Nothing can age you quite like a face full of wrinkles. You can't stop yourself from getting older and you can't change your genetic makeup, but these aren't the only factors that contribute to wrinkles. In fact, many causes of wrinkles are avoidable, says Discovery Health. Steering clear of one major skin-damaging culprit and investing in some skin treatments can help you reduce facial wrinkling and potentially get rid of some of the wrinkles you already have.
Step 1
Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 every day. Apply it to uncovered areas first thing in the morning--ideally 30 minutes before you go out--and reapply it every two hours or any time after you have been sweating or gone in water. The sooner you wear sunscreen, and the less you go out in the sun's strong rays, the fewer wrinkles you are likely to develop down the line. Applying sunscreen from here on out also gives your immune system a chance to repair pre-existing wrinkles, says the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Step 2
Apply a moisturizer every day. Exposure to saltwater, chlorine, summer heat and cold air can dehydrate your skin. A moisturizer that contains alpha hydroxy acid or a serum that contains hyaluronic acid can temporarily plump up skin and make it look less wrinkled, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Over time, these moisturizers may stimulate production of new collagen and cause your skin to look more youthful.
Step 3
Apply an over-the-counter topical cream. Topical retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, may help reduce wrinkles and other skin issues such as splotchy pigment and skin roughness, says the Mayo Clinic. Other ingredients, such as kinetin, coenzyme Q10, antioxidants and copper peptides may also reduce the appearance of wrinkles, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Ask a dermatologist about prescription creams. Because over-the-counter wrinkle creams contain low doses of active ingredients, their results are often limited and temporary, says the Mayo Clinic. However, prescription creams can have more potent and long-lasting results. An ingredient called tretinoin, available by prescription only, is a treatment option that has been effective for many.
Step 5
Discuss other treatment options with your dermatologist. Surgical procedures, injectable treatments and skin-resurfacing treatments can help smooth out wrinkles, says the Mayo Clinic. Your dermatologist may mention treatments such as dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, botulinum toxin type A, soft-tissue fillers and face lift surgery. Their results differ by person, based primarily on where and how deep their wrinkles are.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter topical cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen, broad-spectrum and SPF 15 or higher
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