How much skin do we have? About eight pounds—that’s approximately 16% of your total body weight!
As we age, however, it’ll become thinner and more fragile. Not only that, but it’ll also become less elastic and that can lead to wrinkles.
Don’t worry, though, there are steps that you can take to reduce their appearance.
Interested? Want to learn more about how you can reduce wrinkles and fine lines? If so, you’re at the right place.
We’ll be going over everything that you need to know about getting rid of wrinkles below. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Wear Sunscreen
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the skin in various ways. In fact, they’re the number one cause of premature aging.
This has to do with the fact that they break down collagen and elastin fibers. Without them, your skin will be more likely to develop wrinkles.
That’s not all, the radiation can also speed up the production of melanin—the pigment that gives the skin its color—and that can result in age spots.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, it can also damage your DNA and that can lead to skin cancer.
That’s why you want to wear sunscreen. If anything, it’s the best way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
They’re not all the same, however. For the best results, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. And make sure that you’re applying it correctly. As a general rule, you want to use 1/2 teaspoon for your face and about 35ml for your body.
2. Consider Botox Treatments
Botox injections can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They work by blocking the nerve signals that tell your muscles to contract; this will temporarily relax the facial muscles, which will help eliminate fine lines.
For example, it can help those with crow’s feet, frown lines, or forehead lines.
What’s more, is that the procedure only takes a few minutes. And since it doesn’t involve any incisions, there will be minimal pain. If necessary, however, the doctor can apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area.
Another benefit to Botox treatment is that, unlike invasive cosmetic surgery, there’s little to no downtime. Keep in mind, however, that it can take up to two days for you to see the full effects (the results will typically last three to four months).
3. Use Retinol Products
Retinoids are a class of compounds that are chemically derived from vitamin A. They’re often used in anti aging products and are considered the “gold standard” in the skincare industry.
They can minimize the appearance of wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen and elastin fibers. That’s not all, they also have an exfoliating effect on the skin, which can help improve its texture and tone.
For example, they can be used to treat fine lines, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation. Like many skincare products, however, it can take a few months of daily use for you to see the full effects.
And while it’s generally well-tolerated, it can cause dryness and irritation of the skin, especially at the beginning. Other side effects include redness and itching. To lessen these effects, you can use the product every other night instead of every night.
4. Quit Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which can damage the skin. Take nicotine, for example, it can damage the connective tissue, causing your skin to sag. Not only that, but it can also break down the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin.
On top of that, it can cause the blood vessels to narrow. This will deprive the skin cells of oxygen and nutrients and that can lead to a change in skin tone and pallor.
The repetitive facial movements involved with smoking (e.g. eye squinting, lip pursing) can contribute to lines around the eyes and mouth as well.
Given all that, it’s best to quit smoking. Not only will it benefit your skin, but it’ll also lower your risk of cancer and other diseases.
5. Consider Laser Resurfacing Treatment
Laser resurfacing is a type of cosmetic treatment that uses a laser to improve the skin’s appearance. For example, it can help those with wrinkles or other skin irregularities such as age spots and acne scars.
During the procedure, the doctor will apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area. They’ll then apply the laser to the skin. Depending on the size of the area, the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Generally speaking, the skin will heal between 3 to 10 days. However, you may experience side effects such as redness and skin irritation for 2 to 3 weeks. Slight peeling or swelling may also occur. If necessary, you can apply ice packs to the area to help with the inflammation.
While the results from the treatment aren’t permanent, they can last for several years.
Getting Rid of Wrinkles For Good
As you can see, there are several options when it comes to getting rid of wrinkles—from applying sunscreen to getting Botox. For those who are interested in cosmetic treatments, consider talking to a dermatologist. They’ll be able to determine whether or not it’s the right option for you.
Did you find this guide helpful? If so, you’ll be happy to know that we have more skin-related posts in our blog. Check it out today!
