Wrinkles are one of the most noticeable physical signs of the aging process. Wrinkles are formed as elastin and collagen break down in the connective tissue of the skin. The loss of these proteins results in less elasticity, as well as skin drooping and wrinkling. To combat this sign of aging, the cosmetic market has released several wrinkle fillers and smoothers to help treat wrinkles.
Collagen
Collagen is a popular wrinkle filler that can be injected directly into wrinkle affected skin. Collagen comes in both human-based (Cosmoderm or Cosmoplast) and bovine-based (Zyderm or Zyplast) forms, and works by plumping up the space beneath wrinkles. This forces the skin tissue to become even with the surrounding skin. There is a risk for serious allergic reaction to bovine-based injections. To reduce the risks of this occurring, an allergy skin test is commonly performed before the treatment.
Fat
Fat is also a top wrinkle filler option. In this procedure (called a lipotransfer), fat is taken from donor areas of the body, such as the thighs, and injected beneath the wrinkles on your skin. Like collagen injections, this forces the wrinkled skin to become even with the surrounding tissue. There is no risk for allergic reaction with this procedure, as the filler comes from your own body.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, sold under the brand names such as Dermalive, Restyland and Juvaderm, is also a popular wrinkle filler option. Hyaluronic acid is produced from synovial fluid, and when injected into wrinkle affected areas it fills in the spaces left behind by worn down elastin and collagen. This helps reduce the prominence of the wrinkle on the skin.
Renova
Renova (tretinoin) is considered a top wrinkle-smoothing product. Renova's popularity partially comes from the fact that it is the only prescription strength medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of wrinkles. Renova works on wrinkles by speeding up the pace in which skin cells are replaced on the skin. As old skin cells of wrinkles are sloughed off and new skin cells below are revealed, the prominence of wrinkles is reduced.
Botox
Botox is one the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments for wrinkles. Botox treatments involve the injection of the neurotoxin Botulinum. This toxin is injected directly into the muscles beneath the wrinkles on the skin. Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, an important substance for the contraction of muscles. Without acetylcholine, the muscles become essentially relaxed and paralyzed. Without muscles to squish the tissues on the skin surface, wrinkles are relieved.
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