4 Tips To Prevent Early Aging: Look Younger By Reducing Wrinkles With These Treatments

Wrinkle Treatments To Look Younger

Areas that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, neck, and hands, are prime spots for wrinkle formation, ranging from surface-level lines to deeper crevices. Skin cells regenerate more slowly as people age, leading to thinner and less elastic skin. Wrinkle treatments, such as topical retinoids, laser resurfacing, and dermabrasion, are minimally invasive methods that can effectively reduce and remove fine lines.

1. Topical retinoids

Doctors can prescribe topical retinoids derived from vitamin A, which can reduce wrinkles and fine lines by increasing collagen production. Retinoids also stimulate blood vessel production in the skin, improving uneven skin tones, and reducing age spots and rough patches. Retinoids require 6-12 months to see drastic improvements. Sunscreen is necessary when using retinoids because the formula can make skin more vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

2. Laser resurfacing

Wrinkles, acne scars, and other skin issues can be treated with laser resurfacing, which involves removing the top layer of skin, called the epidermis, with a laser beam. Carbon dioxide and erbium laser resurfacing are the most common options for vaporizing skin cells. The subtle abrasion stimulates collagen production for tighter and smoother skin. Risks of laser resurfacing include bacterial infections, skin color changes, and scarring.

3. Chemical peels

Like laser resurfacing, chemical peel treatments use a chemical solution, such as glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid, to remove the top layer of skin on the face, hands, and neck. The new skin is smoother with fewer wrinkles. Additional treatments may be required depending on the depth of the chemical peel. Recovery periods can last several weeks.

4. Photodynamic rejuvenation

Fine wrinkles caused by excessive sun exposure can be treated with photodynamic rejuvenation (PDR), a 2-step treatment that uses light energy and a photosensitizer drug to remove abnormal skin cells. The recovery period for PDR is faster than laser resurfacing, but additional treatments may be required to achieve the desired look.

Additional options with abrasion

Surgical scraping, or dermabrasion, is another minimally invasive treatment designed to remove skin wrinkles with a short recovery time. A doctor applies a freezing spray to numb the area and removes the wrinkles with a rotating brush. The new skin formed is smoother and younger-looking. With microdermabrasion, a superficial exfoliation of the top layer of skin occurs. Fine abrasive crystals are used to smooth out the skin over a short session. Recovery times for microdermabrasion are fast, and side effects are mild.

Prevention is the best approach

Although cosmetic wrinkle treatments can have great success, prevention is the most effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Applying sunscreen, moisturizing, quitting smoking, and eating a healthy and balanced diet can ensure minimal wrinkles and less work is needed