gorgeous Skin," injections of botox is the No. 1 cosmetic procedure in the world. The book states that botox can be used on frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crows feet.
Collagen Injections
The book "Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice" states that collagen is a substance that is a major part of your skin or dermis. It is a protein that helps keep your skin firm and gives your skin strength and resilience. A lack of collagen makes your skin fragile and wrinkly. Collagen from sources such as cows or bovine collagen can be injected into wrinkles on your face to smooth them out.
References
- Mayoclinic: Tretinoin (Topical Route)
- "The New Harvard Guide to Women's Health;" Karen J. Carlson, Stephanie A. Eisenstat, Terra Diane Ziporyn; 2004
- "Simple Skin Beauty: Every Woman's Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy, Gorgeous Skin;" Ellen Marmur; 2009
- "Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide;" Harvard Medical School, Anthony L. Komaroff; 2004
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