Wrinkles may be a natural part of the aging process, but they are not always welcomed with open arms. As we examine the indentation of wrinkles on our faces and our hands, we wonder "Is there anything I can do to remove these wrinkles?"
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Short of surgery, there is not much we can do to actually remove wrinkles, but there are substances that may help diminish them, making their appearances less visible.
Hydroxy acids (taken from plants, therefore sometimes called "fruit acids"), in the form of Beta Hydroxy (BHA) and Alpha Hydroxy (AHA), are used to exfoliate the skin, dissolving and removing the outer layer of dead skin cells. This stimulates new skin cells to surface, forming a supple layer of new skin, which is thicker due to the cell stimulation. AHAs and Glycolic Acid are used in chemical peels, helping to reduce the signs of wrinkles and aging. Clinical peels can virtually peel away damage, dullness, and dry skin, revealing a healthy new layer of skin. Microdermabrasion (or micro-exfoliants) can provide a polishing effect on skin, softening the appearance of wrinkles.
Anti Wrinkle Creams may promise to help diminish wrinkles, but because they are applied locally to skin, they are often not strong enough to penetrate deeply into the skin, and therefore cannot be of much help with the elasticity of the skin's inner layer. They can cover wrinkles, but they cannot make them disappear.
However, vitamin C can help improve the production of collagen, a necessary protein for skin, as can the use of AHAs and BHAs in the forms of chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, and can help fight free radicals. Vitamin C can be unstable, though, because it can become oxidized, and in turn, can cause more damage. It must be properly prepared and preserved.
Exfoliating in these ways can assist in the body manufacturing more much-needed collagen. Be careful, however, not to exfoliate or use these methods too often, as they can irritate and damage skin when performed carelessly.
Key amino acids can also help in producing more collagen, as can copper peptides. A proper level of copper in the skin cells triggers more collagen production. However, any copper supplements taken or applied to skin must be organically converted, as regular copper can be more harmful, as it increases the formation of free radicals.
Studies have also shown that tretinoin (trans-retinoic acid), which is a distant relative to vitamin A, can also help in fighting wrinkles. This acid can be found in the forms of products such as Retin A.
If you are interested in removal of wrinkles, there are several options available, with little to no side effects. Plastic surgery is also an option, but there are more risks with this choice, as well as no guarantees.
Botox injections treat fine lines and wrinkles with a small amount of protein toxins. It provides a short-term treatment which can last from 3 to 6 months, after which it can be done again. With Botox the muscles are relaxed, causing lines to vanish.
Collagen injections may only provide a temporary solution, since they are often produced from animal sources, and the human body can have adverse reactions. Eventually it breaks down and wrinkles resurface. Some doctors are now using human collagens, so this procedure may have a less adverse affect as time goes on.
Fat can also be used to combat wrinkles. In a procedure called autologous fat transfer, fat is taken from one part of the body, and transferred to the wrinkles, to fill them in. This procedure is also not permanent, as fat loss occurs in the face as aging takes its course.
Wrinkles are a part of life, and though we can find ways to hide them, the best option is to try to prevent them.
Watch out for the sun, and always use sunscreen. Be sure to look for a sunscreen that contains at least SPF 15 and both UVA and UVB protection. UVB rays cause sunburn, but UVA rays are the cause of skin cancer, wrinkles, and aging of the skin. Many sunscreens easily protect against sunburns and UVB rays, but if it doesn't offer UVA protection, then it's not protecting you from skin care or wrinkles. Even when inside you should wear a UVA-shielding sunscreen, as these harmful rays can penetrate the glass, invading the rooms inside. Do not be afraid of the sun, however sunlight is important to your health, as it provides you beneficial key vitamins and supplements such as Vitamin D, serotonin, and melatonin, which are all crucial for good well-being.
Smoking is harmful in more ways than one, but in this particular instance, it causes a massive overload of free radicals, and is just as harmful as sun damage!
Drinking alcohol too close to your bedtime can cause wrinkles. Provide at least three hours between your alcohol intake and when you go to sleep. Too much alcohol before bedtime can result in puffy skin and faster forming of wrinkles.
Be careful of washing your face too often with tap water, which can contain high amounts of chlorine. Not only is your skin being robbed of natural moisture and oils, but washing too often or too long (even in the shower) causes extreme exposure to chlorine and possibly other chemical reactions as the temperatures rise. Facial cleansing once a day is adequate, and extremely long, hot showers are not recommended.
Sleeping on your back can reduce the cause of wrinkles, while sleeping on your side or stomach can cause them, as a result of gravity.
Taking care of your skin reasonably is the best way to prevent and help reduce wrinkles. With a healthy diet, sufficient vitamins, and a little exfoliation, you'll be on your way to plumper-looking, healthier skin.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
