As the body ages, natural important proteins called elastin and collagen begin to break down in the connective tissues of your body. One of the areas that this breakdown is most noticeable is the skin. As elastin and collagen break down in the skin, the skin begins to lose its elasticity and forms fine lines and wrinkles. To combat this phenomenon, the cosmetic industry has created multiple wrinkle removal products.
Collagen
Collagen injections are a popular choice for removing wrinkles. Collagen injections come in bovine-based forms (called Zyderm and Zyplast) and human-based forms (called Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast). In this treatment, collagen is injected directly into the wrinkle-affected area. The collagen fills the space below the wrinkle causing the skin to plump up even with the surrounding skin. This lessens the appearance of the wrinkle.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is another common wrinkle removing treatment. Hyaluronic acid is naturally made in the body but can also be made by bacteria and extracted for the use in products such as Restylane. When injected into wrinkles, hyaluronic acid works similarly to collagen in plumping up wrinkles and making them even with the surrounding skin.
Botox
Botox is one of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatments for wrinkles. Botox treatments involve the injection of Botulinum toxin into the muscles beneath the wrinkles. This prevents the release of acetylcholine, which is an important neurotransmitter needed for muscles to contract. Without contraction, the skin above the muscle remains smooth, reducing the prominence of wrinkles.
Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are also a popular option for removing wrinkles. Chemical peels use chemicals, such as phenol or trichloroacetic acid, to loosen and remove the outer layers of skin. This allows new, smoother skin cell growth access to the surface. The new skin cells help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Depending on how deep the wrinkles go, a dermatologist can mix the chemical peel stronger or weaker to change the depth in which the chemicals penetrate.
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