Wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of the aging process. As you mature, your skin becomes thinner and drier, losing some of its elasticity. You can minimize the appearance of wrinkles with at-home, medical and cosmetic procedures. Discuss your skin concerns with your doctor or dermatologist to help you determine which treatment method is best for you based on your condition and desired results.
Step 1
Apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the areas where you have the most wrinkles on a daily basis. Moisturizers can help hydrate and plump your skin, masking the appearance of fine lines and shallow wrinkles, explains the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Purchase an over-the-counter anti-wrinkle cream and use it daily to help decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Creams that contain a vitamin A compound commonly referred to as retinol are among the most effective.
Hydroxy acids, copper peptides, coenzyme Q10, kinetin and tea extracts are other popular wrinkle cream ingredients that can help diminish the appearance of wrinkles in some people.
Step 3
Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about dermabrasion, microdermabrasion and chemical peels. These procedures remove the top layers of skin to reveal smoother, less wrinkled skin from deeper layers.
Step 4
Visit a cosmetic surgeon to discuss your options for more aggressive wrinkle treatment, particularly if you are trying to decrease deep or large wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin, or Botox, injections temporarily paralyze the facial muscles, which creates a flat, smoother appearance. Soft tissue fillers, including collagen, fat and hyaluronic acid, can plump and smooth wrinkled skin when given as an injection.
A face-lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess wrinkled skin and tightens your facial muscles to decrease large, deep or wide-spread wrinkles.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid smoking and overexposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet light, such as tanning beds, to reduce the risk of premature aging and keep wrinkles to a minimum, advises the Mayo Clinic.
- Wear sunscreen whenever you must be outside for extended periods. Many ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Vitamin A derivatives can increase the risk of birth defects, so don’t use creams that contain vitamin A or retinol if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, warns the Mayo Clinic. Most cosmetic procedures designed to diminish the appearance of wrinkles are not permanent. While a face-lift may last for several years, other treatment methods including injections, dermabrasion and peels may require repeat visits several times a year to maintain your results.
Things You'll Need
- Anti-wrinkle cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
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