Wrinkle Reduction
Although wrinkles are a normal part of aging, they can dent your confidence and affect your quality of life. Wrinkles occur due to regular contractions of the muscles below the dermis, causing weakening of collagen in the skin. But thanks to new research and regular improvements in medicine, there are many ways of getting rid of wrinkles in existence today. Schedule an appointment with Jewell Family & Elder Medicine PA to find out which treatment option is right for you.
Non-Prescription Skin Products
Cleanse your skin every day with a gentle cleanser to avoid irritation and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Ensure the cleanser is labeled gentle, especially for people with sensitive skin. On top of that, look for an over-the-counter anti-wrinkle cream containing active ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C or alpha-hydroxy acids. Use the cream consistently for about 2 months before evaluating its effectiveness.
No anti-wrinkle product will produce dramatic results overnight. They usually take a few weeks of regular usage, and many more weeks before you notice any changes. If you decide to use anti-wrinkle creams, follow the instructions on the package carefully, taking extra precaution on products that might irritate your skin.
Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week using a manual or chemical exfoliant. Chemical exfoliants dissolve dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth, while manual exfoliants contain granules that polish the skin, revealing younger smoother skin. Your skin repairs itself overnight, thus the best time to exfoliate is in the morning.
Home Remedies
Massaging your skin regularly may help reduce wrinkles. This may be done using a massaging device (or your fingertips) and works best when combined with an anti-wrinkle regimen, such as anti-wrinkle creams or cleansing. Additionally, including turmeric in your diet may help reduce the formation of wrinkles. Turmeric can also be ingested in the form of capsules as a supplement.
However, talk to an experienced doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you’re taking prescription medication. Consider using anti-wrinkle creams that contain herbal agents such as rooibos, which is said to be effective at eliminating wrinkles.
Medical Treatments
Daily application of topical creams is usually the first line of treatment against wrinkles. Anti-wrinkle creams have been known to smoothen the skin and improve its overall appearance. Before using any creams, talk to your doctor about the possible side effects. Irritation, itchy skin or dryness are common symptoms of retinoid creams. In extreme cases, you may experience a tingling or burning sensation after using the cream. If this happens, consult your doctor as soon as possible. At the same time, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect the skin from direct sun rays.
Another popular treatment option for wrinkles, especially frown lines, and crow’s feet is Botox injections. You will start seeing dramatic changes in your skin at least 2 weeks after treatment. As with all other medical options, there are risks involved, for instance, allergic reactions, pain, and infection. Talk to your doctor first before exploring this treatment option.
Look into laser resurfacing if you don’t like the other options. Laser treatment targets fine lines and wrinkles to improve the appearance of the skin. You can also consider a chemical peel procedure, where a chemical solution is applied to your skin and left for some time. Skin will peel away over the next couple of days, revealing the smoother skin below.
