As you get older, your skin begins to lose some of its elasticity and thickness. Connective fibers, such as collagen and elastin, found under the surface of your skin tend to weaken with age. Couple these changes with repeated facial expressions and wrinkles are bound to form, especially on the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes. A number of techniques can help eliminate these natural signs of aging; some are much more effective than others.
Step 1
Apply a topical retinoid over fine lines and wrinkles to promote cellular turnover and stimulate the production of collagen, suggests the American Academy of Dermatology. The cellular turnover encourages the formation of new skin cells with better elasticity, while the production of collagen helps rebuild the weakened connective fibers. The combined effect can reduce fine line and wrinkles over the course of several months.
Step 2
Resurface the skin with one or more skin rejuvenation procedures. Chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are all beneficial in reducing the signs of aging by removing the surface layer of the skin, explains MayoClinic.com. This encourages the regrowth of new skin cells with better elasticity, improving the firmness of the skin.
Step 3
Fill in lines and wrinkles with soft tissue fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, collagen or fat. These flexible substances add volume to the skin, plumping lines and wrinkles and making them less noticeable. Results typically last three to six months.
Step 4
Reduce lines and wrinkles with the botulinum toxin type A, or Botox, which blocks the signals needed to contract the muscles. This helps to flatten the skin, minimizing the signs of aging.
Step 5
Schedule a facelift. The American Society of Plastic Surgery explains that this cosmetic procedure lifts, tightens and redistributes sagging muscles, tissue and fat before the skin is pulled tight to eliminate lines and wrinkles. This option provides the longest effects, sometimes up to 10 years.
Tips and Warnings
- Your dermatologist can recommend the best retinoid for your skin, including tretinoin, adapalene or tazarotene. It often takes a series of skin rejuvenation treatments to provide results.
- Over-the-counter wrinkle creams aren't likely to get rid of lines or wrinkles. They may, however, subtly reduce their appearance.
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