Wrinkles are one such manifestation of aging that appears on the skin. Wrinkles can be described as folds and ridges that appear on your skin. They tend to occur in places that are naturally folded while making facial expressions.
Wrinkles are formed because the proteins in the skin, named collagen and elastin can no longer function like they used to. Collagen is responsible for maintaining the structure and strength of the skin while elastin helps in the resilience of the skin.
With age, collagen and elastin change and hence are no longer able to maintain the elasticity and resilience of the skin. This causes wrinkles.
Cause
Everybody gets wrinkles, but certain causes speed up their appearance like:
- Sun Exposure – UV radiation reduces elastin and collagen in the skin and hence results in loss of skin elasticity.
- Smoking – Smoking reduces the blood supply to the skin and accelerates the aging process.
- Pollution- Environmental conditions like pollution generate a lot of free radical damage. Free radicals affect cell walls and DNA. They generate oxidative stress in the skin. Ultimately, the skin loses its elasticity.
- Genetics – Some people are genetically more inclined to wrinkles. Skin textures and structures are affected by genetics.
Possible Treatment
There are many ways to treat wrinkles that have already formed on your skin. These include:
Retinoids
Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. This ingredient is used in treating skin aging and fine lines. Retinoids are the most studied anti-aging medication. They reduce wrinkles by increasing cell turnover and pumping up collagen production.
Retinoids are available both over the counter and as prescription drugs. Using retinoids requires a lot of care and consideration as they can be drying, cause redness, and should not be exposed to the sun.
Dermatologists recommend starting very slowly with the application once a week at nighttime for the first few months. Using an SPF and moisturizing is crucial. Results can be seen after 3 months of regular use.
Botox
Botox is a very well-known anti-aging treatment. Botulinum toxin type A is used to block chemical signals that make muscles contract. Ensure that you are getting your treatment from a renowned and trustworthy place. Botox at highwater aesthetics is injected into the muscles of the targeted area in small doses. When the muscle doesn’t tighten, the skin becomes flat and gives a wrinkle-free appearance.
Botox is typically used for crow’s feet in the corners of the eyes, forehead lines, and frown lines. Results show up after a few days or a week. Botox lasts for 3 to 4 months.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion can make the face feel smoother. The procedure involves spraying microcrystals of silica or aluminum crystals across the skin. Microdermabrasion doesn’t change the anatomy of the skin and is only a temporary solution. People may require multiple treatments.
Prevention
It is a well-known fact that prevention is better than cure. There are many ways in which one can delay the appearance of wrinkles. These include:
Sun protection – The sun’s UV rays are the major cause of skin aging. Using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above can help in reducing wrinkles or fine lines.
Healthy diet – A healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables can help in keeping the skin plump and elastic. High carbs and sugar increase the aging of the skin.
Reducing alcohol consumption and smoking- Alcohol consumption dehydrates the body and dry skin is more prone to wrinkles. Smoking is another major cause of wrinkles. Therefore, avoiding both alcohol and cigarettes is recommended for good healthy skin.
Solid skincare routine – A good skincare routine that consists of a gentle cleansing routine, moisturizing, and Spf can be a game-changer for your skin. Ingredients like retinol and vitamin C can be included in your day-to-day skincare routine to help with skin aging.
Conclusion
Wrinkles are a part of aging and everyone gets them someday or the other. Fine lines are followed by deeper creases and result in wrinkles.
Making changes in your diets and skin care habits can help in delaying them.
