How Can I Reduce My Wrinkles Before They’re an Issue?
The skin’s natural aging process can begin to show as early as our twenties or thirties. And if you add certain lifestyle factors – like smoking, drinking alcohol, chronic stress, lack of sleep, or sun exposure – wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots can show up even sooner. Here are some top wrinkle reducing treatments to get ahead of the game.
How to Reduce Wrinkles
Chemical Peels
Often referred to as the “lunchtime facial” because of how quick and convenient it is, a chemical peel is a great non-invasive option for removing signs of aging. This treatment works as a chemical exfoliant, removing the top layer of dead skin cells and revealing fresh, youthful skin beneath. It also promotes collagen production – which maintains the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
During a chemical peel, a board-certified clinician first cleanses the skin in order to remove dirt and oil. Then they apply a specially formulated chemical solution, which has a certain depth based on the severity of the issues being targeted. This chemical solution remains on the skin for about 15 to 20 minutes before being gently removed. The treatment is quick and easy, with minimal side effects. It’s usually recommended to receive a chemical peel about every 6-8 weeks, especially for those looking to remove freckles and dark spots or reduce acne scars in addition to preventing wrinkles.
Injectables
You’ve likely heard of Botox, the gold standard of wrinkle reducing treatments. But there are a host of other injectable treatments you can receive at a dermatologist’s office, based on the location and severity of your wrinkles.
Some of these injectables, like bot, work by “relaxing” the muscles around the wrinkle so that they no longer contract when you smile, squint, or scrunch the skin of the face. Over time, the wrinkle then smoothes out, and further wrinkles in the area are prevented. Other injectables work with the ingredient hyaluronic acid to boost hydration in the skin cells and promote collagen production, “filling in” existing wrinkles with plumper, smoother skin.
While effective, all of these treatments are temporary, so they will require maintenance. Most people see results last anywhere from 3 to 6 months before they need another treatment session.
Anti-Aging Skin Care
Of course, lifestyle factors should be considered as you work to lessen existing wrinkles and prevent new ones. Stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, manage your stress levels, and limit sun exposure. Using a high-quality anti-aging skin care line can help drastically reduce wrinkles as well.
Find an anti-aging regimen appropriate for your skin type, whether it is normal, dry, oily, or combination. A consultation with your dermatologist can help you find the right products for you. Ideally, you want to be cleansing, toning, and moisturizing every day and exfoliating a couple of times a week. Serums and eye creams can help keep your skin youthful as well. Look for the “non-comedogenic” label on your products to make sure the ingredients won’t clog your pores.
Usually, anti-aging skin care products have ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants like vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA.) You should also look for products that contain an SPF 30 or higher to wear on a daily basis.
Contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates
Want to try a certain wrinkle reducing treatment or get help with your skin care regimen? If you’re in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas, contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates today for an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists.