Wrinkles develop naturally as we age. These are lines and creases that become noticeable on the face, neck, mouth, around the eyes, and other areas of the skin. The elasticity of our skin and the production of natural oils diminishes as we grow older, which in turn deepens the appearance of wrinkles.
Smiling, squinting, and other facial expressions can cause wrinkles, as permanent lines and furrows are made beneath the skin’s surface whenever we use our facial muscles. Environmental factors play a role in the process, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is emitted by the sun, is the main cause of premature wrinkling. UV rays are able to break down elastin and collagen, which are needed to keep the skin firm and flexible. Without these connective tissues, the skin begins to loosen and sag.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices can also lead to premature wrinkling. Smoking is able to wrinkle the skin since nicotine can make the blood vessels more narrow. This reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients that nurture your skin. Alcohol, on the other hand, dehydrates the skin, and dry skin is more likely to develop wrinkles.
Though wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process, many people find them undesirable. To maintain a more flawless appearance, check out these wrinkle-preventing tips:
How to Prevent Face, Forehead, & Under-Eye Wrinkles
Practice Sun Protection
The simplest way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is to apply sunscreen. When choosing sunscreens, pick those that have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above so that you can be shielded 15 times longer under the sun. On sunny days, consider donning a pair of sunglasses to provide UV ray protection and prevent you from squinting.
Eat Foods Rich in Antioxidants
Eating the right kinds of food is an important factor in keeping your skin healthy. So consume food that is rich in antioxidants (Vitamins C, E, and A, to name a few) since these can help combat cell damage and free radicals. Blueberries, broccoli, kale, and spinach are vegetables that are rich in antioxidants. Foods like walnuts and dark chocolates are another great source of anti-aging nutrients.
To keep your skin elastic and sun-resistant, add foods that are rich in Omega 3 and saturated fat. Wild salmon and avocados are rich in these nutrients, and regular consumption of these foods can prevent wrinkles from developing on your skin.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Staying hydrated can keep those wrinkles at bay. Make sure to drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day. When you’re properly hydrated, elastin and collagen production are more efficient because your body is getting enough water for cells to complete their renewal process.
Use Moisturizers
While they don’t prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, face moisturizers can make tiny lines and creases less noticeable. A great moisturizer can also keep your skin nourished, glowing, and hydrated. Choose moisturizers infused with natural ingredients such as coconut oil and shea butter since these can penetrate your skin easily. Incorporate face moisturizers into your skincare regiment and apply them in the morning and before going to bed.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep gives your skin the opportunity to recover and produce more collagen. Human growth hormones are also produced inside your body while you sleep, which helps increase the reproduction of cells. If you don’t get enough sleep, your body starts to create a stress hormone called cortisol, which delays cell repair and makes the skin look dull. So make sure you’re well rested; seven to nine hours of sleep can visibly revitalize your skin and make you appear more youthful.
Non-Surgical Treatments that Address Wrinkles
There are various non-surgical treatments that can smoothen wrinkles or make them less visible. Doctors can use skin resurfacing methods, fillers, and injectables to smooth out these fine lines and creases. Each treatment has its own benefits and combining some of them may yield more desirable results.
Laser Treatments
Laser skin resurfacing is one of the treatments that can effectively treat fine lines and wrinkles, along with scars and blemishes. This procedure can be performed using either an ablative laser or a non-ablative laser.
- Ablative laser resurfacing induces controlled damage on the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and exposes the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin). The dermis is stimulated by the heat and produces new collagen fibers.
- Non-ablative laser resurfacing is performed by heating the dermis in order to eliminate old pigment cells, promote collagen remodeling, and trigger the growth of new skin.
Laser wrinkle removal is another treatment that can remove fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a non-invasive procedure that removes wrinkles by using laser technology, which targets the base layers of the dermis in order to stimulate the skin, causing it to regenerate.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion and dermaplaning can improve the smoothness, tone, texture, and clarity of your skin. These procedures are performed by scraping or sloughing the skin using medical-grade instruments. Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are ideal for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, scars, tattoos, and other types of skin issues.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a common cosmetic procedure that uses different kinds of chemical solutions on wrinkled areas of the skin. By doing this, the dead skin is peeled off and the new, smoother layer is revealed. Chemical peel treatments depend on the patient’s skin condition and concerns. Besides wrinkles, chemical peels also address uneven skin tone, fine lines, and acne scars, among other skin issues.
Dermal Fillers
Wrinkles and fine lines can be temporarily smoothened by administering dermal fillers (also known as soft tissue fillers). These are biocompatible substances that are injected into deeper face wrinkles in order to smoothen them out and provide more volume to the skin. Dermal fillers don’t provide permanent results so the treatment needs to be repeated every few months.
Cosmetic Fillers (Botox & Dysport)
Botox and Dysport are cosmetic fillers that are administered to patients who wish to reduce the signs of aging and enjoy a smoother, more youthful appearance. These injectables relax the facial muscles and soften the appearance of wrinkles and permanent creasing. Botox can also address certain facial issues such as forehead lines, crow’s feet, and the frown lines between the eyes.
Skincare Products
Topical retinoids, which are derived from Vitamin A, may reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin issues. Other anti-wrinkle creams that are rich in retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants, and kinetin are able to provide mild results as well. However, understand that nonprescription creams may have lower active ingredients compared to prescribed ones.
To learn more about non-surgical treatments, visit our service page and find out how you can enhance your facial appearance and eliminate wrinkled skin without undergoing surgery.
Posted on behalf of Sedgh Plastic Surgery
