A How To Guide: Techniques for Softening & Removing Wrinkles
What Are Wrinkles?
Wrinkles typically occur in the areas of the skin that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, neck, tops of forearms, and backs of hands. They are categorized into two types: fine lines that occur on the surface, and deep lines that are in the furrows of your skin.
For those who are looking to get rid of their wrinkles and fine lines, or learn how to prevent wrinkles from occurring, here are a few solutions.
What Causes Wrinkles?
Types of activities or potential causes that lead to wrinkles include:
– Skin type (people with fair lighter skin are more susceptible to sun damage and wrinkles)
– Genetics (some genetics cause more noticeable wrinkles in skin)
– Smoking
– Sun exposure (and not using sunscreen daily)
– Natural aging
– Repeated facial expressions
While you cannot control all of the above causes, you can minimize your exposure to the sun and avoid smoking.
Best Treatments & Solutions For Wrinkles
Luckily, there are several solutions and treatments to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or remove them entirely. Ahead, the best solutions, treatments, and home remedies for wrinkles.
– Retinoids: Common retinoids include tretinoin, Altreno, Retin-A, Renova, and Tazorac. Similarly to professional medical treatments, retinoids are the most effective and proven way to reduce signs of aging for evening skin texture and pigmentation, reducing roughness, and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
– Alpha-hydroxy acids: Also referred to as “fruit acids,” these include glycolic and lactic acid. Treatments that have this ingredient are safe, and cause mild to no irritation. However, the results are more subtle than other anti-aging acid ingredients.
– Antioxidants: This includes vitamin A, C, and E along with beta-carotene. Anti-aging products that include antioxidants provide small amounts of additional sun protection (a part from SPF) and have been shown to improve wrinkles.
– Collagen supplements: With collagen being the most abundant protein found in our skin, hair, nails, and all throughout the body, it is a key ingredient in anti-aging treatments – when taken orally. Your skin's collagen levels naturally deplete as you age, resulting in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dry dull skin. Supplementing your body’s collagen levels helps plump the skin and give it the amino acids it needs to create an even, hydrated, glowing complexion free of fine lines and wrinkles.
– Moisturizer: A key ingredient in skincare but only a temporary wrinkle reducer. While moisturizing is important for keeping skin hydrated, an often overlooked aspect of aging, they will not permanently reduce wrinkles, however using a good moisturizer daily paired with other effective anti-aging products can help smooth out wrinkles.
– Glycolic acid peels: While this is a popularized approach to anti-aging, it is not as effective as some would hope and has been shown to only make a slight difference in the intensity of fine lines and wrinkles. Glycolic acid peels should be used once every 1-2 weeks and paired with other anti-aging treatments for best results such as a gentle cleanser and collagen supplement.
– Deeper peels: These peels commonly include ingredients such a pheno and TCA (also known as trichloroacetic acid) and are known to penetrate the skin at a deeper level. This treatment is shown to be a more effective approach to reducing wrinkles, however the side effects can be negative so be sure to inquire fully about the details of each peel before application.
– Dermabrasion: A procedure also known as “sanding the skin,” this treatment can have a great effect on reducing wrinkles when applied by a well-practiced professional. However, the side effects can also be severe so make sure to inquire first before receiving the treatment.
– Laser resurfacing: This treatment partners with your skin’s collagen levels to stimulate your collagen production and plump the skin. There are several different types of lasers and treatment varieties available so be sure to talk to your practitioner about the healing process and potential risks first.
– Plastic surgery: This includes facelifts, brow lifts, and other cosmetic surgeries that can be effective in changing the appearance of your face and skin. Talk with your doctor and a professional before receiving this treatment. If plastic surgery isn't what you want to do to reduce wrinkles, opt for natural collagen supplements paired with a chemical peel or dermabrasion.
– Ultrasound therapy: Approved by the FDA, this technique, also referred to as Ultherapy, uses ultrasound through a noninvasive technique to tighten and lift skin on the neck, chin, and face. It can also be used to reduce wrinkles on the decolletage and chest.
– Injections: This treatment includes ingredients such as botulinum toxin (botox, dysport, and xeomin) and prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs (also known as Jeuveau) which work to relax the muscles that produce wrinkles, including “frown lines” on the forehead or "crow's feet" wrinkle lines around the eyes. Results will last several months at one time, however repeated use must be continued to sustain anti-aging results.
– Photodynamic rejuvenation: Also known as PDT, this type of therapy treats fine lines caused from sun exposure.
– Microdermabrasion: Similar to dermabrasion, this method removes the top layer of skin with a rotating brush while simultaneously stimulating your body’s collagen production in the deeper layers of your skin to reduce wrinkles and increase skin elasticity. In this method, the layer of skin that is removed during the treatment is finer than that removed in dermabrasion.
REDUCE WRINKLES NATURALLY AND IMPROVE SKIN HEALTH
ANTI-AGING COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS
How To Prevent Wrinkles
While aging is inevitable, there are best practices you can implement to prevent early signs of aging and further wrinkles.
– Protect your skin from sun: Limit the time your spend in direct sunlight, specifically in the middle of the day and wear protective clothing, like hats, long sleeves, pants, and sunglasses, along with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Be sure that your sunscreen is at least SPF 30 and apply every 2 hours, or sooner if coming in contact with water. When applying makeup, lotion, or other beauty products, search for those that include SPF in the product so that you can be sure that you are wearing SPF daily.
– Keep your skin moisturized: Dry skin shrinks your skin cells and promotes fine lines, creases, and wrinkles. Be sure to keep your skin hydrated daily to keep it moisturized and plump.
– No smoking: Smoking affects a variety of skin factors, from texture to tone and everything in between. If you smoke, find a method to quit to prevent wrinkles.
– Eat healthy: Your skin and body thrive when it receives the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs. Be sure to eat nutrient dense foods and incorporate food categories that you may be feel your body is lacking for extra benefits such as antioxidants and vitamin C.
– Take a collagen supplement: For the proper nutrients where diet lacks, implement a collagen supplement for optimal results to get rid of wrinkles. Anti-aging supplements, such a collagen, help boost the body’s natural ability to fight aging, further preventing signs from appearing.