What to Use to Remove Facial Wrinkles

A physical reflection of maturity, facial wrinkles can manifest in thin lines, drooping skin and deep, furrowed brows. As skin loses flexibility, elasticity and moisture, it can appear to sag, be dry and thin. There are many over-the-counter products and professional treatments to help remove facial wrinkles. Additionally, understanding the cause, preventative measures and emotional side effects of facial wrinkles can help ensure a long-lasting, effective wrinkle treatment plan.

Considerations

Facial wrinkles can be caused by several preventable and naturally existing factors. While some wrinkles appear due to years of smoking, stress, sun exposure and facial mannerisms, others occur because of environmental free radicals, family genetics, skin coloring and weather conditions. Consider that wrinkles are the product of lost skin elasticity, flexibility, collagen cells (fat) and moisture while determining which treatment option will be the most successful.

Identification

Identifying specific types of wrinkles will aid in the treatment process. There are four known types of wrinkles. Atrophic crinkling rhytids are thin, fine facial lines (caused by loss of collagen) that shift over time. Repetitive facial movements cause dynamic expression lines, commonly identified in crow's feet, laugh lines and frown furrows. Lines that are embedded deep within the skin's surface are permanent elastic creases, often the result of heavy sun exposure. Lastly, lines that surface as a natural manifestation of age are gravitational folds, caused by the common thinning of skin. Understanding the four categories of facial wrinkles--and identifying the placement of each--will help determine the correct course of removal.

Prevention/Solution

Preventing facial wrinkles is the best and most effective way to ensure that age visibility remains low. Wear a high-SPF lotion and protect your face from sun exposure by wearing sunglasses, a hat and lightweight layers. Take care of your body by drinking plenty of water daily and having a well-balanced, nutritional diet, featuring soy and omega 3s (fish). Follow a regular exercise regime. Get an adequate amount of sleep--at least seven hours per night--and only sleep on your back. Take a daily multivitamin and reduce negative habits that can cause wrinkling, such as smoking, drinking, stress and squinting.

Treatment

There are many ways to treat and remove wrinkles. For low-depth wrinkles, consider an over-the-counter cream or lotion to provide collagen cells and promote youthfulness. In addition to smoothing skin, creams that have proven active ingredients (like retinol and alpha-hydroxy acids) nourish and heal skin, promoting anti-aging effects. If you are dissatisfied with the severity of your facial wrinkling, consult a trusted dermatologist to learn about more intense treatment options to help remove wrinkles, such as injectables (Botox or Restylane), fat grafting, laser resurfacing and chemical peels. Each facial wrinkle treatment option varies in cost, effectiveness and limitation.

Benefits

Facial wrinkle treatment can make an individual appear years younger than their true age. Additionally, reducing fine lines and the depth of facial furrows can have a positive emotional impact. Many people who suffer from intense facial wrinkling feel depressed that life is passing them by too quickly, or that they are no longer attractive. Successful treatment plans address both the emotional and the physical effects of facial wrinkling.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic Wrinkle Information