Wrinkles

What Causes Wrinkles?
Age. With age, it seems everything slows. This includes the body’s ability to make collagen (keeps skin firm). With less collagen, the skin loses elastin (makes skin resilient) and hyaluronic acid (allows skin to retain water). By our 40s and 50s, the skin has lost firmness, spring, and moisture. We see fine lines and wrinkles.

Pale skin tends to wrinkle earlier than dark skin. People with pale skin also tend to develop more wrinkles and fine lines. When lines develop in dark skin, the lines tend to be deeper.

Constant muscle movement. Lines and wrinkles may be deep in areas with lots of muscle movement, such as on the forehead or around the mouth.

At-home Wrinkle Remedies
The following can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles:

Use moisturizer developed especially for the face. This plumps up fine lines, which makes them less noticeable. Moisturizer is the secret ingredient in many anti-aging products that promise fewer wrinkles.

Wear sunscreen every day, even on overcast days. This helps to protect your skin from further damage. Apply sunscreen to all skin that will not be covered by clothing. For best results, you should apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen that offers a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or greater and broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection.

Repair skin at night. Gently washing your face every night and then applying a product that contains retinol, followed by a good facial moisturizer. The retinol can stimulate the skin to make collagen, and the moisturizer seals in water.

Stop smoking. Many people notice significant improvements after they stop smoking.

Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other healthy foods can lead to healthier skin. Be sure to include some protein in your diet. Our skin is made of protein, so some protein is necessary for healthy skin.

About Do-It-Yourself Procedures
Two procedures that dermatologists use to treat wrinkles are microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Today, at-home versions of these treatments are available. To help ensure safety, the active ingredients in these at-home treatments are much less potent. Less-potent ingredients produce less dramatic results. People with very fine lines may see younger-looking skin.

At-home products generally contain less-potent ingredients, but improper use can cause problems. If you have questions about how to use an at-home product or concerns about the safety of a product, be sure to talk with your dermatologist before trying the product.

About Non-prescription Wrinkle Creams, Lotions, and Serums
Some people say they see results with regular use. These people tend to have fine lines that sit near the surface of the skin. Active ingredients that may diminish wrinkles include:

Retinol
Alpha hydroxy acid
Salicylic acid

Non-prescription products generally work by sloughing off the outermost layer of skin or hydrating the skin to plump it. Wrinkles return when you stop using the product.

Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers these products to be cosmetics. This means the products are required to undergo clinical trials as are drugs. Advertising claims such as “100% of women noticed results” often means that the product was given to a group of women, and when asked about the results, all of the women said they noticed a difference.

Wrinkle Treatments Dermatologists Offer
Thanks to ongoing research, dermatologists offer several treatments that can diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and even deep lines. These treatments are:

American Academy of Dermatology. “Plump Up the Volume.” News release issued July 28, 2006. Last accessed May 21, 2010.

Sadick, N. “Structural Approach to Aesthetic Rejuvenation.” In: Hirsch, Sadick, and Cohen. Aesthetic Rejuvenation. China, McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. 17 – 30.


© American Academy of Dermatology, 2010 All rights reserved.	Page last updated 6/17/10
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