One of the most visible signs of aging is the appearance of facial wrinkles. Makeup can often cover fine lines but is not effective in concealing deep wrinkles. A facelift can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but it is an invasive procedure that involves significant downtime. For people who want to avoid a facelift, alternative products can produce beneficial results in removing deep wrinkles.
Topical Retinoids
One of the least invasive ways of reducing the appearance of wrinkles is an application of prescription-strength topical retinoids. The Mayo Clinic names Tazartene, marketed as Avage and Tazorac, along with tretinoin, under the brand names Retin-A and Renova, as examples of topical retinoids. "The New York Times" states that concentrations of 0.2 to 0.6 are sufficient to be effective. Both the Mayo Clinic and "The New York Times" warn that retinoids increase skin sensitivity, so wearing sunscreen is essential. Over-the-counter applications of retinoids do not have the same effectiveness. "Many products just refer to retinol or vitamin A as a buzzword," according to Gary J. Fisher, Ph.D., a professor of dermatology at the University of Michigan, quoted by "The New York Times.""
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels work by removing the top layers of skin, after which new skin forms to take its place. According to "The New York Times," chemical peels work much like paint strippers, and doctors sometimes do chemical peels along with a facelift or an application of tretinoin. Redness can remain for several weeks even after a successful procedure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Among possible side effects are scarring, numbness and infection. Deeper peels have been associated with cardiac arrhythmia, "The New York Times" warns. People with dark skin can experience permanent discoloration with chemical peels, although refinements in the process have reduced this risk.
Injectable Substances
Botox works by preventing muscle contractions, which smooths the skin. It is injected underneath the surface of the skin, and is often used to smooth crow's-feet around the eyes and frown lines on the forehead, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Food and Drug Administration has approved several alternative injectable substances: hyaluronic acid; collagen; calcium hydroxylapatite; poly-l-lactic acid, or PLLA; and polymethylmethacrylate beads, also called PMMA microspheres.
Multiple injections are often necessary to achieve desired results, and results are usually temporary, lasting about four to six months, according to the Mayo Clinic and the FDA. Redness and swelling are common, although you can apply makeup immediately afterward to disguise these effects, according to AgingSkinNet, a website affiliated with the American Academy of Dermatology. Possible complications include infection, skin death and flu-like symptoms. Extreme allergic reactions can cause life-threatening anaphylactic shock, the FDA warns.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing removes outer layers of skin, which stimulates the production of new collagen fibers and results in tighter, smoother skin. Lasers can be applied as a continuous wave, or as pulsating bursts, "The New York Times" explains. Laser treatments can also be combined with dermabrasion or Botox. Carbon dioxide laser treatments work without damaging surrounding skin tissue, but wounds must be cleaned with saline or a diluted vinegar solution and treated with ointments, or scarring may occur. According to Fisher, patients usually need only one application, and results can last for years. Healing time for ablative, or wounding laser, treatments can require several months, the Mayo Clinic warns. Nonablative, or nonwounding laser, treatments require less healing time but must often be repeated and produce more subtle results.
References
- Food and Drug Administration: Wrinkle Relief: Injectable Cosmetic Fillers
- AgingSkinNet: Fillers: What to Expect Before, During and After
- The Mayo Clinic: Wrinkles: Treatments and Drugs
- "The New York Times"; Wrinkle Removers, Backed by Science; Nicholas Bakalar; August 18, 2008
- "The New York Times" Health: Wrinkles: Resurfacing Treatments
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