Common facial wrinkles that can add years to the face include laugh lines by the sides of the eyes and mouth, marionette lines on the forehead and worry lines between the eyebrows. Lines above the lips can be caused by too much pursing and by years of smoking. Overexposure to the sun can create a palette of lines and wrinkles over the entire face. You may choose several options to reduce facial wrinkles, but prevention is always the best cure.
Step 1
Visit a cosmetic surgeon and ask about injectable fillers. Doctors at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery report that fine lines, creases and wrinkles can be filled easily in as little as one outpatient visit. Plumper lips or filled-in wrinkles can last as long as six months with injected products, such as Restylane or Radiesse. Botox is another common injectable material used to reduce wrinkles.
Step 2
Use topical creams that contain retinoids, available with a prescription from your doctor or dermatologist. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that the Vitamin A compound can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They warn that retinoids must be used with sunscreen to avoid burning.
Step 3
Consider a skin resurfacing technique, such as dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. Many salons and cosmetic surgery facilities offer the procedures to remove the top layer of skin and smooth out the contours, removing the indentations that cause wrinkles. Treatments typically require multiple visits to see any results.
Step 4
Perform exercises that strengthen the muscles around the eyes, cheeks and lips to hold up your facial skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. For example, hold two fingers to each temple. Open and close your eyes rapidly five times. Repeat five times. Scrunch up your face and hold for a count of 10, release and repeat.
Tips and Warnings
- Pay attention to your posture and the facial expressions you use on a regular basis. Holding the head up straight can help to pull sagging neck skin upward and reduce wrinkling. Try to assume few expressions on your face when you are by yourself to avoid deepening wrinkles caused by frowning, smiling and looking surprised.
- The Mayo Clinic reports that non-prescription anti-wrinkle creams usually contain too-small amounts of retinal and alpha hydroxy acids to make much difference. Results, they report, are short-lived and usually ineffective.
Things You'll Need
- Botox
- Retinoids
- Dermabrasion
- Facial exercises
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