Almost everyone develops at least a few wrinkles as they age. Your skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner as you age, which makes it less resilient. Fine lines and wrinkles are usually harmless unless they become so deep they interfere with your vision or breathing, but you may wish to diminish their appearance and prevent new ones from forming. Wrinkle treatments come in many forms, from gentle at-home options to aggressive cosmetic procedures.
Causes
While age is the most common cause of wrinkles, many other factors contribute. Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can speed up the aging process and contribute to wrinkle formation. Overexposure to ultraviolet light is the main cause of premature wrinkles, according to the Mayo Clinic. The light breaks down the collagen and elastin fibers under your skin that give skin strength and flexibility.
Nicotine narrows the blood vessels that supply the outer layers of your skin with blood. Smoking can deprive your skin of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to maintain its strength, which can lead to sagging and wrinkles, explains the Mayo Clinic director of the Nicotine Dependence Center Richard D. Hurt, M.D.
Repeated facial movements, such as smiling and squinting, can lead to fine lines along the areas of your face where grooves form when you make expressions. As you age, your skin loses flexibility and is no longer able to move back into place as well after repetitive movements.
At-Home Treatment
Many over-the-counter wrinkle creams have not undergone testing to prove their effectiveness, but daily use of creams with certain ingredients may help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that can help to neutralize free radicals that damage skin cells and contribute to wrinkles. Vitamin A derivatives can increase the risk of birth defects, so do not use creams containing this ingredient if you’re pregnant. Hydroxy acids can help to exfoliate the skin and encourage new, smoother skin growth. Coenzyme Q10 can help to reduce fine lines around the eyes in some individuals. Creams containing copper peptides, kinetin, and green, black and oolong tea extracts may also help to diminish the appearance of wrinkles when used daily.
It is extremely important to use sunscreen when using anti-wrinkle creams, since some ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids, can increase your risk of sunburn, warns the Mayo Clinic.
Medical Treatment
Medical and cosmetic treatment methods are almost always more effective in treating wrinkles than over-the-counter products, according to the Mayo Clinic. Prescription creams often contain the same ingredients as over-the-counter products but in higher doses, so as to produce better results.
Injections of botulinum toxin, or Botox, temporarily paralyze facial muscles and help to create a smoother appearance. Cosmetic surgery procedures, including facelifts, brow lifts and skin implants or fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and are most effective at diminishing deep lines.
Resurfacing procedures, including dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser therapies, can even out the pigment and texture of your skin. These procedures often do not eliminate fine lines and wrinkles completely, but they can fade their appearance.
Prevention
Some fine lines and wrinkles are an inevitability as you age, but taking good care of your skin can help you to prevent premature wrinkles and minimize the ones that do form. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when you must go outside for extended periods to prevent sun damage that can lead to premature aging. Avoid smoking and other products that contain nicotine to make sure your skin receives the vitamins and nutrients it needs from your blood supply. Moisturize your skin daily to inflate dry, shriveled skin cells and disguise tiny lines before they get deeper, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
While you may not appreciate wrinkles as a sign of maturity, consider how your appearance truly affects you before deciding on costly medical procedures to prevent or diminish wrinkles. Not every treatment option is a good fit for every person, so it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor or dermatologist and discuss any medical conditions you have and medications you take to avoid unpleasant or dangerous side effects.
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