Fine lines and wrinkles can be a bothersome sign of aging skin. Wrinkles develop as skin becomes drier, thinner and loses elasticity, reports MayoClinic.com. Excessive sun exposure and smoking also contribute to skin wrinkles. Various non-surgical remedies are available to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and give aging skin a more youthful appearance.
Types
Topical retinoids derived from vitamin A can diminish wrinkles and help smooth the skin, reports MayoClinic.com. The FDA has approved prescription-only tretinoin -- brand names Retin-A and Renova -- to treat wrinkles.
Over-the-counter creams that contain retinoids, copper peptides, alpha hydroxy acids and coenzyme Q10 may modestly improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion procedures use a rapidly rotating brush to sand down the outer layer of skin to allow new, smoother looking skin to surface. Dermabrasion may produce more dramatic results since it removes a deeper layer of skin than microdermabrasion.
Laser rejuvenation therapy uses a laser beam to destroys the surface layer of skin while heating the underlying skin. The process encourages the growth of collagen, which helps skin to appear plump and youthful.
Chemical peels can diminish the appearance of wrinkles by applying a chemical solution such as glycolic acid to shed old skin and promote new skin growth.
Soft tissue fillers such as hyaluronic acid -- brand names Restylane and Juvederm -- along with Botulinum toxin type A, or Botox, are injected into the skin to smooth wrinkles.
Side Effects
Tretinoin may cause a temporary burning or tingling sensation. The treatment area may become red, dry and itchy, notes MayoClinic.com. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen when heading outdoors, since retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Products that contain alpha hydroxy acids may also cause your skin to burn more easily.
Dermabrasion may cause swelling, redness and scabbing for up to two weeks. Microdermabrasion may cause skin to appear red for a short time. Skin may appear reddish for a few days to several weeks following a chemical peel, depending on the strength of the solution used. Injectable fillers may cause temporary bruising, swelling and redness.
Time Frame
Tretinoin cream must be used daily for two to six months to achieve desired results, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. You must continue to use tretinoin to maintain its anti-wrinkle effects. OTC retinoids and other wrinkle creams are less potent and typically provide short-lived results.
It can take several months to see the full results of a dermabrasion procedure.
The final outcome of microdermabrasion is less dramatic and normally requires a series of treatments.
A series of chemical peels is usually needed before you notice an improvement in wrinkles. Botox and soft tissue fillers provide instant results. Injections must be repeated every few months to keep wrinkles at bay.
Considerations
Results of the various non-surgical wrinkle treatments will vary depending on the severity of your wrinkles, advises MayoClinic.com. Keep in mind that your skin will continue to age, so additional treatments will likely be necessary to maintain desired results.
Prevention/Solution
A healthy lifestyle that includes sun protection, regular exercise and a nutritious diet is your best weapon against wrinkled skin, advises the UMMC.
Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 15 year round. A healthy diet includes ample servings of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Daily exercise keeps your blood flowing and provides oxygen to the skin, notes the UMMC. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity such as biking, walking or swimming.
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