6 Ways To Fight Wrinkles
Aging is a natural process when our skin loses its collagen and elastin. Then we develop wrinkles. As we age, wrinkles tend to grow deeper. Is it possible to completely be rid of all the wrinkles on our face and neck? I wish! However, there are many products and treatments available out there that can help to smooth out the appearance your wrinkles and prevent some in the future. Here are 6 ways to fight wrinkles.
Among the endless skincare products, the following products are backed up by research to be the most successful in battling wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Products to fight wrinkles
1. Vitamin A
Retinols and retinoids (also called Vitamin A) are two of the most effective products to fight wrinkles. They penetrate deep into your skin to promote skin cell turnover and collagen. Your old skin cells are eventually replaced by new skin cells without wrinkles and dark spots. Retinols are widely available over-the-counter in different concentrations. They are typically gentler on the skin with fewer side effects, but it takes more time to see the benefits.
Retinoids on the other hand are mostly prescribed by physicians and tend to be more powerful than retinols. Its molecular structure allows skin cell turnover at a faster rate than retinols. Unfortunately, faster results also come with some side effects, like irritation, dry skin, and peeling.
If you’re new to retinols and retinoids, dermatologists recommend starting slow. First, introduce your skin to retinols and once your skin is used to them, start the lowest amount of retinoids. Some people never move to retinoids and its totally fine. Sometimes the side effects outweigh the potential benefits of retinoids, but they’re an option to consider.
2. Sunscreen
Many people don’t realize the importance of sunscreen and how essential it is to wear it every day, rain or shine. Harmful UV rays from sunshine break down skin’s collagen, which contributes to wrinkles, lines, and sagging. According to Skin Cancer Foundation, people that wear sunscreen SPF 15 and higher on a daily basis report 24% less skin aging versus those who don’t use it on a regular basis.
Once the regular use of sunscreen becomes a part of your skincare routine, you’ll be amazed with the improvements it makes on your skin.
3. Vitamin C
Significant research has been conducted over the years studying this ingredient to prove its anti-aging benefits. Vitamin C is great for skin for two main reasons. First, it’s an antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in our environment and our bodies, but are damaging to skin. Smoking, pollution and sunlight can produce free radicals at levels that are unhealthy to our skin, thus causing damage and wrinkles. Vitamin C works to improve your skin’s texture and minimize wrinkles. Second, it promotes the production of collagen so the skin appears plumper and healthier with less wrinkles.
Vitamin C can be used in the morning or at night. However, it’s best to be used in the morning before being exposure to sunlight. Don’t mix vitamin C with retinol or retinoids, as this may cause severe irritation. It’s wise to apply sunscreen after a morning vitamin C treatment.
4. Micro needling
This procedure could be safely done at home or at a spa with a manual derma roller or an electric micro needling pen. The purpose of the treatment is to gently puncture the top layer of the skin with small needles. It sends a signal to skin cells to create more collagen and new skin tissue. It also helps skin better absorb certain skincare products. Remember, micro needling has the word “micro” in it for a reason. The needles are very small.
5. Microdermabrasion and Hydrodermabrasion
Both of these procedures are great at improving the skin’s overall texture and tone, but they are slightly different. Microdermabrasion is a treatment that uses a diamond-tip head made of fine crystals and vacuum suction to remove dead skin cells. This procedure is performed on dry skin by gently "sanding down" the top layer of your skin. The biggest downside is that it's not recommended for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
On the other hand, hydrodermabrasion is suitable for all skin types and could be safely performed at home or at a salon. Hydrodermabrasion uses a silicone tip with vacuum suction and liquid (water or special solutions). It’s similar to microdermabrasion, but uses the power of water or solutions and a gentle silicone tip to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells. I’ve been using my Lucky Skin Hydro for three years now and have been blown away with the results. I thought that blackheads, whiteheads, and dark spots were something that I had to deal with for the rest of my life. I was wrong. My Hydro helps me keep my skin clean and healthy. I also find hydrodermabrasion treatments much more comfortable and gentler on my skin. The first time I saw the dirt and dead skin cells that came off my skin and gathered in the bottom of the device, even after I washed my skin the old-fashioned way, I knew it was what my skin needed.
6. Botox and Fillers
Botox and filler injections must be handled by a licensed professional. They are both great at temporary “paralyzing” your muscles movement. Therefore, they help to prevent future wrinkles and stop the current ones from becoming deeper.
What most people don’t realize is that Botox might do more than just “freezing” your muscles. Recent research suggest that Botox helps to promote the production of collagen and elastin, an amazing duo for a youthful, firm, and glowing appearance.
However, it is important to remember that these treatments will only last for 2-6 months. If you’re happy with the results, you’ll need to go back for further treatments.
Overall, today’s technology and skin science have given us numerous potential ways to fight wrinkles and improve the health of our skin. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take care of your skin! If you want to read more about skincare ideas, click here.
This article is for informational purposes only. Ask your dermatologist before making any changes to your skincare routine.