If you would like to have smooth, youthful-looking skin, you need to have a consistent anti-aging skin care routine that incorporates anti-wrinkle treatments. But since wrinkles are considered a natural part of aging, you may be curious to find out how to prevent and treat facial wrinkles.
How can you prevent facial wrinkles
- Limit sun exposure: The role of excess sun exposure in the early onset of wrinkles is well-known. The sun’s UV rays have a damaging effect on the skin, because they undermine the collagen structure, and alter the DNA of the skin cells. Collagen is a crucial skin protein that keeps the skin plump, firm, and youthful. The break-down of the collagen fibers causes the skin to become thin and weak, making it susceptible to the formation of wrinkles. Limiting sun exposure, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when going out in the sun, will help to safeguard collagen levels, and prevent early wrinkles.
- Stop Smoking: The toxins in cigarette smoke can also damage the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin and accelerate aging, resulting in wrinkles. Smokers tend to have more severe wrinkles because the nicotine found in cigarettes causes the blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin to contract, and this limits blood flow to the skin. The reduced blood flow means the skin gets less oxygen and nutrients, causing it to age faster.
- Cut back on the sweet stuff you eat: Many people aren’t aware that too much sugar can also lead to early wrinkles. A high sugar diet damages collagen, and therefore increases visible signs of aging. Doctors recommend consuming sugar from sources such as fruit and vegetables, and avoiding added sugar. Unfortunately, added sugar is not always so easy to spot, because it’s hidden within ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, fruit concentrate, and barley malt. Cutting back on sugar and including more antioxidants in the diet, can help keep your skin looking its best.
If you haven’t started to take steps to prevent wrinkles, it’s never too late to start.
How can you treat facial wrinkles
If you already have wrinkles, there are a variety of anti-wrinkle treatments out there that can help reduce them. Cosmetic injectables such as botox and dermal fillers are popular treatments for facial wrinkles, and some people are even having ‘preventative’ wrinkle injections.
Botox Cosmetic
The anti-wrinkle benefits of botox (botulinum toxin type A) are well established. Botox is a prescription-only drug that is effective for treating forehead wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet. When botox is injected into the facial muscles the muscles are unable to contract, so the overlying skin does not crease. This allows existing wrinkles to soften and prevents new ones from forming.
Swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection site are the most common side-effects of botox. However, more serious side-effects can occur with botox if it migrates from the injection site, or is not injected properly. The results seen with botox typically last 3-4 months.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers not only smooth out wrinkles, they can also be used to add volume to the face and restore youthful contours. Fillers are injected beneath the skin to fill in deep wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines. They can also be used to augment the lips, and add volume to the cheeks.
Collagen fillers were once regularly used for wrinkle reduction, but hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are now the standard fillers. HA is a naturally occurring substance that keeps the skin supple and youthful. When HA fillers are injected into the tissue they attract and bind water, giving the face an instant lift. HA fillers typically last 6-12 months.
Bruising and swelling are the most common side-effects of dermal fillers. Although botox and dermal fillers are non-invasive low risk treatments, they should ideally be administered by a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Are you interested in treatment for facial wrinkles?
Contact Laser Skin Care Specialists Dermatology Associates, Long Beach, CA for a consultation.
You can reach them at www.lasercarespecialists.com, or by calling (562) 280-2071.