Skin wrinkles develop as a natural part of the aging process. You cannot prevent your skin from aging, but you can take steps to prevent premature aging and wrinkling. If you already have wrinkles, medications and cosmetic treatments may improve the look of your skin. Before you decide on a treatment, be sure to discuss the risks, benefits and length of effectiveness with your doctor.
Daily Skin Care
Use a moisturizer daily to hydrate your skin and mask fine lines. It is important to take steps every day to reduce sun exposure. Not only does ultraviolet radiation increase your risk of skin cancer, it is the No. 1 cause of early wrinkling, according to the Mayo Clinic. Wear sunscreen, hats and other protective clothing year-round to protect yourself from the sun's rays. If you wear makeup, look for products that contain sunscreen.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking contributes to early aging and wrinkles. Your skin cannot properly produce the collagen needed for healthy regeneration if it is regularly exposed to smoke, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Avoid smoking to keep your skin healthy. Try to avoid squinting or making other habitual facial expressions that may eventually cause permanent wrinkles as your skin loses its elasticity.
Medications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies over-the-counter anti-wrinkle creams as cosmetics, and their effectiveness is not guaranteed, warns the Mayo Clinic. However, a doctor can prescribe stronger retinoid creams, which are derived from vitamin A, to treat fine wrinkles.
Cosmetic Procedures
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, techniques used to remove a layer of skin so new skin can grow, may improve wrinkles. If you have wrinkles around your eyes and mouth or on your forehead, you might benefit from laser treatments, which also destroy the outer layer of skin and encourage new skin growth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Chemical peels, which involve removing the outer layer of your skin with acid, are also effective against early wrinkles, according to the National Institutes of Health. If you have wrinkles caused by overactive facial muscles, botulinum toxin injections may be helpful. Your doctor can inject deep wrinkles with soft tissue fillers, which temporarily fill out your skin. You can also talk to a plastic surgeon about surgical treatment options, such as a face-lift, that can temporarily tighten skin.
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