How to Reduce Wrinkles

As the demand to reduce wrinkles increases, thankfully today's anti-aging skincare products and youth-generating procedures can compete to fill the need. Though Hollywood takes youth a bit too far, it is healthy to strive to look our best --when our expectations are reasonable. Read on for tips to reduce wrinkles and look five to 10 years younger as a result.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Research time
• Skincare products
• Dietary supplements (optional)

1. Evaluate your face and determine what skincare issues you wish to address and which are most important. If frown lines are the bane of your existence than a product that reduces crows feet and improves overall skin tone will disappoint. Recognize your anti-aging goals and limitations first, including your budget, before embarking on a path to reduce wrinkles.

2. Add Omega-3 oil to your diet for its anti-aging properties along with a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. Look for an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale rating for foods, which measures antioxidant capacity. Try goji berries for an example. Soy has also been found to be helpful in the fight against aging skin. Otherwise, be mindful that nutrition is a long-term solution to reduce wrinkles so results may take months to show.

3. Boost your skincare regimen if needed to include products designed to hydrate and care for aging skin. Cleansers and moisturizers containing alpha hydroxy work well to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Some topical vitamins can improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging, such as vitamin C and E, but many are best used ingested.

4. Reduce wrinkles by hydrating the skin internally and avoiding or limiting caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Additionally, limit your sun exposure and always wear sun protection (SPF 15 or more) on your face and neck to limit environmental dehydration.

5. Consider chemical peels and dermabrasion kits or spa treatments to reduce wrinkles quickly.These treatments are especially helpful for those fine lines due to weathered skin and sun damage.The effects are limited for deeper wrinkles but many women enjoy the results of more youthful, smoother skin.

6. Investigate topical retinoids such as retin-A and retinol for a proven way to reduce wrinkles. Aim for a minimum of .5 percent concentration for visible results and work upward to 1 percent if desired. Consult a dermatologist for prescription strength retin-A. Be wary of products labeled as Pro-retinol, which may not be as effective. Additionally, be prepared to use the skincare product daily and indefinitely and note that side effects such as dry skin and sun sensitivity may occur.

7. Consider wrinkle fillers made from hyaluronic acid such as Restylane and Juvederm to reduce expression lines and wrinkles. The results last from several weeks up to one year per treatment. Though costly, these may save money compared to expensive creams. Note that new products continue to land on the market. Some newer anti-aging treatments designed to reduce wrinkles may repair skin damage and rejuvenate collagen production, for example.

8. Make a consultation appointment with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to discuss more aggressive ways to reduce wrinkles such as Botox injections and facial lifts. Carefully consider the pros and cons including safety, effectiveness, durability, and potential best and worst case scenarios. Avoid budget doctors offering unproven miracles and non-traditional surgery for your face--especially with no down payment or credit check required. Run, rather than walk, away from this type of operation.

Tips & Warnings

• Try facial exercise to reduce wrinkles and prevent new ones.
• 
  Use makeup that minimizes lines and wrinkles, it may be all the lift you need.
• Investigate the safety of any skincare regimen or medical treatment and consult a pharmacist or dermatologist if using multiple products with the potential to interact.