Though wrinkles are an unavoidable part of aging, some are more prone to getting them than others. Genetics are sometimes to blame for this, but other contributing factors include diet, exercise, sun exposure, outside elements and overall health. Those who smoke often, bathe in the sun without protection and don't get enough vitamins and minerals may be subject to early or deeper wrinkles.
Creams and Lotions
Hundreds of lotions, creams, ointments and serums can be purchased over-the-counter. Such products range from inexpensive to costly, but all tout the same results: fewer wrinkles and a rejuvenated appearance. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the best products contain vitamin A, which prepares the sun damage; vitamin C, an antioxidant; and vitamin E, which decreases roughness and wrinkle depth/length. Other important ingredients include aloe, niacinamide, retinol and tazarotene.
Facial Injections
Though a cosmetic procedure may be a costly option for removing facial wrinkles, it's often the quickest and most effective. A number of plastic surgery procedures exists and range from quick outpatient treatments to more intrusive procedures. Less invasive options include Botox, a prescription medicine injected into the muscles to eliminate moderate to severe wrinkles, and collagen, another injectable medicine that reconstructs defects in the skin. Both Botox and collagen injections are easily performed in the office, have minimal side effects and typically a 24-hour or less recovery time, says Dr. Watson at the University of California, San Diego.
Plastic Surgery
More in-depth procedures exist for severe cases of facial wrinkles. Procedures include full and partial facelifts that smooth away both fine lines and deep wrinkles and restore a more youthful appearance. Facelifts can be targeted for certain areas of the face, including the neck, eyes and forehead. According to the University of Michigan, facelifts remove extra skin while repositioning muscles and fat. Such procedures are comparable to major surgical procedures and require several consultations, surgery preparation and a longer recovery time.
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