Skin naturally gets thinner and drier with age, which leads to wrinkles and creases. While it is not possible to completely prevent wrinkles, protecting your skin from the sun by using sunscreen and refraining from smoking can help keep it looking younger longer. Completely erasing wrinkles is not usually possible, though treatment methods can greatly diminish their appearance.
Creams
Some over-the-counter and prescription wrinkle creams can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and contribute to more plump-looking skin. Over-the-counter creams are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so use caution when evaluating whether a particular product is likely to be effective. Hydroxy acids help remove the top layer of skin and promote new skin growth to minimize shallow wrinkles and lines. Copper peptides encourage collagen production, which helps plump up skin.
Kinetin may help reduce wrinkles by helping your skin hold moisture. Prescription retinol creams, such as tretinoin, act as antioxidants to break down molecules that contribute to wrinkles. Do not use retinol creams if you are pregnant.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion procedures remove the top layers of skin to encourage new growth. Your skin may be red and scab for several days or weeks following treatment, since the procedures essentially sand off the surface layers of skin. Microdermabrasion removes less skin than regular dermabrasion, which causes less irritation. These treatments often require several sessions before you will see significant results.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments destroy the upper layer of your skin and heat the underlying skin to stimulate new collagen growth. The wound left behind from laser treatments heals over with smoother, tighter skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It may take several weeks or months to see the full results after a laser treatment, and it is usually necessary to undergo several treatments for maximum wrinkle reduction.
Injections
Fillers, including collagen, fat or hyaluronic acid, injected directly into deep wrinkles can help plump up your skin and contribute to a smooth the appearance. The injections can take up to an hour to perform, and you may need stitches to close the wound. Most people experience minor swelling and irritation for several days after receiving soft tissue fillers.
Botulinum toxin type A injections prevent the muscles in your face from contracting, which leads to a smoother, less wrinkled appearance. You will need to have repeat injections every three to four months to maintain your results, explains MayoClinic.com.
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