When collagen in the body breaks down, wrinkles form. This breakdown can be caused by free radical damage that results from pollution, staying under the sun too long, malnourishment, liver disorder, stress, lack of sleep, cigarette smoking, caffeine or alcohol consumption. The best way to prevent wrinkles is to protect yourself from free radical damage, but once wrinkles appear, there are a number of ways to minimize them.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) on the skin to reduce wrinkles and enhance the appearance of the skin. They work by removing skin cells from the skin's surface, and come in the form of cleansing lotions and facial creams.
Glycolic acid and lactic acid are two types of AHAs often found in skin care products. Citric acid, hydroxycaprylic acid and hydroxycapric acid are used as well, but these AHAs are not so common.
Chemical Peels
Reduce wrinkles through a procedure called a chemical peel. This involves having a trained dermatologist apply a chemical to your skin so the upper layers of skin peel off. The result is new skin growth without wrinkles. Phenol and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are sometimes used in chemical peels.
Microdermabrasion
Go for microdermabrasion if you have subtle wrinkles. Microdermabrasion is a procedure that includes the use of gritty substances that exfoliate the skin when these substances are rubbed against the skin using a device.
This form of treatment not only reduces wrinkles, it lessens the appearance of scars caused by acne and it lightens skin discolorations. Microdermabrasion may also stimulate collagen production when the substance used is coarse, as noted by Dr. Darius Karimipour who holds the position of assistant professor at the University of Michigan.
Laser Treatment
Consult with a dermatologist to find out if you can have laser treatment to reduce your wrinkles. Laser treatment reduces wrinkles by removing skin. Make sure you know all the risks involved with laser treatment if you decide to have it done.
Skin Injections
Go to a dermatologist and discuss the many types of products that can be injected into the skin to reduce wrinkles. Ask about purified bovine collagen from cattle or human-based collagen, which can reduce deep lines.
Question your doctor about natural hyaluronic acid to reduce wrinkles that are moderately deep or even deeper. Get the facts on synthetic hyaluroic acid to lessen wrinkles in the area of the nose and mouth.
For lines just above the bridge of the nose, consider botulinum toxin. Ask about all the side effects, and then ask your dermatologist which injectible substance is best for you.
A Facelift
Having a facelift will temporarily reduce wrinkles for about 10 years. The surgical procedure referred to as a facelift, or rhytidectomy, is one way to make your skin appear more youthful looking. A facelift cuts the skin at the hairline, then pulls it and takes some off so the skin looks taut and wrinkle-free. This procedure is usually performed by a plastic surgeon in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center.
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