Aging skin represents a fact of life, but many people want to look young for as long as they can. Fortunately, dermatologists and skin care product manufacturers have developed an increasing array of products and treatments that can erase some of your wrinkles, making your skin appear more youthful. If you're in the market for wrinkle reduction treatment, the treatments range from simple creams to permanent facial fillers.
Cause
As you age, your skin changes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you'll lose elasticity in your skin, your skin cells will divide less rapidly and wrinkles will begin to appear around the corners of your eyes, on your forehead and between your nose and your mouth. Sun damage causes most premature aging, and even minute amounts of the sun's ultraviolet radiation can trigger the changes that lead to wrinkles.
Topical Treatments
If you're just starting to see some fine lines and wrinkles but you want to nip them in the bud, consider an over-the-counter wrinkle cream. According to MayoClinic.com, wrinkle creams with the ingredients retinol, hydroxy acids, coenzyme Q10 and copper peptides have shown some effectiveness in reducing shallow lines. However, you shouldn't expect these products to work miracles--MayoClinic.com warns that they're only somewhat effective against wrinkles.
Prescription Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved only one prescription drug--tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A--to treat photoaging, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The drug reduces fine and deeper wrinkles, along with skin roughness and age spots by encouraging your skin to renew itself more quickly. Tretinoin, which is sold under the brand names Retin-A and Differin, among others, can cause some dryness, peeling and skin reddening, and it also causes increased sun sensitivity.
Dermatologist Procedures
If you have deep wrinkles, talk with your dermatologist about cosmetic procedures that can fill them. The University of California-San Diego Medical School notes that Botox injections can eliminate wrinkles for up to six months, while injections of collagen can improve prominent creases in your face for about the same amount of time. Dermatologists also offer skin resurfacing using lasers, chemical peels or dermabrasion. All these procedures can eliminate wrinkles and scars, but they also can require significant recovery time and can be painful.
Considerations
If you don't have deep wrinkles but want to look a little younger, start with an over-the-counter anti-wrinkle cream. If you don't get the results you want, consult a dermatologist to determine the best approach for your skin condition, advises the American Academy of Dermatology. Regardless of what wrinkle reduction treatment you choose, the AAD says, you should stay out of the sun to avoid further damage to your skin.
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